Mom22Boyz

Saran Wrap and Memories

2012-01-13T10:46:00.003-06:00

I walked upstairs this morning to see Saran Wrap and tape strewn all over the hallway. Wondering what in the world happened after I went to bed last night, I started looking for the only two culprits that could have created this mess...Connor or Colby.

Being that it is a holiday, I knew where Connor was -- still in bed! Colby was up; so, I asked him what this mess was. Apparently, after Colby went to bed, Connor Saran-wrapped his door. Colby said, "He did an awful job Mom."

About 28 years ago (yikes!!), my church youth group used to have lock-ins. For some reason, the girls decided it would be fun to play a prank on the boys. One of the girls -- I know it WASN'T me -- baked brownies with Ex-lax in them! We fed them to the boys after we had saran-wrapped all the men's bathroom toilets!! (I DID help Saran-wrap the toilets!) We obviously had not thought this whole thing through because as the brownies were eaten and the night wore on the guys just went and used the women's bathrooms!! UGH!

I will say that we did get into a lot of trouble. But it has provided a lot of laughs in my family as we remember my attempt at being "bad"!!

I guess when Connor gets up, I will let him off the hook for this stunt! :)

Attempted Zoo Escape

2011-11-22T15:55:00.002-06:00

Over the past few months, Colby has been turning his room into a zoo.

In May, his beloved goldfish died and we promised him that we would get him a bigger tank and lots more fish if we could wait until September...of course, come September, he remembered! After months of trying to figure out the correct Ph balance, alkalinity, and which fish will survive, I think we have finally perfected the 10-gallon tank. For three straight weeks, not one fish has died and we are somehow reproducing snails. However, this tank is loud and sounds somewhat like a waterfall in his room!

Also in September, the 5th grade had a Fall Social at school. It is an after-school event with tons of games, food and fun. Students buy tickets to use on these activities -- Colby had 80. Before he left for school that day he asked me if he could put a ticket in for the Hamster Raffle. Knowing that we never win anything, I said "Sure." When I picked him up after the Social, he informed me that he had put 40 tickets in the Hamster Raffle -- but that he wouldn't win because another guy put in 150.

Monday morning the phone rang and guess who won the hamster???

Yep!

Hammie came home that afternoon with his pink nose twitching. Thankfully he has no tail or I might not have let him in the house. Colby is so good about cleaning his cage and playing with him. Probably because he knows if I had to do it, Hammie may end up in the Great Outdoors! ;)

Hammie likes to sleep all day and is ready to party all night. Colby recorded him for us yesterday and I really don't know how Colby gets any sleep! When Hammie chews on his cage and drinks his water, it sounds like a pack of well...rats!

This morning as I was vacuuming, I heard Colby screaming. I ran into his room and he said Hammie jumped out of his hands and was behind his nightstand. This nightstand has about 100 books in it so we screamed for Connor to come use his muscles to move it out of the way. Thankfully, after about 15 minutes, Colby enticed Hammie out and got him back in his cage.

There couldn't have been a better scenario because grandma will be here in 30 hours and she may have not slept very well knowing a rat...I mean, a hamster...was running loose through the house!

The Dreaded Day

2011-11-18T09:59:00.003-06:00

Life is full of people coming and going. These people bring laughs, tears, memories to your life. And, sometimes, after 20+ years of spending every morning with them, they don't even know your name! However, as most everyone knows, I have a special place in my heart for Regis and this morning he said goodbye to me -- (and to a lot of other people as well!!)

I have referred to Regis as "my morning cup of coffee". I have gone to New York City and sat in his audience. I have watched Regis as a new wife, a new mother, when I have been sick, when I have been tired, when I have been super busy. Regis has made my mornings. I will truly miss him!

When Are You Going To Blog Again??

2011-11-17T13:41:00.004-06:00

Sadly, my blog has taken a "blog for a few days and then disappear for a few months" kind of style. It's pretty bad when in a weeks time, my son and a great friend of mine ask me when I am going to blog again AND I hear through the grapevine that my niece reads it and informed my sister that I haven't blogged since August...

Besides making me feel lazy, it really made me feel good and reminded me that a blog truly is a great way to keep up with each other during our busy lives.

So, since August, our lives have revolved around: baseball (shocker, I know!), school, Connor learning to drive, Colby converting his room to a zoo, and finishing up lots of projects around the house. All fun stuff that I wouldn't change, but WOW...how did it become almost December!!??!!

Today I had Bible Study. I am changing things up and began BSF this year. I normally do whatever Beth Moore study our church offers but was invited to try BSF and I love it. It gives a very thorough look at the Bible. This year we are studying the book of Acts with Hebrews, Jude and the Corinthians thrown in.

The crowd of women was extremely light today and our leader began our lecture by warning us of getting wrapped up in "this time of year". It's so easy to get pulled into the sales and shopping and decorating and cooking that we forget to even come to Bible Study, let alone DO our Bible Study homework the rest of the week.

Our lecture was on Hebrews 2. Pretty perfect for "this time of year".

Hebrews 2:1-3

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

Our teacher went on to emphasize these verses:

*When we don't spend time in the Word, our hope and joy go away and temptations become strong.

*Neglecting God and His Word results in us drifting away from Him.

How do we know when we are drifting?

1. God isn't as big of a priority as He once was. Church attendance, studying His Word, even our own salvation are "no big deal".

2. Bible Study and reading His Word becomes a chore.

3. We become more occupied with worldly things.

4. We become absorbed with ourselves. We ask "how does this affect me?" before we agree to anything.

5. We feel a distance and lack of concern for things.

The good thing is that once we are believers, we do not need to ever doubt our salvation; but, we still can drift. We must stay close to Him -- even through the busyness of the holidays. A holiday that should be all about Him anyway!

It seems that many people are "religious" -- especially "this time of year". But not many have entered that relationship with Christ. Lots of people have no problem using the nativity scene in their decorations or reading the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve or teaching their kids about Baby Jesus; but, what do they do the "rest of the year"?? We can't let Christianity be a religion. It is a relationship. It requires nurturing just like any other relationship we have. So, my challenge to myself and to my readers (!) is to know Christ and do whatever is possible to not drift away from Him. Then we will have true joy this holiday season!

P.S. Connor just walked by and exclaimed, "Yeah! You're FINALLY blogging!" :O)

Recreating Perfection

2011-08-29T08:22:00.004-05:00

I have to brag about my sweet husband...

Last night, he ran to the store for dinner...he came back with a loaf of nice bread, olives from the olive bar and a bouquet of flowers. He then proceeded to make our favorite appetizer in Italy -- Caprese -- tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and an Italian Balsamic Vinegar. With the bread and the olives, I could almost imagine sitting at a table in a piazza surrounded by perfection.

...I am blessed!

Falling Off a Mountain Top

2011-08-25T15:20:00.009-05:00

Today I feel like I am falling...

It's the first day that I have had NOTHING to do and although it has been nice, it has left me feeling a bit sad.

This summer was a whirlwind. Both boys had me going everyday--99% of the activities were baseball related. I had a great tan spending most days outside in the 90 degree + heat! By the end of July, however, we all were needing a break. Luckily, one was coming!

From May 2010 to September 2011, three major milestones had/will occur. Chris turned 40, we celebrated our 20th anniversary and I will turn 40. We decided last year that the two of us would take a trip somewhere to celebrate. All grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were on board to watch the boys so that we could spend 11 glorious days in Italy (where baseball is not a favorite past time!!).

I can honestly say that our trip to Italy was the most amazing trip Chris and I have ever taken. We have traveled to Hawaii, England and around the US and have had amazing times at each of those spots...but Italy was the MOST amazing! Maybe it is because we SO needed a break from our "real lives", maybe it was because we LOVE spending alone time together and we hadn't had that in a long while, maybe it was the romance of Italy itself. Whatever the reason, Italy will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Chris took over 1,800 pictures. I couldn't figure out how to blog and not end up with a ton of pictures posted! So, I have decided to give a quick overview of what I will think of when I hear "Rome", "Florence" and "Venice". Maybe one day I will expound on each of these beautiful cities!

We began in Rome. We spent four nights and four and a half days pounding the pavement to see as much as we could. From the moment we stepped out on the black cobble-stoned streets, I could feel the magic of the city. We heard that there is a word to sum up Rome -- "historical". Historical it was! I love history so I was walking with guide book in my hand reading everything I could about each sight! Poor Chris!

The Pantheon, Largo di Torre Argentina, the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps,

the Colosseum, Ancient Rome -- WOW!!! Some of these buildings were over 1,800 years old!! It just boggled the mind! I think one of our favorite spots was the Pantheon. We spent every night eating gelato in front of that beautiful place. (Of course, we spent EVERY night in Italy eating gelato in front of beautiful places!!)

In my mind, when I think of Rome, these images are what I will think of:

Ancient Rome

The Colosseum

Leaving Rome was bittersweet. A third of our trip was already over! But, we had two more cities to conquer! Florence was an hour train-ride away.

Florence is supposed to be about art. The statue of David is in Florence, the Uffizi Art Gallery is in Florence. We took these in like a tourist would; however, Chris and I are really not art experts. I would get really excited when I saw something from Michelanglo because he was the only artist I was really familiar with!! We did find that you didn't have to be an "art snob" to appreciate the works. They really are amazing -- paintings, tapestries, mosaics -- all breathtaking!

My word for Florence would be "shopping"! This is where all the "big" designers -- Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. have street after street of stores. And, the smell of Italian leather just pours out into the streets...Mmmmm!

Chris and I happened upon a place that we have named "Our Spot". After having the best food of our trip (all of our food was great -- this place went above and beyond. In fact we ate at this family-owned restaurant two nights in a row!), we were told to watch the sunset from Ponte Vecchio. This is a bridge that was built in 1345. It is the only bridge that was not destroyed in World War II. There happened to be a two man band playing. (Another magical thing about summer in Italy -- every night, there was always some sort of street performer to sit and watch). We ended up standing there for three hours watching the sunset, listening to great music...and...eating gelato!!

This is a picture of Ponte Vecchio.
Sunset at "Our Spot"
After three days, it was time to head to our final destination...Venice!

Venice is truly just romantic! I can't think of another city in the world that is like Venice. No cars; no bikes; winding, narrow streets; bridges and water. Venice is for those who are happy to stroll and get lost. Venice is for those who want to sit at the water's edge (!) and watch the boats and seagulls. Venice is for lovers.

Well...OK...Venice is ALSO for shoppers -- lots of fancy stores here too. And, the shops full of masks and glass are everywhere!

St. Mark's Basilica is absolutely the most beautiful church -- inside and outside -- that I have ever seen! It is literally completely decorated with these teeny bits of tile making up mosaics that look like paintings.

And, then, there are the day trips to Murano and Burano. Murano is the island that makes all of the Italian glass. Burano is an island that is known for making intricate lace. The houses are teeny and painted every bright color you can think of! It was a true gem!

Murano, Italy
Burano, Italy

I think Chris and I would have continued on our Italian holiday if it weren't for the fact that we missed our boys and that Chris's boss might have terminated him and when we went to the ATM to withdraw more money, it would tell us that it had run dry!

We flew home for a few hours, hopped a flight to Albuquerque to pick up our boys and to see our niece marry the man of her dreams and then made it back home at 5pm Sunday night. School started Monday morning! We definitely eeked out every last bit of summer that we could!

The boys are loving their schools/classes/teachers. I finally got "back to normal" and knew that today would come...

...that sad, depressed feeling of being back to reality; that the next vacation is a long way away; that we were back in Houston for 24 hours and baseball was in full swing again. Then I realized that I am spoiled and I need to be so thankful for the time we had and the life I have and that has helped my fall from the mountain...

Well...that AND knowing I get to climb to the top of THIS mountain with my iron!! Ahhh! At least the landing will be soft!

"I Do"

2011-07-12T18:04:00.004-05:00

Nineteen and twenty-one...

We were just babies in reality. However, we thought we had it all together and knew it all too. We really only knew one thing...we HAD to be with each other 24/7 for the rest of our lives...

So, on July 13, 1991, we said "I do" to each other and promised to "hold each other from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part."

Did we really understand those vows?? Did I really think about where we would be 20 years from that moment and what it would take to get there??? No.

Weddings are an exciting time of planning and prepping and spending. People tell you not to concentrate on the wedding; but, instead to concentrate on the marriage. Twenty years later I can agree with that -- but as a 19-year-old -- that was VERY hard! I was more worried about whether my bridesmaids would wear their hair up or down; if we should put toile bows around the candelabras; what to pack for our honeymoon...

The wedding came and went; the honeymoon came and went; the real world began and we were married College Students, then in the working world, then parents...

If someone had told me at 7pm on July 13, 1991 that in the next twenty years we would move nine times and never live close to family; that we would live in a mouse-infested, ceiling-falling-down-house while in college; that we would have an extremely strong-willed firstborn that would test me beyond what I thought I could handle; that we would be through family illnesses and deaths and marriages and births; that I would spend the past four or five anniversaries eating hot dogs at a baseball park cheering our boys on to victory...would I have still said "I do"?

This makes me realize why God does not let us get a sneak peak at the future. At 19, if I knew I wasn't going to be able to go shopping with my mom every Saturday like we had for about 19 years, I might have thought a little harder. That would have been the wrong decision. God knew I did not need to shop every Saturday with my mom -- in fact, when we do get those several Saturdays a year to shop together, they are much more precious to me.

God is pretty smart. And there is nothing on that list that I would change now. I can look back and see how it has shaped our lives. And our life is blessed beyond measure. I am married to my best friend.

Makes me wonder what the next 20 years hold...

...I really only know one thing...I HAVE to be with Chris 24/7 for the rest of our lives!

McDonald's And The Circle of Life

2011-06-27T22:35:00.003-05:00

We go like crazy around here so cooking a homemade meal does not happen often. Plus, I don't like to cook!

We usually hit every fast food place around and some not-so fast foods places as well.

Today, I found myself eating from McDonald's not once, but twice! I do have to say that I crave their Southwest Chicken Salad and now have Connor loving them too. I went for groceries right before lunch and since McDonald's is right there in Walmart, I grabbed two salads and headed home. (As I reread this, I realize this tells ALOT about me...I just finished grocery shopping and haven't eaten at home yet!! Hmmmm.....)

Connor had a baseball game tonight and had to be dropped off at dinner time. I told Colby we could grab some dinner and then head to the game. He chose...McDonald's.

As I sat in the booth with Colby, eating my burger and fries, I watched two young mothers come in with their daughters and I realized something: McDonald's is at the core of every life cycle.

You see, I USED to be that mother. I can remember that my girlfriends and I would head to McDonald's when it was either too cold or too hot outside. We had to take the kids somewhere to blow off steam -- and get a Happy Meal or an ice cream cone. The adults would sit in that area that smelled like feet and sweat and fries and have some "adult conversation" in between needing to take kids to the potty or break up a fight between another kid whose mom was NOT paying any attention to what her child was doing!!

I am now in that stage of life where we have to run through drive-thrus in between activities to grab something to fill my teen's and preteen's stomachs. The $1 Diet Cokes are also a big attraction!

And as I sat in the booth tonight I also had a flashback to the other group of people who were filling up the tables when I would take my toddlers into McDonald's -- I guess that is the stage I will hit next. The one where all the retired folks gather around for early morning coffee and an Egg McMuffin and discuss the events of the world or relive the memories of the past.

I mistakenly thought that after my kids reached a certain age, McDonald's would be behind me. I guess it never will...I sure hope they keep the $1 Cokes and Southwest Chicken Salads around for another 50 years!

The Master Packer

2011-06-18T10:11:00.004-05:00

Before I got married, there was a certain method to my packing a suitcase...pile everything I wanted to take into a pile and then cram it in! If it all didn't fit, I'd just bring another suitcase!

That method abruptly changed soon after our wedding when the whole Marshall clan went to Hawaii for two weeks. I was informed that I would have one suitcase -- for TWO WEEKS!! I don't remember how that turned out...evidently it did 'cuz I'm still married and I've traveled lots with the whole Marshall clan so I wasn't "kicked out" based on my packing skills!!

I guess I just don't have the packing gene. Chris does. He is The Master Packer. The boys and I love to sit and watch Chris pack a suitcase. He is very organized and there is not a space that goes unused. It probably also helps because he does not take a lot of stuff. Weird!

He left today for two weeks in China. Here is his pile...FOR TWO WEEKS!!

I sat there and watched him pack it neatly into his just-a-size-above-a-carry-on suitcase...

...and quickly reminded him that in six weeks when we leave for Italy, his packing skills will get a challenge!

Summer "Vacation" Day 1

2011-06-06T10:14:00.002-05:00

Here is our schedule for Day One of our 2011 Summer Vacation:

6:30am - start laundry

8am - Connor at church to work recreation for VBS

8:10am - grocery store

9:30am - home to finish laundry and clean as much of house as possible

12pm - pick up Connor from church

2:30pm - Connor to pitching lessons

3-4pm - Connor to conditioning

3:30-4pm - Colby to guitar lessons

4:15pm - feed Connor dinner

5pm - drop Connor off at school for baseball game

5:45 - feed Colby dinner

6:30pm - Connor's game begins

6:30pm - Colby at church for VBX

8:30pm - Connor's game ends

9pm - pick up Colby from church

...start it all over again tomorrow!

When does school start again?!?

I Know You Are At The Edge of Your Seats

2011-06-03T16:55:00.004-05:00

It's finally over...my baby graduated from elementary school yesterday. I had really been dreading the day that Colby would be finished with Buckalew. It has been a great school for both boys. I figured that I would need a box of kleenex and would completely embarrass my husband and son as I sat and sniffed and blew!

Well....I did not use ONE kleenex -- not one! Not one tear fell down my cheek... Not sure why; but, I was fine!

I was filled with happiness at the fortune we have to live in a place where I know for a fact that his next school is just as good as the one he is leaving. I was filled with pride as I saw him on that stage and was reminded of how he has learned, grown and matured. He even received the President's Award for Educational Excellence just like his brother did five years before.

A big swim party for the 200 4th graders ended their day. He was having a great day and I loved watching him with his buddies. When I picked him up, he was exhausted and excited for summer!

He is SO ready for summer, he couldn't wait for his dad to give him his "Summer 'Do"!!

It's All In the DNA

2011-05-25T17:39:00.003-05:00

It is no secret that my men LOVE cars. All kinds of cars -- new cars, old cars, fast cars, loud cars, FAST cars...

The highlight of Colby's weekend is taking a drive with Dad in the Corvette. I always know when they are close to home because I can hear it from about a mile away -- I can hear the engine AND the rubber being left at the corners!

There is one thing that will stop a weekend spin faster than any other thing -- rain. The Corvette does not go out in the rain. It's a Sunny Day Stroll-kinda' car.

Colby got his "dream" bike last week. We discussed what we should do with his old bike. Selling it was the decision we came to since we don't need it. Colby rides his bike to school and locks it up along with hundreds of other bikes, leaving it out in the elements all day long.

Two days after he got his bike, there was a chance of rain. When he heard it may rain he quickly made a different decision -- his old bike would be his rainy-day bike! I wonder where he got that idea?!? Sweet boys -- and their toys!!

So on rainy days, if you should walk into our garage, you will now find Colby's Haro parked next to Chris's Corvette!

You Say Tomatoe, I Say Tomato

2011-05-24T15:12:00.003-05:00

Another last today...Writing Cafe.

Each year in elementary school, the parents are brought in and "served" a menu of our kids' writing. It is always amazing to see samples of their stories throughout the year. They improve SO much! The kids have a theme for the day -- decorating the room and dressing the part. For example, in 1st grade, the parents went to Mrs. Snyder's Seafood Shack. Buckets of shells and crabs were centerpieces and the kids all dressed in Hawaiian shirts. Adorable!

This year, we were told to have the kids dress in black. I asked Colby this morning what the theme was this year. He said, "Well, I will greet you and say Merci." Although he pronounced it mer-si, not mer-see.

I said, "What?"

"Oh, I don't know. But I also say Bon Appetit -- I don't even know what THAT means!"

It's The Beginning of the End

2011-05-20T15:56:00.003-05:00

I've mentioned before that this is Colby's last year in Elementary School. Nine days left at a school we have attended for 8 years.

The past several weeks I have had many "lasts".

My last Field Day was a couple of weeks ago. I really expected to get emotional about it. It was a pretty hot day and it had just rained the night before. I was in charge of the three-legged race. I placed a tied rope around muddy shoe after muddy shoe. I cheered the teams on to victory. I counted down the hours until it was over!...No tears!

Yesterday was my last day to volunteer in the school library. I asked Colby at breakfast if he would be embarrassed if I cried and came to give him a hug while he was looking at the books. He said, "Please mom. No!"

As I was shelving books, the students were listening to the school counselor give a talk on what to expect next year at their new school. She asked them what they were feeling. One little boy raised his hand and said, "I'm scared." Yep...I started tearing up! These little babies are going to be heading into the next phase of their lives in three short months. I'm scared for them too! Luckily, Colby watched his brother love every aspect of 5th grade; so, he is totally excited! I can't ask for anything more!

As of right now, I am doing pretty good on laying off of the water works. However, in nine days, I will be sitting in the cafeteria/gym for the last time, watching my baby walk across the stage and graduate. And then I will be standing in the hallway participating in a clapout with the other students and watch him exit the school for the last time. I am positive that I will need to be packing LOTS of kleenex that day!

Everyone Needs A Personal Day

2011-05-18T15:38:00.006-05:00

We started a tradition a couple of years ago. After the much anticipated TAKS testing is finished and school is winding down, Colby is allowed a "Personal Day" off of school. His big brother does not like this because he is not allowed a "Personal Day". That's the way it goes when you're a big bad High Schooler!

When my boys were younger, I was afraid of the school system. The teachers and administrators made me feel that if my child wasn't near death, he should be at school. My most vivid memory was when Connor was going into the third grade (which is the year that TAKS testing begins). It was a tradition with Chris's family to meet in Angel Fire for Labor Day Weekend. We had done this for years and had every intention of continuing it even though Connor would miss a week of school. At Open House, I told his teacher that we would be gone that week and I thought her head was going to spin 360 degrees!

We ended up going anyway, but that was the last year that we did. Those darn intimidating teachers!!

I guess I grew thicker skin through the years or realized that the boys COULD miss a day or two and not flunk out! It did take me until this year to tell the Attendance Office that he was taking the day off just because -- NOT that I flat out lied the previous years -- but I may have said something to the effect that he wasn't feeling well. :*)

After combing the calendar, we decided today was the day. He wanted to see a movie, get his hair cut and look at this bike that he has been researching on the Internet.

We got to the theater and found that no other parent was as cool as me...it was empty!

Of course, we did go see Rio which has been out forever so that might have helped!

Nothing like a 3D movie, an Icee and popcorn for lunch!

After getting a haircut, we ran to Old Navy to get some shorts and he found and HAD TO HAVE this t-shirt:

Nice, huh?!?

Then it was on to the bike store. He found this BMX bike that can do tricks and drift and I don't know what all. It made me a little nervous when the salesman asked to see Colby's front teeth to see if they were his permanent ones. When he found out they were he suggested that he ride it with a toothguard! Not a great sales tactic! BUT...I am a total pushover and ended up buying the bike for him. He has said "Thank you!" over and over and come up and thrown his arms around my neck without any abandon! That was worth the price of the bike!!

I guess his new t-shirt will go with his new bike...'cuz' "that's how he rolls" for sure!

I do have to say that last year we went bowling and he got a couple packets of those Silly Band Bracelets...I think I need to put a price cap on Personal Days from now on!!

My Most Favorite Day of the Year

2011-05-11T12:23:00.000-05:00

May 11 is the day that my soulmate was born. I believe that as God was "knitting him together" He already knew that he would create me for him several months later.

I have been blessed by having him a part of my life for the past 26 years! There is no one else that I would rather do this thing called life with!!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

RIP Whitey!

2011-05-03T10:13:00.004-05:00

Who ever had a clue

That you would last four years through!

This $0.28 Walmart fish

Came home with us because of a boys' wish.

We watched you grow tall.

We watched you become a cannibal!

You were entertaining

You were loved

Rest in peace, Whitey

You will forever be Colby's buddy!

It's Time To Do Some Growing Up

2011-05-01T20:06:00.003-05:00

I have always said that my daughters-in-laws are going to hate me. From day one, I have done just about everything for my boys. I have a somewhat uptight personality and like things "just so", so I have found it is easier to do things myself the first time. As a result, my boys don't know how to do a lot when it comes to housework.

Colby had a tournament today and Connor decided to stay home. I thought that today was as good a day as any for Connor to help me out and learn some skills! I texted him and told him that today he was to change his sheets.

Connor's text back: Idk how to do that. But I'll try

My text: A good time to learn:)

Connor: Ugh okay

Two hours later...

Connor's text: I changed them!!!!

This is the result...

By the end of the summer and weeks more worth of practice, he should be able to bounce a quarter off his bed!

...maybe my daughters-in-law will like me a little...

A Miracle In The Woods

2011-04-27T14:14:00.003-05:00

Four years and almost two months ago, Colby picked out a goldfish at Walmart that cost $0.28. He actually picked out two fish. One died. He got another. It died (leaving behind some evidence of being eaten by Whitey.) He got another. It died -- and was definitely eaten by Whitey. We decided to let Whitey live alone!

For whatever reason, Whitey has thrived while living in a teeny tank in Colby's room. He barely has room to turn around in it!

Last week I noticed that Whitey was not moving a whole lot. This caused me to get a sick feeling in my stomach because Colby is the most sensitive child around and I knew he was going to be heartbroken when Whitey died. We have always laughed and said this fish is never going to die. What are the odds that a $0.28 Walmart fish would live for four years anyway?!? Sunday night we noticed that the end was definitely near. Colby cried and cried and we talked about what a good fish he has been and how he is just old and tired. We were already planning the next type of fish we could go buy.

Monday morning, Whitey was hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air. Monday afternoon, Whitey was still hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air. I even prepared a blog post about Whitey so as soon as he passed I could post it! Monday night, Colby asked us to move Whitey into the kitchen so he wouldn't hear him gulping for air. His tail was bent over and he had to fight to keep his dorsal fin up. It really was a sad sight!

Tuesday morning, Whitey was still hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air--although he moved himself a tad into the other corner! Colby left for school filled with hope! Tuesday afternoon, Whitey was still hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air -- unfortunately, there were longer periods between each gulp. Colby decided that when he died, we were going to wrap him up and bury him -- not flush him down the toilet like the burial of "normal" fish.

Colby went to bed and we prayed for Whitey like we had for the past few nights.

When we got up this morning, Whitey was moving a little more. Chris fed him and he swam to the top and ate! Colby was cheering, "Yeah Whitey!!"

Right now, that fish is practically swimming flips all over that tiny tank!

I'm not sure how much longer this fish will be with us but when God decides it is time for Whitey to leave this earth, I have a great blog saved about him that I will post!!

What Are You Doing Today?

2011-04-20T09:18:00.003-05:00

I'm washing windows...that's what I'm doin' these days...

A Ton of Gear

2011-04-15T15:10:00.003-05:00

Heaving the boys' baseball bags into the back of my car is a daily occurrence.

Today, I could barely get Colby's lifted off the ground...this is why...

EIGHT bottles of water -- each with only one or two drinks taken out of them! I guess I don't ever have to worry about him getting dehydrated!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2011-04-04T14:00:00.007-05:00

Chris travels a LOT.

I don't like it.

However, I do remind myself how lucky we are that he has such a great job and that he doesn't enjoy traveling by himself either.

He just returned from a 10 day trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I was so thrilled to have him home that when he started handing me gifts it was like a party!

We watch "The Amazing Race" and last season the contestants had to go through a field full of Genie Lamps finding a certain clue in them. I told him then that I wanted a Genie Lamp of my own one day.

...He brought me a Genie Lamp :0)...

and beautiful vases.
This made me think about all the things around my house that Chris has brought me from different places in the world.

Scarves and intricately painted eggs from Austria...

A gorgeous wooden chopstick set from Singapore...
Pearls and a jewelry box from China...

As much as I dislike him being gone, I won't lie...I DO like a gift now and then!

However, I do look forward to being able to go WITH him on his adventures and pick out a few gifts as well!

There's An App For That!

2011-03-29T20:40:00.008-05:00

It is no secret that I love my I-Phone!

However, I do not have the patience or desire to search through the millions of apps.

I WANT to have lots of apps -- I think it's cool when you have to slide through pages just to find the one you need! :) In fact, we were sitting behind a woman at the rodeo the other night who was going through her apps. I leaned over to Chris and told him how sad I was for her because she could use more apps!!

The best way for me to find a great one is by personal recommendation. My boys tell me all about the games and music ones. My girlfriend tells me about cooking/grocery list ones. My sister tells me about exercising ones. I even have some on my phone that Kelly Ripa suggested!!

But, my favorite ones are the ones that do fun stuff with photos that I take. I have a few...

...like this one that makes everything black and white and then lets you color in one object:

...or this one that lets you morph a picture in all kinds of crazy ways:

But, I found a new one this weekend that I really love!

You can give your photos extra color and frame it in a vignette:

...or, you can make the photo look scratched!

...OR, make it look like it is really old and the photo is peeling!
Now, if only I could get my family to pose for a new picture everyday, I'd be in business!!

Warning: Do Not Get Suckered In!!

2011-03-28T18:30:00.003-05:00

I've been hearing about this new thing out there for nails -- essentially, you get them "painted" and they will not chip or peel for 2-4 weeks!! That sounded like a modern miracle to me!!

Once upon a time, I kept my fingernails all painted and pretty. Then, I became a housewife and a mom! It just wasn't worth the hassle. I would spend and hour filing, buffing, and painting them only to go wash a dish or fold some laundry and they would be ruined. It was easier to forget about them.

So, this "Shellac-ing" sounded perfect for me.

After going back and forth about it, I decided to give it a whirl! I went Wednesday and while having my hair colored, I had the lady shellac my nails! I felt like a princess -- one lady working on my hair; another on my nails. And, then, not even worrying about how long my nails would stay pretty was just so exciting! In fact, the lady said in 2-4 weeks, after my nail had grown out enough, I would have to come back to get the stuff off because only 100% acetone would take it off. Wonderful!!

Add to that that Chris has been out of town, so cooking and washing dishes have been pretty nil lately -- this should last forever!!

Two days passed and my balloon of hope and amazement popped! One nail was bare.

Three days passed and another nail was bare.

It is now day five and three nails are bare.

You know that saying "If it's too good to be true, it probably is?"...Shellac-ing IS too good to be true! I am here to tell you to not waste your money -- it will just go up in that popped balloon!!

Here are my half-painted hands...luckily I chose a neutral color! Urg!!!

My Baby Is Not A Baby Anymore

2011-03-23T09:06:00.004-05:00

Colby is a Fourth Grader...for nine more weeks.

Where we live, elementary school is kindergarten-4th grade. Then they go to Intermediate School for 5th-6th grade. Then they go to Junior High for 7th -8th grade. Then they go to a 9th grade campus. And, finally, they go to the "Main Campus" for 10th-12th grade.

When we first moved here and Connor was in 1st grade, I thought how ridiculous it was that there was so much moving around for these students. However, I have learned to appreciated this craziness. I really do think this progression prepares our students for each next step.

I also have to say that, so far, we have had wonderful teachers and administrators. We are very blessed to live in this community. Our boys are receiving an excellent education.

Since we moved here nine years ago, one of our boys has attended the elementary school in our neighborhood -- nine years at the same school! I never fathomed we would be anywhere for that long! It is a school where we have met most of our best friends, where I have volunteered many hours, where my boys have been encouraged to broaden and strengthen their talents and abilities. They have participated in class musicals, Fun Runs, Jump Rope for the Heart, Wax Museums, and Reading Restaurants!

So when Colby put on his Fourth Grade Class t-shirt this morning, I got a little verclempt! I am excited to see what lies ahead for Colby...but I am sad that he is growing up so fast. And, truth be told, I am a little sad that I will not walk through those elementary doors anymore.

What Does Your Husband Do On His Vacation??

2011-03-18T17:43:00.004-05:00

Chris had yesterday and today off to spend the last few days of Spring Break with us. I had been making a list of little "Honey Do" items for him -- not to do while he was on "vacation"; just so I wouldn't forget to have him get some things done. As with anything, the list grew and grew. He looked at it and went to town! I am so thankful I married a handy man! He is amazing!!

Change Versus Variety

2011-03-14T10:05:00.008-05:00

I am not a fan of change. When I was growing up, I ate the same lunch for years -- turkey sandwich, chips, grapes and three cookies...funny, I pack the same sort of lunch for my boys EVERYDAY!

Throughout the years I have had to learn how to at least accept change. The first 11 years of marriage, we moved nine times -- and not just to different houses but to different cities and states. Not easy for a girl who lived in only two houses before she was married!

As much as I like "sameness", I also like variety. For instance, I am always ready for the school bus to come by every morning! Following a schedule makes me feel in control. However, I was definitely ready for Spring Break this year and the ability to sleep in and hang out. We really have no plans and that feels good. Shoot, I may even let the boys eat Pop Tarts and drink Iced Tea for breakfast! That's variety!!

I decided that I like variety this weekend when we went plant shopping. I LOVE this time of year. Finally breaking out of the cold, seeing hints of color popping up and feeling the warm sun on my skin. I was ready for some color in my yard.

We headed to the garden center TWICE this weekend and have transformed our flower beds. Instead of getting the same ole same ole, we bought new and different plants. I decided it is OK not to have petunias and geraniums! This year we went all out and got daisies!! And, a Yucca!! And, all kinds of New Mexico-looking succulents.

Yes, I think my new motto is "Variety adds spice to life"! HAM sandwich anyone?!?

How The Shortest Month Ended With The Longest Night

2011-02-28T13:15:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe tomorrow is March!! Where did February go? It was so quiet and quick...until this weekend.

Today, I am feeling like the month of February has punched me in the gut! This weekend Colby had a baseball tournament about an hour from our house. His team won both games on Saturday and were seeded #1. A great way to start the Spring season!

Sunday's games went along just fine. They continued to win and made it to the Championship game. We had a two hour break so the two remaining teams could fight out who would join us in the " 'Ship" (as the boys call it!) The team loaded up and went to get re-energized on Taco Cabana tacos and quesadillas. We returned to the park at about 6:45 for our 7:30 game. The two teams should have been finishing up their game within fifteen or twenty minutes. Our boys started warming up. However, it became apparent that they should go sit back down when the game ended in a tie and an extra inning needed to be played to declare a winner.

The extra inning ended in a tie.

The extra-extra inning ended in a tie.

After 6 extra innings (which made it a twelve-inning game for those 10 year olds!), a team came out on top!

No one was happier than the moms on our team. We were cheering for any kid on third base from either team to PLEASE cross home plate! The Championship Game that should have started at 7:30 (which is late in my book) started at 9:45!

I got myself prepared with chocolate and caffeine!

The boys played their hearts out but in the end the other team won. Truth be told, they were the real winners anyway. It was so impressive that those nine boys could play 18 innings of straight baseball -- not to mention however many innings they had played earlier in the day to get there!

We got home at 12:50am. Here is my tired little champ with his Second Place trophy:

Here's hoping that March is filled with a little more sleep!

Spoiled

2011-02-12T18:13:00.006-06:00

We are doing a little renovating to our kitchen. New granite countertops led to some new appliances and backsplash. I can see the light at the end of the white-powdered tunnel; however, I have had to go for about four days without any appliances. I went without a sink for one day -- using the bathroom for my water supply. Luckily, Chris got the sink installed 24 hours later so that is a huge help! If I can't microwave a meal, we go out (and I am not complaining about THAT one!! :) )

Last night, Connor brought down some dishes from his snack and sat them in the sink.

"Mom, how do you wash dishes without the dishwasher?"

Hmmm.... "It's called washing them by hand."

After laughing about it, it occurred to me that in his 14 years, he has probably really never seen me have to hand wash dishes!

When we were first married and lived in old rental houses, I would get up and wash all the dishes from the day before. It was just a part of my day. We were lucky enough to build a house when Connor was a year old -- and I never have been without a dishwasher since.

It has always amazed me at what advances were made in my grandparents' day. They saw the invention of cars, TVs, microwave ovens, and cell phones. Life for my grandma went from living in a "house" dug out of dirt during the Depression to owning cars and microwaves AND dishwashers!

I am so thankful that God chose to put me in this day and time! After Connor made his comment, I immediately thought that I had such a spoiled boy! However, it seems to me that I am a spoiled girl!

Chris got my dishwasher hooked back up last night and I LOVED being able to load up the dirty dishes, close the door, push the button and walk away!

Now, if I could only find an oven and stove that I could load up an empty pot or pan, close the door, push the button and come back to an awesome gourmet meal!! But, that would be beyond spoiled, wouldn't it??

Ten Years In The Making

2011-02-02T14:16:00.006-06:00

The first sport that Connor tried was soccer and he didn't like all the running. He was four years old and the only thing he cared about was halftime because they got to have a snack! We decided to try baseball that Spring and a passion was ignited in that boy like nothing else!

For the first few years, he played baseball like "normal" children do...playing in the Spring about fifteen games with one practice a week. We had the Wal-mart cleats, glove and bat. The uniform was a t-shirt provided by whoever was sponsoring the team that season and a pair of $9.99 baseball pants.

We moved to Texas and started playing in the Fall as well as the Spring. Practices ramped up to two a week and probably twenty games were played each season. We were "hard-core"!

When he was about eight, Connor began showing an interest in catching. The first few years all I remember is his coaches and his dad hollering at him to "Scoot up!" when he was behind the plate. He was a little timid but hard-headed enough to stay at it.

Due to some "baseball politics", Connor's 9-year-old team switched from the Little League organization to USSSA, which is now Nations Baseball. This resulted in playing for the Spring/Klein League. Little did we know that this move would change our lives.

Connor's best buddy down the street played tournament baseball, which meant that they traveled all over Texas playing baseball games most weekends until the late hours of Sunday nights. As I would pass their house on Monday mornings and see their coolers draining on the driveway, I would swear we would never become "that family"! We didn't need to travel all over to get better. Heck, Connor's 9-year-old team placed 1st in the Spring/Klein League! His team had talented boys who were passionate about baseball too! In fact, one of Connor's teammates would spend the night and bring his baseball glove because that is what he slept with every night!

It has been said: "Never say never" and it was only a few short months before I was eating my words! Connor tried out for and made the Spring/Klein Hooks baseball team...

...and then our lives changed...

...and we became "that family"!

The last four years, we have logged thousands of miles driving/flying to baseball tournaments. In addition to playing throughout Central and South Texas, we have played in Louisiana, Kansas and New York. We have gone from Fall and Spring Seasons to an All-Year Season only having about three weeks off a year. Seven days a week for weeks on end have been spent at a practice, game or lesson. And, I hate to say it, but, Wal-mart gear hasn't cut it for a long time and lots of dollars have been spent on what has turned into a family obsession!

Through all this, Connor has become an amazing baseball player. He is one of the smallest catchers but has been told by many coaches that he is one of the best. He has worked hard to improve over the years. It has always been his dream to play high school ball. When a child begins a sport at three or four-years-old, high school seems far away. However, before you know it, ten years have past and the opportunity to continue their passion is at their fingertips.

Chris and I were both involved in our high schools. Chris was on his school's baseball team and I was on Drill Team. High school holds a special place in my heart because of the extra-curricular activities that I was a part of. I can't tell you much about any particular class; but, I do remember performances, competitions, and practices. I remember the friendships that I made. Friendships that are still strong today. I so badly wanted the same for Connor.

When we moved to The Woodlands, Connor was starting first grade. We didn't realize that we had chosen to move to an area that has one of the most competitive baseball programs in Texas. We have heard rumors for years about the difficulty of getting on The Woodlands baseball team. This team is nationally-known. Players have gone on to play for the MLB from this team -- including last year's #2 pick Jameson Taillon.

This past Friday and Saturday were tryouts for the Sophomore team. The Sophomore team is made up of Freshman. There were about 55 kids competing for 12 spots. Connor was not feeling great about his performance on Friday; but, on Saturday, his talent was apparent.

(Let me add as a side note that I was a nervous wreck! It began about 2am Friday morning when sleep eluded me and I couldn't eat much all weekend either! I so badly wanted him to be a Highlander but was preparing myself to be strong and supportive if he didn't make it.)

Sunday was the day that the team was to be posted on the website. The kids were numbered during tryouts and their number would be listed on the website if they made the team. Connor was #3. Colby had a tournament about an hour from home early on Sunday so Connor chose to stay in bed. I really wanted to be with him when he found out. Throughout Colby's game, Chris and I kept checking the website (once again, I LOVE my I-Phone!!). As we were driving back home I kept checking. I had just checked about 11:27 but felt that maybe Coach Hill would post it at 11:30. I updated the site and the link started opening. I grabbed the dashboard and screamed, "It's coming up!"

(Another side note...you know how the girls on Miss Universe will hear their name called as the winner and their eyes quickly fill up with tears and they bring their trembling hand to their mouth?? Well, that is a TRUE reaction! I never experienced that before -- I guess because I have never won Miss Universe -- but I always thought that was so fake. Nope!)

The page opens and the first number on the list is #3. I become the winner of the Miss Universe Pageant! Except I quickly get over it and grab Chris's arm and Chris starts hollering, "He made it!?!" "He made it!!" I will never forget that feeling! It was awesome!!

So, in the meantime, Connor doesn't know and I want to at least hear his reaction. I decide we should call him and tell him my phone is messed up, would he go check it for us. Chris calls him -- because I am still crying and would never be able to hide my emotions.

"Hey, go check the link again. Mom's phone is acting funny."

"I just checked it about 3 minutes ago, dad."

"Go check it again for me. It's weird how mom's phone is acting."

"It's coming up...I made it."

"Why aren't you jumping up and down and screaming?"

"Because I can't feel the lower half of my body right now!"

To say that the whole family is on Cloud 9 is an understatement! We are all so thrilled and excited.

As a parent, it has been such a reward for me to see my child work so hard for something and actually attain it -- all on his own. Sure, we drove him and sat with him and spent our money; but, it was HIS hard work and diligence and perseverance that paid off.

And, guess what? The buddy down the street who played tournament ball at age 9 and the other buddy who would sleep over at our house with his baseball glove -- they made the team too!! How much more of an awesome thing is it than to experience this with boys who have a history together!

Go Highlanders!!

A Layer of White

2011-01-26T07:48:00.004-06:00

This past weekend, we were living under a layer of white. In fact, parts of our home looked like a bomb had gone off!

We have begun a new project in our kitchen -- it started with getting granite countertops which lead to a new backsplash which lead to some new appliances.

Let me warn anyone that if your shopvac gets a tear in its filter, it creates a HUGE cloud of white dust as you are hammering out and chiseling away tile!! After the dust settled, my furniture and wood floors were a mess!

I always love new projects... the excitement of creating something new and something that says "us"; the many options that are in the decorative world (which I will add also creates major headaches because all those choices just slow me down!!); the tearing away of the old; and finally, the beauty of the new.

I tend to get antsy when my house is unkempt and messy. I just had to keep reminding myself that in a few short weeks, this kitchen is going to be beautiful and it will have been worth all the sneeze-inducing dust.

This makes me think about my life and how I am a constant project to God. He is always at work within me. Do I create a white layer of dust around Him as He is chiseling away my rough edges? Does He get excited about all the possibilities He can use to "update" me? Does He get antsy and tired of the mess I create around Him?

I can only hope that when He is finished with me He will not have had too many sneezing-fits and that He will back up, look at His creation and say, "She is beautiful. She was worth all that mess."

Spoke Too Soon

2011-01-21T18:44:00.002-06:00

Was it just last week that I went on about my new Friday night date night tradition?? I guess I opened my mouth too soon.

It's Friday night once again and all has changed because Connor's coach believes in Friday night practices once again!

I think the new tradition may be this scene... I'm sitting here at the practice field after eating dinner with a different main man in my life--one who is 30 years younger than my main man--playing yahtzee, boggle and scrabble by myself. :(

Conviction

2011-01-20T14:11:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard a song and not really LISTENED to it?

I love this song -- it's even on my playlist -- and I really only heard it today...

What Do I Know Of Holy?
by Addison Road

I made You promises a thousand times

I tried to hear from Heaven

But I talked the whole time

I think I made You too small

I never feared You at all No

If You touched my face would I know You?

Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

What do I know of You

Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood

But the shore along Your ocean?

Are You fire? Are You fury?

Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?

What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out

I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about

How You were mighty to save

Those were only empty words on a page

Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be

The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You

Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood

But the shore along Your ocean?

Are You fire? Are You fury?

Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?

What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?

And a God who gave life "its" name?

What do I know of Holy?

Of the One who the angels praise?

All creation knows Your name

On earth and heaven above

What do I know of this love?

What do I know of You

Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood

But the shore along Your ocean?

Are You fire? Are You fury?

Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?

What do I know?

What do I know of Holy?

The line that "got" me is: If You touched my face would I know You? Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

Hmmm....

I have to say that I love God and I see Him at work but I think I tried to hear from Heaven but I talked the whole time.

I need to learn to be quiet and still and wait for His touch on my face.

It Is A Sad, Sad Day

2011-01-18T10:09:00.005-06:00

It is no secret that I love Regis Philbin. I have watched "Live with Regis and Kelly" since it was "Live with Regis and Kathy Lee"!!

Two summers ago, I was able to check off one of my bucket list items. While in New York City, Chris and I were able to be a part of the audience during a taping of "Live with Regis and Kelly". I really wanted to make sure I saw Regis before he was no longer around!

I have also always said that it will be a terrible day for me when Regis passes on. Crazy, I know! But, after 20+ years of starting my mornings with him -- hearing about him and his family and his life, he has become a part of my family. Yes...I AM crazy! However, I never in a million years thought that I would have to deal with him being alive AND not being a part of "Live with Regis and Kelly"...

As I sat on the couch this morning with my breakfast in my hand listening to the opening music, I didn't expect that in a few short moments Regis was going to come on and announce that he is retiring from the show.

I will tell you the truth -- I am very sad about this and will miss him terribly.

Vanity

2011-01-16T14:29:00.003-06:00

It has been raining in Houston all day today.

Apparently, it has been a LONG time since it rained in Houston because people were caught unprepared! But, not to worry, we are some creative people...

This lady is either vain because she was having a good hair day and wanted it to remain looking good OR she is not in the least bit vain and doesn't care that she is wearing a produce bag on her head!!

I hate to say it; but, I will have to remember this when I am caught in a downpour!

Date Night

2011-01-15T10:14:00.003-06:00

For as long as we have had boys in baseball, we have always had practice on Friday nights. I guess it isn't that big of a deal considering we are not wild and crazy social people who like to hit the town on a Friday night; but, sometimes I would rather be at home snuggled on the couch watching a movie instead....well, OK, MOST of the time!

As time has marched on and Connor is getting older, his practices have ceased on Friday nights. This helps because instead of dropping one off and heading to the next place we can at least stay and watch Colby's practice.

The other change is that Colby's team has started practicing ONLY on Friday nights -- which I love because the rest of the week isn't as crazy -- but they practice for a longer time.

Because of this, a tradition has begun to emerge. Chris meets us at practice; we tell Colby good-bye; then we head out to have dinner. There is a little Mexican food place across the parking lot from the practice field -- not all that great; but you do get salsa and chips. Or there are numerous fast food joints not too far away. Last night we went to Schlotzsky's!

We then come back to the field, park as close as we can to see Colby and his teammates and then start a rousing game of Scrabble, Yahtzee, or Boggle thanks to my I-Phone!

I have to say that I am liking this Friday night practice schedule now since I get to spend a little alone time with my main man. Sure, I would rather be curled up on the couch with him watching a movie -- but I also love beating him in some Scrabble too!!

Going On Record

2011-01-04T07:41:00.002-06:00

It's been about two minutes since my last boy has left the house.

Let me just say...I miss my boys already!

Almost 2 1/2 weeks with them and I am NOT ready for them to go to their respective places! Ugh!!

New Sights

2010-12-16T16:06:00.006-06:00

When I was in 8th grade, I got contacts. I can remember being enamored with the intricate leaves on all the trees. I guess for my whole life they had just been a green blob!

Colby had his eye test done recently and flunked! I received the letter in the mail from the school nurse telling us we needed to go see the eye doctor. We did and yes, Colby has my eyes.

We just got back from picking up his new spectacles and the first thing he looked at were the leaves. "Wow! Mom, you were right! There are leaves on the trees!"

As we drove back home he proceeded to read every sign as soon as he could see it. With a big smile on his face he exclaimed, "These things really DO work!"

BEFORE:

AFTER:

First Tree

2010-12-12T11:19:00.008-06:00

Chris and I got married very young. Being in college and living in Married Student Housing made the financial and spacial constraints of having Christmas trees just something we had to deal with. Plus, we always went "back home" so we actually had two trees -- one at my parents house and one at his parents house.

This little glass tree was the only tree we had for several years.

I can still remember the first Christmas tree we purchased.

We were living in Stillwater, OK. Chris was in graduate school and I was working at the Chamber of Commerce. Chris surprised me one night about 5:00 by walking into the Chamber, grabbing me and my coat and telling me to get in the truck. We headed to Wal-mart, got a cart and he pushed it to the Christmas aisle. We searched the aisles for the perfect lights and decorations. We ended up with a theme of purple and green! (This WAS the early 90's!!)

We then headed outside to the trees and scoured the lot for the perfect tree!

I will never forget the excitement over that night and how Chris surprised me.

Every year, I still "put up" our first tree to remind me of how far we've come and that special "first" in our marriage.

Holiday Cheer

2010-12-02T14:00:00.004-06:00

I have a few new holiday decorations this year.

One in particular makes me smile.

I hope everyone has a holiday season that is filled with lots of smiles!

Thankful

2010-12-01T19:25:00.004-06:00

The Blakley Family has thrown tradition to the wind -- at least "normal" traditions. We don't spend hours on Thanksgiving Day cooking or eat in the dining room of a family member. Our tradition is meeting in some city in Texas for Thanksgiving weekend. We stay in a hotel, go on outings, make crafts with the kids and watch a lot of football! And, of course, we do eat!

This year we met in San Antonio. A beautiful, historic city.

We stayed on the River Walk, ate Thanksgiving dinner at a quaint restaurant, visited the zoo, and watched the river be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with Santa arriving on a boat!

My mom wanted us all to go around to say what we are thankful for. Judson, the youngest, was thankful for the clones in Star Wars! My sister and brother-in-law are at the end of a 3 1/2 year "adventure" and are thankful with God's provisions throughout it all.

One of our newer traditions is helping people on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, having lots of kids, it is hard to find somewhere where all of us can volunteer. This year we took matters into our own hands and the kids fixed bags of food for the homeless. My dad carried a big bag full of sack lunches through the streets of San Antonio and when we came upon a homeless person he would gather all the grandkids around and have one of them give the homeless person a small bag of nourishment. Each person was very grateful. We heard some sad stories. I believe it made a difference in each of our hearts -- to realize how blessed we really are.

I am thankful for so much. I have been blessed since the moment I entered this world. I have amazing Christian parents. Having a dad and mom who "walks the walk", especially in front of my kids, is huge! I have always been loved, supported and encouraged. I married a man who is my best friend, who I love being with and who I want to grow old with. He is an awesome father and giver and provider. I have two boys who are healthy, smart and fun! I live in the best country in the world. I know that God is beside me through everything and He is the Lord of my family.

And...we all really like spending time with each other!

Something Is Missing

2010-11-19T07:43:00.002-06:00

About this time for the past four days -- after my three boys were at work and school and the house settled into quiet -- a little voice would say, "Good Morning DD!"

I would turn towards the voice and see a four-year-old boy standing in his jammies with sleep still in his eyes and a big smile on his face. Behind him would be a nine-year-old boy rubbing his eyes and his hair going in all directions.

From Sunday until Thursday, I kept my sister's two boys while they went out of town. They live in Dallas but will be moving soon. Unfortunately, we didn't take advantage of being only four hours from each other like we should have.

It occurred to me that it has been five years since I've had someone to pal around with all day. It has been at least five years since I sat by the window in Chick-fil-A watching "my kids" play in the play area. It has been five years since I sat on the park bench and listened to the laughter of boys climbing and swinging and running.

I really enjoyed my time with Jed and Judson. It is quiet in the house today. Even Colby mentioned last night how weird it felt not having Jed to play with. That is sweet. I am thankful for the memories that were made this past week. That is what family is all about.

It's Just the Way I Am

2010-11-11T15:54:00.007-06:00

I believe I have posted about my Type A personality when it comes to closet organization. When the boys and I clean out their closets, we organize them by season and by color. So, all the short-sleeved shirts are together grouped by color; all the long-sleeved shirts are together grouped by color -- see? Very easy to find things this way. This is how I organize my closet as well...

It is not uncommon for Chris to holler out for me to come and help him match shirts with certain pants. And, I have to admit, it can be a little overwhelming and easier to wear the same thing over and over.

Twice-a-year, we will go on a shopping spree for him and invariably we get to the store and don't know what he has nor what he needs. Because I am not allowed to group his shirts by color, I really don't have a feel for his attire!

About a month ago, we were fixing to go out on such a shopping venture and I decided to use my organizational skills in a new way. I was going to know what he had and what he needed! So, for about two hours I took out every piece of clothing and began "matching" outfits together. I started with his black pair of pants and wrote down each shirt that could be worn with those black pants. I even took pictures of each set -- afterward I decided that he was a big boy and could read the label and match to the lists without help from pictures!

When I finished, I had this:

He can now go probably a year without wearing the exact same outfit! Although it's not too pretty, this list makes me so happy! And, when we went to the store, we knew exactly which colored shirts he could use and if there was anything in his closet to match new pairs of pants. Yipee!!

I concocted this while Chris was out of town and stapled it to his closet before he got home. I was anxious to see his reaction. He walked in and started laughing! However, a couple of days ago he came out wearing a nice ensemble - :) - and I asked him if he got that idea from the list and he told me that he did and that he looks at it every morning to help him get dressed!

Does he know how to warm my heart or what?!?

An Accidental Oversight

2010-11-10T08:41:00.002-06:00

In my celebratory speech yesterday, I mistakenly forgot one of my daily fans...

Thank you Justin for reading my blog every day and being a great brother-in-law too!!! :)

And, to anyone else out there who keeps up with me and my musings -- I don't want to leave you out either! So, THANK YOU to ALL my fans!!! Hee! Hee!

Mission Accomplished!

2010-11-09T14:43:00.003-06:00

HOORAY!!!
60 Days
(oh, granted, NOT 60 STRAIGHT days) but I DID it!!

This may be the only blogging award I receive, so I would like to thank a few people...

Thank you, Chris, for challenging me to this endeavor and for inspiring me when I didn't feel like posting anything.
Thank you Connor, mom, dad, Danette and Keri for being my faithful followers!

I promise that I will do better -- probably not everyday -- but not once a month like I used to do!

Oh How I Missed You

2010-11-08T14:44:00.002-06:00

So, I have been on this kick lately about tracking our spending...

My friend began this coupon/circular savings system last year. I keep hearing how much money she saves and finally decided to give it a whirl. Who wants to spend all that money on food that you then have to go and cook?? Not me!!

I have always been a Wal-Mart shopper. I do not like going grocery shopping so Wal-Mart is truly my "one stop shop" as they say on the commercial! I know where everything is located. I have my routine down -- from saying "Hello" to the same doorman to turning left into McDonald's to get a large Diet Coke and then going back outside to get a cart. I then get a wipey and wipe off all the germs and take another left and head to the Health/Beauty department. I work my way back and over and end in the Produce Section.

Four weeks ago, I decided to try Glenda's coupon/circular strategy. Unfortunately, I found that Randall's had better deals on some things than Wal-Mart. I was going to have to change my routine!! Let me tell you that there were some pros and some cons that first Monday!

The first thing I noticed was how nice every Randall's employee was and how there was an employee around every corner! The meat man was giving me recipe ideas. The deli man was searching for the olive tapanade I wanted like he was going to purchase it for himself.

Then when I saw how much money I saved, I was ecstatic! Totally worth the one con...

Maneuvering in a new grocery store is painful!! I had NO idea where anything was located and it took me twice as long to get groceries because I had to keep going to opposite sides of the store to get something I had missed. Oh, how I longed for familiarity!

Each week I have returned to Randall's and each week gets easier. I would have to say that I do think I am saving money -- not sure how much yet because I think when you stock up on sale items one week and then stock up on other sale items the next it is hard to tell. Randall's has awesome meat sales so I have seen a huge help in that regard.

I do have to say that I think I know the true cause of why people become hoarders...they begin by stocking up on sale items! For example, my pantry has three boxes of Connor's cereal, my garage has three cases of water stacked in it and behind my trashcan is enough paper towels to last six months!

As I was making my grocery list for this week, I decided that yes, this was finally paying off because I only had a few items to fill my already overstocked pantry. So I decided to make a quick trip back to my Wal-Mart to pick up the few things.

Ahhh...my same doorman was waiting to greet me. My Diet Coke was calling my name and when I turned left and walked right to the toothpaste, I had to smile!

A Gentle Reminder

2010-11-05T14:06:00.003-05:00

When I wrote my blog yesterday, I was thinking about this week. It wasn't just yesterday that I was in a whirlwind; it was everyday. I remember looking at Chris Sunday or Monday night and telling him this week was going to be "the same stuff -- different day".

I wasn't mad or unhappy by the end of each day. I was kind of blah and tired. I didn't find much joy in the day nor did I see any in the day to come!

Monday through Thursday, I let my to-do lists and time table get in the way of one important thing...my morning quiet time. I had time for my quiet time today and guess what the subject was on?? The importance of starting each day with God no matter how busy we are or are going to be!!!

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there. Mark 1:35

This was the verse for today in the Journey devotional. It went on to say that of all people, Jesus had a busy schedule -- everyday -- and He knew He was on a tight timetable!! He knew, in all His humanity, that He had to draw His strength from God everyday before He could have a purpose-filled, productive day.

I don't know why; but, it still amazes me that God knows what I need to hear and when I need to hear it! I don't know if any of the other thousands of people who read through Journey were effected like I was. I do know that it was not a mistake for me to put in writing my whirlwind activity, to reflect on my mood all week, and then have this in print in front of me the day my to-do list was short!!

When will I learn that I can't accomplish ANYTHING with my own strength?? Thankfully God gently reminded me of my need for Him. We do have an awesome God!

Minute By Minute

2010-11-04T19:27:00.002-05:00

Car rider or bus....Guess how I decided how Colby would get to school today?

I looked at the calendar, saw what was scheduled for today and counted backwards -- minute by minute.

It seems that the majority of my days lately are spent going from one activity to the other. I like that. I don't want to change anything. I just sometimes get overwhelmed and wish I could make time stop. That minutes wouldn't tick by. That minutes weren't so important.

My feet hit the ground at 5:45 and every minute counted. Connor had to be at school at 6:45 and I had to drive him. I probably looked like the Tasmanian Devil whirling around getting breakfasts and lunches prepared, making sure notes were signed, reading logs logged, baseball clothes packed AND getting a shower and half my makeup on before 6:30. I got back in time to finish my makeup and hair before getting Colby up and fed and then we were in the car at 7:40 to get both of us to school on time. (Yes, he was car rider because taking the bus would have gotten him home 10 minutes too late this afternoon!)

I had library duty until 9:10 and then had three items to return to three different stores in three different locations. I knew I had to be at Connor's school for a conference with his counselor concerning his four-year high school plan (yikes!) at 2pm. Sounded like I had lots of time to shop around and enjoy a leisurely day. However, I found myself counting backwards again! "If I stay any longer in THIS store, I won't make it to THAT store and that is the store I came here for in the first place!" I was the Tasmanian Devil in Target, DSW, Old Navy and all over the mall!!

I made it to Connor's school five whole minutes early only to have the meeting go 10 minutes too long. Therefore, I was far back in car rider line to pick Colby up which made me get home five minutes later. Instead of having 20 minutes to regroup, we had 15 minutes! In the door, go through the backpack, grab homework, drinks and snacks and hit the road again!

All that counting backwards paid off when I got home at a normal hour and actually had time to make one of Connor's favorite dinners. Colby got to play with his friends on this gorgeous evening. Now they are bathed and upstairs chilling out getting ready to go to sleep and start over tomorrow!!

As for me, I see my schedule is completely free until 5:15pm tomorrow. I am sure I will be utterly bored by noon!

Uhhh...Excuse Me?!?

2010-10-31T17:30:00.002-05:00

Connor informing us what he did in Science class last week:

"After our test, we made babies."

A Toothy Jack

2010-10-30T17:29:00.004-05:00

I believe I have blogged before on the seriousness of pumpkin carving since I have been married to my sweet man!

When we were newly married and childless, he would bring out the Engineering graph paper, draw a unique jack-o-lantern's face and then make the drawing come to life on the pumpkin. We have had pumpkins with ears, pumpkins with eyes and noses. We have even had pumpkins with hair!

It should not have surprised me then that Chris's pumpkin artistry should be passed on to one of our children.

Colby came home from school yesterday. Searched "jack-o-lantern designs" on the internet and within five minutes had found the face he wanted on his this year.

This morning, he and Chris free-handed the picture onto the pumpkin and took two hours to create this masterpiece!

It is a perfect match...a smiley pumpkin for a smiley boy!

Mr. Fashionista

2010-10-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

It is Red Ribbon Week this week at school. Each day there is some silly thing to wear to make "Say No To Drugs" a little more fun.

Monday was Red Shirt Day.

Tuesday was Crazy Sock Day.

Wednesday was Sweats Day. (Although it WAS 90 degrees here on Wednesday!)

Today is Polka Dot Day.

Colby came to me last night to inform me that he wasn't going to participate today. "I just don't look good in polka dots."

Say Cheese!

2010-10-27T14:43:00.002-05:00

Pictures have always been a huge part of me.

I have a mother who has a camera attached to her hand! And, although we give her a hard time, we know we will always have a picture to remember whatever it is we are doing!

I have a husband who has lots of lenses and monopods and tripods and gadgets. He honestly could probably do a photography business on the side! He always seems to perfectly capture those sweet faces. When taking baseball pictures, he gets the ball and the bat and the dirt flying through the air!

I have kids who are usually willing to stop and pose and give me a goofy face.

I am the one who has close to 40 photo albums that tell the story of my life, Chris's life and each boys' life. i don't feel organized until I come home from a vacation and make an album using lots of photos and pamphlets and ticket stubs! Each year, I make an on-line album for each boy. It is an obsession I have and I am way behind!

Today I sat down with 500 pictures, scrapbook paraphernalia and brochures from our D.C. trip and began the long task of creating a tangible memory.

As I was going through the first day of our trip (yes, I am only on day 1 of our 10 day trip!! It isn't a hobby for the impatient!!), I realized the real reason I fret so much over getting an album done after every event. I do it because I love looking back and reliving those memories! I love taking that book in my hand and turning each page and remembering.

I know that I can pick up any of those 40 albums in my closets/shelves/chests and get lost in that time. I can remember the smell of that baby boy or the feel of the ocean air. I can hear the cheers after a safe slide into homeplate. I can remember the anticipation of opening a big wrapped box. I can remember the taste of that cupcake I had in D.C. I can remember the 108 degree weather that caused us to look like drowned rats in Williamsburg. I don't ever want to forget.

How Long 'Til Someone Notices?

2010-10-26T20:10:00.002-05:00

Apparently, four days... You-know-who brought it to my attention today! :) Thanks, honey for keeping me honest!

I am so close to the end of my 60 days and I plummeted!! I have racked my brain every day for something to blog about. There is just no creativity here lately!

In the past four days there were several things I could have blogged about:
*It was a baseball weekend (shocker, I know!).
*When eating in a booth in Wendy's, my foot started on fire. I brought it out to look at and it was covered in ants!
*I am working on several photo albums that I am behind on.
*I am wanting to purchase a Criket and be creative in other ways. Does anyone have any pros or cons for me on the Criket??
*Today was a good Bible Study with great life lessons from Joseph.
*The wind has been blowing so hard that pine needles have attacked! -- so much so that men were standing in the middle of Research Forest (a major road) with blowers trying to clean them up!

I think about these things and am just not inspired to expound on any of them. Period.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring some zing!

Don't Get Dressed In The Dark

2010-10-22T10:23:00.002-05:00

I have always done some form of exercise. I have never joined a gym or boot camp. The only time I exercised with other live people was in college when I took an aerobics class. I have never enjoyed jumping around and sweating in front of others! I feel that I am fortunate to have the willpower to put on some DVD and work out with the people on the OTHER side of the screen!

When I went home for a visit this summer, my mom and I walked three miles every day around her neighborhood. When I came home five pounds lighter (even after having all the comfort foods that say "Albuquerque"), I thought maybe this was a form of exercise I should take up!

Weeks passed and then a couple months passed and I still hadn't "walked among the people"! Mom came in late September and we decided to walk again. I even added an app to my phone to keep track of our progress. Last week, Chris and I walked and improved on mine and mom's time.

This morning I decided it was a beautiful morning and I should do this on my own. I sat out for my route, passed lots of people -- some I knew -- , smiled and said a cheery "Good Morning", even tried to improve my time by running in spurts here and there. When I got home I had improved my time! 3.03 miles in 46 minutes! I was feeling pretty impressed with myself.

I walked into the house and passed a mirror only to see that the gray shorts I had picked up off the closet floor in the dark this morning -- and still was wearing-- were smeared with yellow paint all over the rear!! Remembering all those people who had passed me on foot and in their cars had me turning red. I then reached into the waistband of those shorts to get the kleenex I had stashed there just in case and ... it was GONE!!

I am sure there is someone who will tell about this poor woman they passed today who had a yellow butt and a kleenex trailing behind her! Hmmm....at least I was friendly!

A Good Day

2010-10-20T14:53:00.003-05:00

Colby stayed home from school today. He has been fighting a bad cold -- no fever or running nose -- just a bad cough.

We ended up having a good day.

We cleaned out his closet (without ANY complaining on his part!); went to lunch; and, went to Target to get a birthday gift for his friend, his Halloween costume and start his Christmas/birthday list. Yes...I was one of THOSE moms that I give dirty looks to when I pass them and their coughing child in Target!!

He is such a fun kid and I love spending time with him. Who wouldn't love spending time with this face?!?

Bits and Pieces

2010-10-19T15:00:00.002-05:00

I heard a story today about a man in a old, beat-up row boat. He was fishing in a cove and looked up to see a beautiful, sleek yacht pass by. As the yacht passed him and his rickety vessel, he noticed the name on the back -- "Residual".

Evidently, this yacht owner had made some big bucks somewhere down the line to use his leftovers on such an elaborate toy!

I had to think twice about the word "residual". A residue makes me think of something slippery, slimy and gunky. A "residual effect" -- something negative coming from a bad decision.

We all have these "leftovers" from our past. They may haunt us. Satan uses the residual effects of bad decisions to make us feel guilty, angry, shameful. Satan makes "residual" feel like a bad word. He wants it to clog our hearts and minds and loose all hope, self-worth and joy.

Thankfully, "residual" has another definition: a situation following an event; payoff; impact. We Christians can cling to the residual bits and pieces left by Christ and what he did for us. The event of his death and resurrection and the residual effects of that are nothing but positive! The leftovers for us is forgiveness and eternal life! It is freedom from our past; hope for our future.

I may never have enough extra funds to buy a yacht; however, I know that my "Residual" is worth far more.

Brotherly Advice

2010-10-18T17:06:00.003-05:00

Connor got his phone taken away today at school.

According to him, he was JUST checking the date.

I have to say that I tend to believe him because in all the years that he has had his phone, it has never gotten taken away. The phone is "spending the night" in the front office of the school. I gave him some motherly advice: when you get it back tomorrow, don't be tempted to sit and check all the texts you have missed. In fact, put it deep into your backpack!"

Colby had another piece of advice...in the morning before school, look at the calendar and write down the date on a notecard!

I guess brotherly advice was on the schedule today because Connor had some brotherly advice for Colby too.

Colby was very excited to tell us about a boy in his class who pulled FOUR teeth today at school. I said, "Wow! The toothfairy will be busy tonight at his house!" Colby replied, "For some reason he threw them all in the trash!"

Connor piped up, winked at me and added his two sense. "You should have got them out of the trashcan and pulled a fast one over the toothfairy!"

Beyond Thrilled

2010-10-13T16:13:00.003-05:00

About two months ago, Chris got a promotion. He is a hard worker, dedicated to his job and to his company. He enjoys figuring out the most productive ways to make things work. He loves challenges. So this promotion was an awesome opportunity for him to conquer more challenges. The only drawback is the travel that accompanies the new position. He is responsible for 100 manufacturing plants located all over the world.

In the last 25 days, 15 of those have been spent in other countries. The same is in store for the next 25 days.

I am so thankful that he has this opportunity and that God has blessed me with a husband who provides for me and my boys more than we need or deserve. But, the single-mom syndrome gets old some days. I have to stop and laugh because my busiest time of day is still when Chris is at work. So, it's not like him being in the country is any different on my taxi services! For me, it is the emotional and physical presence when I get home from running the boys around. I need to see him and hug him!

He has been gone for the past 8 days -- Amsterdam, Norway, Vienna, Cyprus, Italy. He was supposed to be in France today. Thankfully, the French airlines are fussing about something and it would have been a wasted trip for him to go. So, he will be home earlier than planned! In fact, I am typing this while trying to kill some time before heading to the airport! Needless to say, I love the French right now!

They say "absence makes the heart grow fonder". I believe that is true. I have learned to cherish our time at home together much more than I used to. As challenging as this transition could be, I am thankful for the "togetherness" that has happened in our relationship. It is "intoxicating"!

I love this man!

A Cheap Lunch??

2010-10-12T14:41:00.003-05:00

I had an hour to kill around lunch time today.

After going over our spending habits last night, I decided we need to be a little more thrifty about some things. In order to help my budget cause, I decided I would head to Sam's Club and eat a huge piece of pepperoni pizza and wash it down with a mega Diet Coke -- all for the budget-conscious $2.68 (yes, that includes tax!!)

I still had a few minutes to spare so I decided to walk around and peruse the merchandise. I ended up at the ladies clothes and noticed that they had Lucky Jeans for $16.99!!! That was amazing! I started searching through the stacks like I didn't have a single pair of jeans in my closet -- unfortunately, they were all a size 0! Well...I somehow forgot about saving money and started searching through the great deals that Sam's has to offer. I have learned that if you don't buy it when you see it, it will be gone the next time! ...I ended up with a pair of yoga pants and tank top.

I did get one thing I needed...I shouldn't need paper towels for the rest of the year!

So...in the end, my $2.68 lunch ended up costing $45 instead! I think I just need to stay home so I won't spend any money!

It Happened....

2010-10-11T14:45:00.005-05:00

Just like I predicted last week...

The only thing that is remotely like Fall here in Houston are the decorations!!

Pesky Critters

2010-10-09T21:39:00.003-05:00

We have lots of trees. In fact, when we moved in there were 57 trees in the backyard alone. We built our pool and had to cut down 20 trees, leaving 37 -- which is still a LOT!

I have always enjoyed the squirrels that call our yard "home". They are fun to watch as they chase each other around the yard and across the trees and build their nests and collect their nuts.

After Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike, we even nursed baby squirrels that had fallen out of the trees.

After a long week and not needing to be anywhere until 3:00 today, I was looking forward to sleeping in. At 7:45, I was awakened by a thunderous sound! It had to have been a HERD of squirrels running on the roof right above my bedroom.

Running, running, running, BANG....silence!

Colby comes running into my room. "Mom, there is a dead squirrel on the glass table on the patio. He is laying like this." He proceeded to get in the fetal position.

Oh man! Poor squirrel was playing chase on the roof and must have slipped!

It seems I have animal issues whenever Chris is gone. So, in the few short seconds it took for me to process the fact that a dead squirrel was on my table, I decided that my poor neighbor would be getting a call to come and get it off of there!!

Colby decided to go take another look ... and the squirrel was gone! Hallelujah!! He was resurrected and I didn't have to call Brad!!!

After a while of lying there, I decided that I should do something productive. It was a beautiful morning so I went to pull weeds out of the flower beds. Our front yard has a big oak tree in the front flower bed with a big squirrel nest in it. As I was bending over pulling weeds, nuts started raining down on my head.

"What the heck?"

I look up and there is a squirrel throwing nuts down at me!

I gave up. This day was going to the squirrels!!

Parenting Child # Two

2010-10-07T21:25:00.005-05:00

As the firstborn, I always thought that I got the raw end of the deal. I had to wait for a certain age to wear makeup, get my ears pierced or shave my legs. I still say my little sister got to shave before she should have!!

I am finding that I truly am harder on my firstborn. (Connor reads this blog so I am risking a lot by admitting this!)

Connor is a social butterfly and likes to talk. Every October from kindergarten until about sixth grade, I would get a call from his teacher telling me he is talking too much and is disturbing the class. He would no doubt be disciplined--usually grounded from something that he thought he might die from a lack of! But then he straightened up and I wouldn't get a call until the next October!

Colby has always been my shy, quiet one...until this year! We are about seven weeks into school and he has brought home several notes from teachers saying he is sweet but is talking too much and being disruptive. He has even had to sit out of a few recesses as a result.

Have I grounded him? No. I just can't believe he is not going to start behaving properly.

After having to sit out of recess AGAIN this week, I proceeded to ask him the following morning before school if he was going to have to sit out of recess that day. He looked up at me and with the most sincere look said, "Well, not yet mom."

Guess I need to find out what he thinks he might die from a lack of!!

Family

2010-10-06T19:18:00.006-05:00

I love being organized. This includes all the pictures that we take in a year. Each boy has an album for each year of their lives (of which I am a year behind on). After each vacation, I also make an album.

Last night, I stayed up way past my bedtime going through pictures from this year and began the first step toward checking off "Albums" on my To Do List!

It's not often that we get a full four-person family picture. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorites that we were able to capture and scatter in a few other ones of my silly family!

Trying to get a picture of the family in front of the Washington Monument!
Having fun in D.C.

And, if we ever become a singing group, we can use one of these for our album cover! :)

Muah!

Salutations

2010-10-05T20:21:00.003-05:00

Saying "goodbye" is a hard thing to do.

Unfortunately, I have to say "goodbye" a lot.

The only good thing I can think of when saying "goodbye" is that "hello" will be the next thing I get to say.

A Silly Story

2010-10-04T14:27:00.005-05:00

The bathroom situation in Canton leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, one of the bigger ones that didn't have lines actually has shower curtains as doors and the stalls are so short you can see your "neighbors" as you "do your thing"!! I tried my hardest to keep the shower curtain closed and keep my balance, etc. I am a quite modest person. However, I decided to throw caution to the wind and let it all hang out -- literally!

When I got home, this story was forwarded to me and I thought--"How appropriate!"

Then, yesterday, at the baseball field, this story came back to mind as the restrooms fit some aspects of it as well.

All this to say, it is HARD being a woman. And, I am so thankful I had boys. I would HATE to have to deal with this with a little girl!

When you have to visit a public toilet you usually find a line of women, so
you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for
feet under the cubicle doors.

Every cubicle is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman
leaving the cubicle. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't
matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants!

The dispenser for the modern 'seat covers' (invented by someone's Mum, no
doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your bag on the door hook, if
there was one, so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mum
would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!) down with your
pants and assume ' The Stance.

In this position, your aging, toneless, thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd
love to sit down, but having not taken time to wipe the seat or to lay
toilet paper on it, you hold 'The Stance.'

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover
to be the empty toilet paper dispenser.
In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, 'Dear, if you had
tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!'
Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one
that's still in your bag (the bag around your neck, that now you have to
hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have
to do, so you crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller
than your thumbnail.

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work.

The door hits your bag, which is hanging around your neck in front of your
chest and you and your bag topple backward against the tank of the toilet.

'Occupied!' you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious,
tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, while losing your footing
altogether and sliding down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of
course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare
bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the
uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was
any, even if you had taken time to try.

You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because
you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because,
frankly, dear, 'You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused
that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the
inside of the bowl and spraying a fine mist of water that covers your bum
and runs down your legs and into your shoes.

The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force and you grab onto
the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet
toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a sweet wrapper you
found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the taps with the automatic sensors, so
you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line
of women still waiting

You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very
end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe.
(Where was that when you NEEDED it?)

You yank the paper from your shoe, plonk it in the woman's hand and tell her
warmly, 'Here, you just might need this.

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used and left
the men's toilet. Annoyed, he asks, 'What took you so long and why is your
bag hanging around your neck?

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with any public toilets It
finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also
answers that other commonly asked question about why women go to the toilets
in pairs. It's so the other girl can hold the door, hang onto your bag and
hand you Kleenex under the door.

Blessed

2010-10-03T11:50:00.002-05:00

I got back from Canton late last night.

My boys met me in the garage as soon as they heard me pulling in. They were smiling and waving and happy to see me.

They helped me unload my treasures. They watched and listened as I unwrapped and told about what I bought. They were genuinely interested -- event though nothing was for them!

I spent two fun-filled days with my closest "women folk"! My mom, sister, nieces and girlfriend. I rarely do Girl's Nights Out because I love being at home with my boys. But, once a year, I do this Canton trip and have a blast! We eat, laugh, and shop. We are silly. It is a nice change from normal.

But, when I come home to two sons who want to know about everything I did and who want to tell me about their days while I was gone and to a husband who is so sweet and loving and happy that I went and had a fun weekend and I retell the funny stories and fun times I had with my girls...I realize I Am Blessed!

Sixth Sense

2010-09-29T16:55:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had a feeling like something you are about to do is just not right? I woke up this morning and my sixth sense was in full bloom.

The past few years, my mom, sister and I meet in Canton, TX to go to the Trade Days and shop 'til we drop! Since my mom's Stem Cell Transplant three years ago, this has become how the three of us "celebrate" her second birth! We have a great time together shopping, eating, laughing. In fact, I can't believe it has been a year since I posted about our last trip and how we closed the place down on Saturday in the pouring rain while carrying more than our arms were capable of and all needing to use the bathroom. We just had to stop and laugh!

Mom flew in yesterday (hence, the day-off of posting on the blog!). She and I and my BFF are heading to Canton tomorrow and my sister and her two girls are meeting us there on Friday.

For some reason, I am the "travel agent" of the family. We all meet for Thanksgiving also and I am usually the one who makes all the arrangements. Canton is no different and I have to say that "so far, so good" on the places we have stayed and eaten at.

A few months ago, I made reservations for all of us for Canton. We normally stay in Tyler, which is a 45 minute drive to Canton. Thinking that we should save about 15 minutes, I made reservations in a small town that no one had heard of. I didn't think about the hotel again...UNTIL this morning! That's when my sixth sense kicked in.

When I made the reservations, I had gone to the hotel website and read the reviews. Yes, it was a small town and yes, it wasn't the Ritz; but, it was closer and would be fine.

I went to the website today and read more reviews and realized that this "hotel" was definitely not the Ritz...it was closer to the Roach Motel. Let me just say that after reading the reviews, there was no way I was going to take a shower, lie in their beds OR walk on their carpets!

Canton Trade Days are a HUGE deal and I was pleased to get our rooms a few months ago. How in the world was I going to find rooms the night before we were going?!? My successful travel agent days were in jeopardy!! I decided right off the bat that we needed to drive the extra 15 minutes and stay in the metropolis of Tyler! I began calling hotels. No vacancy. No vacancy. And, then, JACKPOT!! Yes, we have two rooms available! And, let me get you a special rate! YES!!

My sixth sense has been very relieved all day. Hopefully, it is still working and we aren't now headed to the Bates Motel!!

A Hint Of Fall

2010-09-27T14:36:00.004-05:00

When I opened the door for Connor to catch the bus this morning, I thought I might freeze! Now, granted, it was probably in the low 60's...but, to me that IS freezing!!

Nothing gets me in the mood for Fall like a crispness in the air. Fall is my most favorite season...

My birthday is in the Fall;

the Fall starts all of the big, fun holidays of the year;

while growing up, Fall meant going to the State Fair and eating junk food, riding rides, and rodeos;

hot air balloons fill the Albuquerque sky in the Fall;

the leaves change to all shades of brilliant colors;

my makeup doesn't melt off my face in the Fall;

I get to change my wardrobe from shorts to jeans!

Living in Houston makes it a toss-up on how long my Fall may be. In fact, today may be it! It is not unusual for us to have a few beautiful days and then for the temperature to spike into the 90's again! There is nothing that makes me more frustrated than pouring sweat while hanging up Fall wreaths and setting out pumpkins! I have even decorated our Christmas tree in shorts before!

The only downside I see of Fall is all the leaves and needles that collect in our pool. The pool causes more work in the Fall than any other time of year. However, this afternoon while I was emptying skimmer baskets and hauling leaves out with the net, I began wondering why God made different seasons. Did He really think through the fact that people may not WANT to be hot or cold their entire lives? That we would like some variety in our year? I know He probably didn't do it so my makeup wouldn't melt anymore!

He made the seasons in the beginning.

Genesis 1:14

And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years,"

He had a plan. Maybe He did think, "One day Davedda is going to question My reasoning for seasons in a blog."

Of course, there are SO many things that I wonder about. But He is God and He doesn't have to tell us His reasoning! We just get to reap the benefits of His power and abilities. And, I get to pull out my comfy sweaters!

Whatever reason He had for seasons, I am thankful He did. Because I know that come December 21, I'll be ready for Summer again!

When Did I Become One Of THOSE Moms?

2010-09-26T22:13:00.003-05:00

Fall baseball is in full swing. Colby started playing last weekend. Connor had his first tournament this weekend.

We have been playing baseball in the Marshall family since Connor was 3. I have always been his strongest supporter and even if he didn't play to his fullest potential, I would tell him he did a great job -- or at least looked good doing it!

After Connor's first game this morning, we went and ate some lunch. We were discussing some plays he had made -- one of which he bobbled the ball and didn't catch it but did recover in time to get a guy out at second base. Chris asked what happened and Connor explained and said that at least he got the guy out at second and Chris agreed with him. Without missing a beat or even thinking about what I was about to say, I said, "Yeah. But if you had caught that ball you would have had a double play!"

I guess I've become a REAL baseball mom!

2010-09-26T00:15:00.005-05:00

Today is my birthday...well actually it is past midnight, so I guess yesterday was my birthday.

I spent all day with my three most favorite people in the world.

We had lots of fun!!

The Greatest Gift

2010-09-24T09:29:00.002-05:00

Last night I was on the phone with Chris when Colby comes in my room crying. He had been in bed for about 30 minutes and does have this habit of coming downstairs after about an hour of being in bed crying over some nightmare. I told Chris to hold on and asked Colby what was wrong.

"I want to be baptized," he sobbed.

I told Chris I'd call him back!

Colby has such a sweet, gentle spirit. He is a sensitive boy who wears his heart on his sleeve. We sat on the edge of my bed and I asked him why he wanted to be baptized. We talked for a little bit and I prayed for him and then asked him if he wanted to pray and ask God to come into his heart. He nodded yes and started praying. That has to be the most heart-filling sweetness a Christian parent experiences.

After he was done, we sat there for a few more minutes and he looked up at me and said, "Can I pray one more time just to make sure?"

I am so thankful for what God has done in our family in the recent months. I am so thankful that God has given me the family that He has. I am so thankful for a husband who is a believer. I am thankful for both of my sons being my brothers-in-Christ. I am thankful that all four of us will be together forever and ever!

A Theme

2010-09-23T07:45:00.004-05:00

I am sensing a theme to my spiritual life lately.

PRAYER.

This school year, I have joined two prayer groups -- one for each of my sons' schools; I have purchased a book on prayer that came highly recommended by my sister; and this week, my daily devotions have all been about prayer.

I have been surprised by the new things I have learned on prayer. Not that I am all that when it comes to spiritual matters -- but I was raised in a Christian home, went to a Christian school my whole life and have been involved in church forever! I thought praying was the easy part!

Mom's In Touch has opened my eyes on praying scripture. Many scriptures were written as praise and worship to God so this is a great tool to use when just coming before Him and thanking Him for His awesomeness! It is also a very moving way to pray over your child.

Even the format Mom's In Touch uses was new to me. Yes, I have been taught that we need to confess sins before God can hear us; but, they have taught me the importance of praising God and thanking Him for who He is and what He has done. This has helped put the focus on Him rather than my "want or need" at the moment. Oh, I still have those"popcorn" prayers throughout the day when I think of something that I am worried about or forgot to pray about. But, I can say my morning quiet time has been enriched with my new "prayer knowledge"!

One of the things I do everyday is the daily devotion out of the Journey magazine. Like I stated, this last week has been on prayer. Several things have really opened my eyes...

Sometimes, what is stressing me out seems so silly in comparison to what someone else is facing. For example, when I get frustrated because my boys won't clean up the gameroom or hang up their clean clothes I don't think God cares to listen to that so I don't go to Him. I think that someone else may be praying that their child were healthy enough to make the mess in the first place so what right do I have to come to God with my immaturity!! But, one devotion taught me that I must remember something very significant about the character of God: If it concerns us, then it's important to Him. He offers us rest -- even from the daily grind of life. He can provide that rest when I come to Him and lay my heart before Him.

The most amazing thing about prayer that I have learned this week is that God wants us to pray specifically, intensely and persistently. Wow. Really?

I have always had the idea that God already knows my heart and its burdens and I shouldn't "bother" Him with things. Maybe this comes from being a mom. If my boys tell me or ask me something one time, I don't want to hear it EVERYDAY from them! God is busy, right? He is all-knowing, right? I shouldn't have to repeat things that are on my heart everyday. He probably gets tired of hearing my same requests!

Not so.

Even Jesus offered "prayers and appeals, with loud cries and tears." There is something about our deep desperation and stubborn persistence that moves God to take action.

In another devotion, it states that lots happens when I pray persistently. My faith gets clearer. God may help me readjust my requests until it fits His will. I will start seeing through His eyes and ask for what's on His heart. I grow closer to Him.

God has designed us for long, in-depth conversations with Him. He created us because He wanted fellowship! The most awesome thing is that God is the BEST best friend you can ever have. He pays attention to everything about you. He listens completely and remembers! He does care about whether your kids clothes are hung up!!

We all need to pray like we are talking to someone who really cares, who is moved by what's in our heart, and (the greatest thing) who will and can do something about it!

Thirty Down

2010-09-22T15:13:00.002-05:00

ATTENTION!!

Day 30!!! I am half-way to meeting my 60-day challenge!!!

I'm just saying! :)

Then VS. Now

2010-09-21T20:08:00.002-05:00

I can almost guarantee that at the beginning of every school year, one of my boys will have an assignment about themselves. It might be to tell about their life, their summer, or their family.

This year, the fourth graders had an interviewing project. The first criteria was that the interviewee needed to be at least 55 years old. Colby chose Chris's parents. We e-mailed the questions to them and Colby asked with every new e-mail if they had responded!

A few days later, the answers came and Colby was eager to get his project done. He took the answers to the table and was quiet for a long time. After reading through the answers Colby came up to me and said, "Wow, Popcycle had an interesting life!"

My father-in-law was born in a small town in Arkansas -- in his home, not a hospital. He lived on a farm and fed animals, brought in wood for their kitchen stove, brought water inside from the well. His best friend was his brother and they didn't have lots of toys, creating games themselves instead. So, you can imagine that I was interested in hearing what this 21st century kid would be amazed at with his grandfather's childhood.

With complete sincerity, he said, "Mom, Popcycle doesn't remember eating in one single restaurant when he was my age!"

Yep, that's my boy!!

A Full Palate

2010-09-20T13:05:00.002-05:00

OK. So here is the last installment of my Beth Moore simulcast! I don't mean to sound "preachy"; but, I believe what she taught on is so relevant to ME and to women and to the general population as a whole. Kindness is not just being nice! Kindness has many faucets!! Kindness can change the world!!!

5. Kindness is a Savior.

Kindness took on flesh to dwell among us. There was and never will be someone here on Earth kinder than Jesus. Period!

Beth asked us if we had lost our wonder of Jesus? She showed us a picture of a little girl who had been surprised with a gift of a goldfish. Her eyes were wide and her lips were in a circle as if she were saying, "OHHH!" You could see she loved her gift and wasn't expecting it. She was taken aback with how awesome it was! Am I like that when God reveals something to me?? (Ouch! AGAIN)!!

6. Kindness has good memory.

Psalm 106:7

When our fathers were in Egypt,

they gave no thought to your miracles;

they did not remember your many kindnesses,

and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.

When we cease to live without kindness, we have forgotten how good God has been to us. We must REMEMBER!

7. Kindness craves an outlet.

In II Samuel 9:1, David wanted to know if there was anyone left in the house of Saul that he could show kindness to for Jonathan's sake.

Is there anyone I can show kindness to? Is there someone I can bring true profit to?

Yes. There is always someone!

I donate lots of things throughout the year. However, I tend to leave the sack by the front door and let an organization hand them out. Maybe I could find an actual person in need and take them my things...

8. Kindness leaves a legacy.

Acts 28:1-2

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

The Greek word used in the phrase "unusual kindness" in verse 2 is the word meaning "philanthropy." There has been a recent study on how countries around the world rate in their charitable donations. Australia and New Zealand are #1 and #2. The U.S. is #5. It was found that 83% of Maltans still give to charities today. They were "unusually kind" in Jesus' day and have continued that path.

However, it only takes one generation to drop to its knees and ask God to let it start now -- to start with me.

Our culture is breeding self-absorption.

If our children turn out kind in this world today, it will not be by accident! It will be because we have pressed on toward the goal of kindness. That we have lived it out in front of them. That we love our Savior and have taught them to love Him too!

WOW!

The First Four Tastes

2010-09-19T21:17:00.003-05:00

As promised...per Beth Moore...Tastes of Kindness:

I am only going to give the first four tastes of kindness. I want those of you who read this to not be overwhelmed. Think about these ideas. They are little nuggets of gold!

1. Kindness is not a weakness.

*It takes divine empowerment to be kind in this mean world.

Luke 6:35

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful."

Beth said that if in the last week, you haven't run across someone who it is hard to be kind to, then you are not getting out enough! It is time to head to the mall!! When we have to deal with unkind people is when we show we are His children.

This was the first "Ouch" point for me. Lately, I find myself staying at home. I just don't feel like dealing with anyone or anything. I always find some reason not to get out. I feel too tired to deal! Is the reality that I do not feel like being kind?? Guess I need to head to the mall more often!! :)

Beth also gave the difference between "kindness" and "being nice". (Another "ouch" point for me).

Kindness is being fully aware of the ungratefulness and wickedness in the world and making a decision to be kind.

"Nice" is from the Latin word "necius" meaning "ignorant", "not-knowing". In essence, if you can be nice, you're an idiot!

Wow! I find it easy to put a smile on my face and "pretend". That makes me nice, not kind...

She also pointed out that kindness is capable of speaking a hard word.

Psalm 141:5

"Let a righteous man strike me -- it is a kindness;

let him rebuke me -- it is oil on my head.

My head will not refuse it."

This is a great concept for parents who don't like to discipline their children. You can still be kind -- in fact, you ARE being kind when you discipline your child. Train them now in the way they should go and when they are old they will not turn from it!!

2. Kindness is not an action. It is a disposition.

The adjective word "kind" in Greek is defined as "profitable, fit, good for any use, good-natured".

You need JOY to be kind.

The noun word "kind" in Greek is defined as "the grace which pervades the whole nature."

Again, because kindness is a disposition, it cannot be faked.

3. Kindness wears down when we do.

DING, DING, DING!!! This has my name all over it!!

This is the work of the enemy! He wears us down!

It is easy to know when our hearts are broken, but not when our hearts get warn down.

What are some things that wear us down?

*resentment

*hatred

*jealousy

*pressure

*bitterness

*being sick of the rat race

What do I need to do when I am worn down?

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Any time we are worn down, we need to be built up -- our spirit, not our egos!!

God also uses other believers to help build us up. We need to be vulnerable, transparent. This will produce accountability!

4. Kindness looks pain in the face.

Job 6:28

"But now be so kind as to look at me. Would I lie to your face?"

Don't look away from someone in pain.

In Titus 3:4-5, it says, "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." The Greek word used for "love" in verse 4 is "philanthropia" or philanthropy - "lover of mankind; lover of humanity". Our culture is trying to take "God" out of philanthropy! The ability to love and give to mankind cannot be found in ourselves. We need God.

Kindness is not an easy thing to be. But, it is so important for us to be kind. I am going to work harder at it!!

Women and Kindness

2010-09-18T18:49:00.002-05:00

Beth Moore is one of my most favorite people! She is a brilliant Bible teacher teaching God's Word in a straight-forward, funny, life-changing way. She is a normal woman who has the same trials and tribulations as any other woman and uses those to touch her "students".

Today I spent the day at the Living Proof Live Simulcast. Beth was in Chicago and was simulcast to over 125,000 women of 20 different denominations in 11 countries. She is so on fire for God and even though she was on a big screen, her excitement was catching!

The theme of the day was "Law of Kindness".

Proverbs 31:26 was the key verse:

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

Why study the law of kindness? Beth gave two reasons.

Reason 1: Because we live in a mean world. And, it is only going to get meaner!

*We need to protect the warmth of our hearts so we don't get mean also.

Reason 2: Because she "openeth her mouth"!

*A study was done that showed a woman speaks 20,000 words a day compared to a man's 7,000 words a day.

*As proof that women talk a lot, Beth pointed out the Jesus DID appear to women first after His resurrection because He knew women would spread the way!!

Women are teachers whether by example or by position. We touch people of all ages.

We are also published authors -- whether we blog, comment on a blog, Facebook, text, e-mail or tweet! And, scarily, we don't have editors to tell us a comment is not appropriate! God needs to be my editor! We need to think: am I lifting up Jesus?; am I building someone up?; or, am I stating my opinion to make myself look smarter or better than the other person?

It is inevitable that women are going to open their mouths. Luke 6:45 says, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." When our hearts are full, something has to come out. What will it be? Unfortunately, what comes out can not be put back in!

Beth gave eight Tastes of Kindness. I am going to dangle those in front of you until I blog tomorrow! Let me just say that a few of them made me go "Ouch!"

What To Do When Your Bucket List Is Finished

2010-09-17T09:32:00.005-05:00

Chris and I love to travel. We love to experience the culture, not just be a "tourist".

Because of his job, Chris has LOTS of opportunities to travel the world -- in fact, he is heading to Canada next week and then in a few weeks going to London, Cyprus, France and Italy! UGH!!! I will keep holding out for eight more years when I can go with him!

When our boys were little, we had a "bucket list" of vacations we absolutely wanted to take them on before they left home.

Hawaii

DisneyWorld

New York

Mount Rushmore

Yellowstone

Washington D.C.

England

As of this August, we have completed all of those except for England. Chris and I went there about four years ago and think that they would really love the castles and history of the country.

While in Albuquerque this summer, my cousin who lives in Australia was visiting also. I hadn't seen him in probably 10 years. He is married to a sweet Aussie girl. Daniel told us all about Australia and Connor hung on every word. Daniel loves to surf, his father-in-law has a big boat, there are poisonous snakes and spiders...you know, everything a boy likes!

Last week, Connor and I were discussing where we should go this next summer since most of our "have-to's" were finished. He informed me that we will be going to Australia. That is on HIS "has-to" list!

On MY list to do with the kids before they are no longer living with us besides England is an African Safari!

Colby wants to do DisneyWorld again.

Hmmm...looks like Chris needs to keep traveling the world to support our "New Bucket List"!!

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

2010-09-16T13:37:00.003-05:00

Twenty-four days ago, I began a challenge from my husband...blog for 60 straight days.

No one questioned the idea until a friend of mine said she told her husband about it and he asked "Why?" (So, "Thanks, Scot for giving me a blogging idea!!")

I have a husband who is so encouraging and makes me feel like I am good at things even when I don't necessarily think I am.

I began blogging a few years ago. I did it as a way to "help out" my horrible memory. It was going to be a way to let our family get a glimpse into our everyday lives and a way for me to go back and say, "Oh, yeah. I forgot about that!" As a result 99% of my blogs are of something my boys have done. There weren't many posts that were very thought provoking.

I graduated from college with a Journalism degree. I haven't really used that degree; but, do still enjoy the process of writing. I guess that was what drew me to blogging in the first place.

As the time has gone by, my posts have gone from 3-4 a week to 1 a week to 1 a month! My avid fan would check it everyday and come home and ask why I hadn't blogged. He even got to the point where he didn't ask anymore.

So...he came home one day and challenged me. (See, after yesterday's post that proves I like a challenge!) He told me that after I blog for 60 days, it should be a habit and I will continue long after my 60 days are up! Sneaky of him, huh?!? In 24 days, I have only missed one day -- but I made up for it by posting TWO posts the next day. I will not loose this challenge. (That is why some days are pretty sketchy!!)

After blogging for a few days, Chris then went a little further and told me I need to not stress about what to blog about. I should look around and when something intrigues me, write about it. I have tried that the last couple of weeks. Kind of a "digging deeper" into myself. I have to admit that it is refreshing and exciting--but still stressful.

My blog is now emerging as a daily diary of sorts as well. It feels good. I am, crazily enough, learning more about myself. I don't know if I will blog EVERY DAY after my 60 day challenge; but, I do hope that I will take time to look at something like the "Sand" or a "Door" and write out my thoughts a little more often. Maybe my blog will actually help my boys look back one day and remember me.

Every Time Is The "Such" Time

2010-09-15T14:10:00.004-05:00

Esther 4:14b

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

Esther was an amazing woman. She went from being a somewhat "normal" girl to a queen. And God put her there to help Him save the whole Jewish nation! She questioned Him. She felt inadequate. She was scared and unsure. Yet she obeyed.

Can you imagine how she felt when she became queen? Waited on hand and foot. Anything at her bidding. But, I bet she got really bored!

I am at such a time as this now...I am bored.

For the past 14 years, I have been a mom. When Connor was born, I threw myself into him. We would play on the floor with tractors all day or read a pile of books or go on some outing. He was my focus. Then Colby came along and I started all over again.

My boys are at a pretty independent age now. They don't want to play tractors anymore or snuggle on the couch with a pile of books. There are some mornings when I am turning the channel on the TV and I pass Blue's Clues or Thomas the Tank and I get verclempt!

Don't get me wrong, I am always ready for school to start! But, I do wish that I had appreciated those toddler years a bit more. (As I was rereading that previous statement, it occurred to me that is true of every stage of life and I need to appreciate the right now also.)

My husband has fully supported my being a stay-at-home mom and, I feel, has given me the honorary title of "Queen". He has never made me feel like I need to get a job or put me on any sort of "allowance". He never tells me that he is unsatisfied with how the house looks, or laundry feels, or meals taste. But, he knows that I am antsy. He has suggested that I find something -- job or volunteer -- that gets me out among the people. The interesting thing is that I have booked my calendar with Bible Studies, prayer groups, and volunteering at school. Finding time to clean my house, do the laundry or even blog is getting harder as the school year progresses. However, I am still antsy.

I am a couple of years (oh, OK, one year) from turning 40. And, I guess some days I wonder what I am going to be when I grow up! It's a little silly because I know that my calling was and is to be a wife and mom and I wouldn't change that for the world. But at some time the mom role is going to change. And I need to be ready for such a time as this when that happens.

This is one of the two blogs I wrote yesterday and felt needed lots of "tweaking". Maybe I was in a "Woe is Me" moment -- I definitely wasn't bored yesterday. I ran all day long. Today I needed to make a doctors appointment for Connor and while looking at my calendar, I was amazed at how full the next two weeks are.

I do think my main problem is that I need a challenge. Having babies was challenging. Raising toddlers was challenging! Moving nine times in 11 years was challenging. I just hope I can find that challenge before I build a whole ant colony from my antsy-ness!!

I took Beth Moore's "Esther" Bible Study -- which I highly recommend -- last year. Beth believes the main theme of Esther is: "What God can do when we resolve to obey and if I perish, I perish." Maybe what I need to do is be still and listen. Then I need to obey. And if I perish from God's challenge, then I perish. Esther didn't perish; she flourished and saved a nation. Yes, I need to get ready for my next "such" time.

Don't Even Know What To Say

2010-09-14T21:51:00.003-05:00

So, today I promised I would have a great blog.

Well...I have written TWO blogs today; but, neither are great so I'm not posting either one!

I think I jinxed myself!

So, tomorrow, I will have a mediocre blog. :)

Hmmm...

2010-09-13T21:01:00.002-05:00

Blogging every day is HARD!!

I read a few blogs of ladies that blog every day. Of course, one of them gives "Deals Around Town"; another one homeschools and cooks and lives on a farm -- she has lots of daily stories; and two others blog every day and if they don't have anything to blog about, they take pictures of the food they bought at the grocery store that day...

I did go to the grocery store today; but, I didn't figure anyone cares what I purchased for my family this week!

Anyway, I have NO idea what to say. (And, yes, Chris, this blog does count toward my 60!!)

I'll work harder tomorrow! :)

Different Types of Genes

2010-09-12T18:04:00.002-05:00

I am always amazed how children that come from the same two parents can be so different. Same DNA, right?

Take my sister and I for instance. Pretty much complete opposites. She has four children under 9-years-old and would have many more. She home schools three of them. She has the patience of Job. Me -- two kids are plenty, I can barely do homework with my boys, and I have no patience! There are enough differences in us that my mom often says, "I know they are sisters because I was in the room when both of them were born!"

As my boys get older, I am seeing more and more differences between them. Connor has always been strong-willed; Colby is more laid back. Connor is very competitive; Colby is not as much. Connor is all about English and History; Colby loves Math and Science.

Colby also is interested in art. In fact, when we were in Washington, D.C., he really wanted to go to at least one art museum. This picture tells the difference between our boys and their love of art.

Colby would go around the room looking carefully at each art piece. Connor would plop down on the couch and get out his phone to text a friend!

Colby has become quite a little artist. Back in May, I blogged about him "winning" a spot in his school district's art show. About 15 students' art work were picked from each school to be displayed for the year. In fact, we hadn't gotten to see his piece until today. We received a formal invitation inviting us to an Open House to view the art pieces on display at the Administration Offices.

Halls and halls of pictures from students in kindergarten through 12th grade were framed and hanging for us to view. We searched and finally found it!

This is ' "Meet" Eater '. Colby's first masterpiece!

Maybe one day, I will be able to take a picture of my son looking at his masterpiece in the Smithsonian Museum of Art!

Con #1

2010-09-12T13:40:00.002-05:00

Well...my loyal readers noticed that I didn't post yesterday. So, here it is...

I spent the day floating in the pool while my boys worked in the yard. :)

We then took both boys to two different friends' houses to spend the night. Yes, Chris and I were alone all night long at our own home!! We don't get that often. In fact, we have maybe had three nights like that ever! We do go on getaways when we can; but, there is something about being alone in your own house.

Chris made reservations at our favorite sushi place. While sitting there maneuvering our chopsticks, we decided to be wild and crazy and go see a movie after dinner! Inception was a great movie -- but a long movie! It wasn't over until 10:15! We had gone to see Dave Matthews Band on Friday night , which meant we didn't get home Friday night until 11:30! We were definitely feeling our age after two late nights!!

Driving back home last night I told Chris that I wished we could have a night away every weekend. It then occurred to me that that is exactly what MY parents got when my sister and I were growing up. Danette and I thought we were so lucky to get to spend Saturday nights with our grandparents. We would go get some kind of fast food and come back home and watch Hee Haw, The Lawrence Welk Show and Love Boat! We'd get to sleep in the living room on the fold-out couch and ride in the church bus with Grandpa on Sunday morning!

Now that I am a parent, I realize that it was my parents who were the lucky ones! Having both sets of grandparents in the same town made it almost a guarantee of a night away every weekend!

Yep, living 900 miles away from grandparents is definitely Con #1 on my list!!

Your Door

2010-09-10T12:39:00.004-05:00

While we were in Albuquerque in August, we visited Las Golondrinas. Las Golondrinas is celebrating it's 300th anniversary this year. It was a stopping place on the El Camino Real, or the Royal Road to Mexico City.

This door is close to 300 years old and it is beautiful! When I saw it, I thought, "Wow! That is a beautiful door!" The intricate carving, the gorgeous wood. I would love to have a front door like this on my home.

I found a good quote about front doors: The front door is an expression of the personality of the owners of the home.

On our street, there are different kinds of front doors. Most are wooden -- some are nicely varnished and kept clean, others are weathered-looking because of the sun, and others have glass that allow you to see into the soul of the house.

In China, a red door is the same as a welcome mat. It symbolizes luck. In early America, travelers would look for a red door as a sign of welcome and safety. In Scotland, people painted their doors red to indicate they had paid off a mortgage!

In the Indian culture, a door was painted blue to ward off bad spirits. Chinese Fung Shui uses blue for those homes who want to send off a calm, soothing and prosperous feel.

Green represents people who are carefree and enjoy life. In China, a green door symbolizes the life cycle and growth.

If your door faces northeast, northwest or southwest, Fung Shui recommends painting it yellow to channel positive energy.

I have become enamored with doors. One of the new trends in photography is taking a family's picture in front of an old, weathered door. I really like the weathered, distressed ones the best. The stories they could tell if they could only talk. Whose hands had touched them? What weather had beat on them? They have lots of character as my dad would say.

Doors are a lot like our hearts...we can put a lock on our heart to protect ourselves; we can open it up and invite others to come in; we can have a joyful heart or a sad heart and our faces will reveal what "color" our door is.

I hope that when I am old, my "door" will be weathered with all of life's good stuff. I want a little bit of every color on it. I want it to be weathered by all the hands who have touched my life. I want it to be strong and still operable! I want my personality to be apparent. I want those who look at it to say, "Wow! That is a beautiful door!"

Kids

2010-09-09T17:49:00.001-05:00

Today was my first day back as library volunteer. I love this volunteer duty--no doors to knock on asking for money, no milk boxes or gogurts to open after kids mouths have tried...

The class comes into the library, leave the books for me to check-in and shelve and then sit in a circle to listen to a story from the librarian.

Today she read a book about Jacques Cousteau. She began by prefacing that when Mr. Cousteau was filming sea life, it was a big deal to see it on TV. There was not a Discovery Channel--Shark Week was non-existent. In fact, she told them, there were only four channels on a TV-- NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS.

I am thankful that I was bending over reshelving books at that moment because the shock wave that followed might have blown me over!

"What?!?", the kids all asked in unison.

Yep, life was hard 30 years ago!!

Take Out Or Delivery??

2010-09-08T15:13:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 31:14-16

She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

As much as I would like to be the proper Proverbs 31 women, I'm far from it! I might be like her in the fact that I bring our food from afar -- of course, Wal-mart is only about 10 minutes away! I do get up while it is dark -- but that is to pour a bowl of cereal for my boys before school and pack a lunch full of convenience items like prepackaged chips, cookies, etc! We did try to grow a small garden one year, but raccoons or squirrels ate our crops before we could pick them...

When Chris and I got married, I didn't really know how to cook -- heck, I really didn't know how to do laundry either!

He came from a Southern mom who cooked everything from scratch. I came from a mom who liked to go out to eat. :)

At one of our wedding showers, my mother-in-law gave us a recipe book filled with handwritten recipes of all of Chris's favorites. Hmmm....

For the first three years, Chris did all the cooking. Then, he got a job and the cooking responsibilities fell on me. As hard as I tried to be organized, I could guarantee that as soon as I got every pot out and began cooking, I would realize I was missing the key ingredient and have to run to the store. Needless to say, cooking is not my thing.

I would love to love cooking - except for the fact that I just don't LIKE to cook. Heck, I watch lots of shows on Food Network. Unfortunately, osmosis doesn't work! I have even thought of taking some cooking classes.

My most favorite meals are the kinds that don't make a big mess and don't take a lot of time.

Crockpot meals!

I haven't had much luck at finding great crockpot recipes. Usually everything is very dry and ho-hum. So, I was very excited when one of my friends on Facebook asked for crockpot ideas. She received about 25 of them and I quickly wrote them down. We are trying the first one tonight.

Tonight we are having a Beef Stroganoff...or, we may be ordering a pizza!

The Power of a Praying Parent

2010-09-07T19:08:00.003-05:00

Today I went to my first Mom's In Touch International prayer group.

For years I had heard about a group of women getting together on the first day of school to pray for their kids, the teachers, the schools. But, I had never attended. I allowed the excitement of finally being by myself keep me from doing something important!

This year I went with a friend who invited me on the first day of school -- thinking that it was a one day thing. At the end of the meeting, I found out that it was a once a week commitment per school. So, because I have two boys in two different schools, I would have a twice a week commitment. At first I was not sure about that. How selfish is that? That I would not go pray for my children, their teachers and other students because it took TWO hours out of my week...

Today was the day to pray for the high school students. I met about 15 women who I had never met before who were there for the same purpose: to pray. There were no refreshments, no coffee, not much chit chat. Just to the point praying.

It was a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend this group to any mom who KNOWS how important it is to pray for her kids.

I am already looking forward to next week!

Sand

2010-09-06T19:46:00.004-05:00

We have been doing a few outside projects over Labor Day weekend. Besides rebuilding a fence and gate, we put pavers down to give our dog a less muddy spot for his water and food bowls.

To put pavers down, we first spread out a layer of play sand. We laid the pavers on top and then "set" them in with more sand poured on top and swept into the cracks.

While we were pouring the sand, Colby was loving the smooth feel of it and we started reminiscing about when he was small and how much he played in sand. Connor received a dump truck sandbox for his second birthday and he and Colby spent lots of time playing in it. One by one the sandbox filled up with all kinds of tractors, shovels and buckets. Sometimes there was barely enough room for them in it!

They played in the sand at the park. Other kids would come up and invariably someone would get sand in their eyes!

The played in the sand at the beach. Building sandcastles was a challenge because just as it was almost done, waves would come and wash it away!

I got to wondering what other uses there are for sand. Here are a few:

1. Used as an abrasive for sandblasting

2. Additive with clay and other minerals for manufacturing bricks

3. To protect and store garden tools

4. To clean a narrow -necked vase (you mix sand and a little water in the vase and it cleans the residue away

5. Carry in the trunk for traction in icy weather

6. An ideal soil for growing watermelon, peaches and peanuts

Who knew sand was so important?

However, in Matthew 7:21; 26-27, Jesus says,

Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Sounds like sand, like everything else in life, is useful and needed but has some drawbacks-- whether it is being covered up by too many "toys", getting in your eyes, or being easily destroyed by Earth's elements.

There is only one that we can put our whole faith in. One who will clear away the clutter and shade our eyes and protect us from the storms of life. God will not fail!

I am thankful He made the sand; thankful for the uses of sand; thankful that I have two boys who love sand! I am even more thankful that He is my firm foundation!

A Doctor He Will Not Be

2010-09-05T21:45:00.002-05:00

While in Albuquerque, one of Connor and Colby's most favorite things is spending the day with my dad at his truck yard.

Last month we spent 10 days in Albuquerque so the boys were able to spend lots of time with Papa. My dad was up on a trailer and went to get down. He ended up loosing his footing and fell right in front of Colby. When he got up, his ring finger was pointing the wrong direction! Colby looked at it and ran far away!

Luckily, the finger was just dislocated; but, Colby couldn't stop having "sympathy pains"! In fact, that night, while my dad was sound asleep, Colby came into my room crying because he was afraid something might happen to his finger while he slept. I assured him that in 9 years of sleeping, nothing had ever happened to his fingers!

Today, Colby was helping Chris lay some flagstone pavers. All of a sudden Chris yelled out in pain. He had smashed his finger in between two pavers. Chris was wearing gloves so we couldn't see any damage. However, Colby was quick to go to another part of the yard!

I ran into the house to get some ice and Colby stuck his head in and said, "If everything is OK and there is no blood, you can yell at me and I'll come back!"

I am willing to bet that Colby will not be going to medical school!!

Roadtrip

2010-09-04T20:18:00.005-05:00

Today we went on a roadtrip.

There is nothing like a roadtrip. Although, I guess everyone has a different outlook on roadtrips.

Before Chris and I got married, a roadtrip to him was stopping once for gas over a 10 hour drive. A roadtrip to me was stopping at every stop we could. For example, I went to college 3 1/2 hours from my house. There was a McDonalds 1 1/2 hours into the drive and another McDonalds about 1 hour later. I would stop at BOTH of them! Needless to say, when Chris and I started traveling together, it was a shock to his system! I do have him well-trained after all these years though!

My sister and her husband and their four kids live in the Dallas area. They are four hours away from us and, sadly, we normally only see each other when we are all in Albuquerque! Today, we went to see them.

We had to make our stops...but what fun stops we made!

Buc-ees is a little piece of heaven on earth. In fact, Chris asked me if I thought there would be a Buc-ees in heaven.

For those of you who have not been blessed with a visit to Buc-ees, please find one and go--preferably the Buc-ees in Madisonville,TX. That is the best Buc-ees ever!

When you walk into a Buc-ees, you don't know which way to go first. The first place I go is to the restroom--which are the CLEANEST bathrooms ever!! There is even two Germ-ex dispensers in each bathroom stall!!

Next there are two walls of beverage choices, the standard convenience store food, and a huge deli section that includes the BEST jerky. My boys LOVE their jerky!

Then there is the shopping!! Lots of beautiful home decor, candles and accessories. Next door to the "convenience store" is the Outdoor Buc-ees. This store would make a hunting-loving family drool!

After making our purchases of snacks and drinks, we got to Danette's and dropped off the cargo we were taking and loaded into the cars to go...eat!

Burgers and fries at Burger Island. Yum!

Six hours later, we were back at Buc-ees for more snacks and drinks! And a hug from Mr. Bear!

I guess MY outlook of roadtrips is food!!

My Love

2010-09-03T14:23:00.005-05:00

I blog a bunch about me and Connor and Colby...but there is another family member who I rarely blog about. He is actually the most important Marshall because without him I wouldn't be where I am and Connor and Colby wouldn't be here!

Chris and I have known each other for 26 years! We began dating 24 years ago and have been married for 19. I have been a Marshall for as many years as I was a Blakley!

When I was 13, my family and I joined a new church. The first Sunday we visited, I went home and told my parents that I saw the guy I was going to marry...

I can still remember him walking in in his white dress pants and pink shirt! His hair was blond and his eyes were blue...

My heart went pitter-patter!

After an on-again off-again dating relationship, we got engaged in November 1990. We were married in July 1991 -- I was 19 and he was 21.

You hear it said that a love for someone grows more every day. I can vouch for that! It amazes me how much I love my husband -- and everyday I find new reasons to love him more. There really are days when I feel like I could burst because I just am so thankful that he is in my life.

He is an amazing provider; a hard-worker; and a handyman. He loves his boys and somehow knows how to manage the fine line of being their friend and being their father. He loves a challenge. He wants to fix anything and everything -- from a broken part to a broken heart. He is so smart, giving, and generous.

I love that we still hold hands in public and can make our 14-year-old roll his eyes and our 9-year-old say "Ewww!" when we kiss and hug! I love how silly he is when it is just the two of us. I love that he knows me like no other and still likes being with me!

I would do anything for him or go anywhere with him (wait...I HAVE moved 9 times in our married life! :) ) I have friends who are worried about when their husbands retire and what they will do when they are around each other all day...I cannot wait for Chris to retire!

Life has not been a rose garden for us. We have made some difficult decisions; we have weathered some rough storms. But, love got us through them. The two of us together. There is nothing better than having someone in your life like that!

I love that he is my best friend. The one I want to grow old with. The one God made for me.

...He still makes my heart go pitter-patter!!

Home

2010-09-02T16:13:00.004-05:00

There is something about certain songs that just stir up emotions in me that I don't understand. One of the recent songs that gets me choked up is "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert. Here are the lyrics:

I know they say you can't go home again

I just had to come back one last time

Ma'am I know you don't know me from Adam

But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs in that little back bedroom

Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar

I bet you didn't know that under that live oak

My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feeling

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it's like I 'm someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I'll leave

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years

From Better Homes and Garden magazine

Plans were drawn and concrete poured

Nail by nail and board by board

Daddy gave life to Mama's dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feeling

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it's like I'm someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I'll leave

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can

I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feeling

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it's like I'm someone else

I thought the maybe I could find myself

If I walk around I swear I'll leave

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

Before I got married, I lived in four houses -- I really only remember two. I tried to find pictures of the outside of those two houses; however, as you will see, we only posed in front of fireplaces! So, here are the two fireplaces that were in the two houses that built me:

(Before I go further...yes, my sister and I used to dress alike ALOT in clothes our mom made us...what you don't see is usually mom had an outfit that matched us too!! Also, I don't want any comments posted on my '80's hairdo!!)

When I was in Albuquerque this summer, my mom, grandma and I drove past the house with that first fireplace. We moved away from there when I was going into the 9th grade. It was the first house I really remember living in.

It is located in the South Valley in Albuquerque -- not your prime real estate location -- on Tobacco Road. (See, the name says it all!) I remember many summer nights swinging on our swing set, playing in our playhouse out back, running through the sprinklers and watching the cotton fall from the sky from the cottonwood trees. For a few years, I had a horse and we would ride it down the road and along the ditch. My sister and I would play "Restaurant" a lot. And, I remember closing my bedroom door, putting on my Shawn Cassidy record and dancing to "Da Doo Ron Ron"! MANY family get-togethers were held there -- with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins running around. Any holiday was an excuse for a family meal.

We moved to the house with the second fireplace a year after changing schools. Our mom would drive for over an hour every morning before she got to work so that my sister and I could go to a great school. It about did her in so we moved closer to our school and church.

We had a beautiful backyard and once again, many family get-togethers were held here. We also had many church youth parties at our house. I went through my teenage years in that house -- got my first car, went on dates. Chris even proposed to me in that house.

I look back at both houses and where I came from. I am not "broken or need fixing" like this song says. But the one line that speaks to me is "You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can. I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am."

As I've gotten older and more removed from my "growing up" years, I can easily let my current surroundings make me "get lost in this old world". We live in a very nice area. There is beautiful house after beautiful house. I am easily pulled into the "I want a bigger, nicer house like THAT one." I get lustful over what everyone else has when I need to be thankful for what I have -- which is beautiful itself and more than I deserve!! My focus needs an adjustment every now and then.

I realize that it is not the house that built me but who was in that house that built me. Now, it is my turn to follow that through with my sons.

Flushed Away

2010-09-01T14:12:00.003-05:00

Chris installed a new gadget in our house that have our two boys all giddy...

...a new flushing system.

It is meant to save water when flushing. You press the top button (#1) for "light flushes" or the bottom button (#2) for "heavier flushes". Hmmmm... very ingenious!

Let me just say that our 14-year-old and 9-year-old are easily entertained!

It's What's Good For You

2010-08-31T08:40:00.004-05:00

"Go brush your teeth."

"Study some everyday instead of cramming at the last minute."

"Wash your hands."

"Eat your vegetables."

Why is it that we have to be reminded, and sometimes nagged, to do what is good for us?

I tell my boys these things EVERY DAY...you think they would get tired of me telling them to brush their teeth. You'd think they would know that everyday I am going to ask them to wash their hands when they get home from school. But, I am not convinced they would do it if I didn't tell them to.

However, I find that it is not just my boys that need reminders.

I have to say that my favorite mornings are those when I have enough time to do two things -- exercise and have a quiet time.

Exercising is not my favorite thing. In fact, the mornings that I do The Shred I especially dread. But after I've made it and am pouring sweat and feeling nauseous, I am SO glad I did it. I feel good the rest of the day. Unfortunately, I need to see that "lovehandle" in the mirror in the morning to remind myself to exercise!

Having a quiet time is something that has been "preached" to me since I was tiny. And, I don't mean "preached" in a bad way, just that I have been told how important a quiet time is and reminded over and over to have one since before I can remember. Isn't it sad that something that should be second nature to a Christian is sometimes the last thing we want to do or find time to do??

I can honestly say that I do love my quiet times with God and I do love that I have Someone I can be 100% honest with and know He will not get angry with me or turn His back on me. I wonder all the time how non-Christians do it day in and day out without Him.

We watched "The Book of Eli" this weekend and I have to say that that movie convicted me of my lack of scripture memory! Wow!

I find it odd that a Hollywood movie reminded me that a quiet time is not just reading a passage and marking it as read for the year...it is about a relationship with God. Not just reading, but putting it in my heart -- remembering it -- reciting it. That is my goal this year is to put into practice Psalms 119:11

"Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you."

A Vacation Day

2010-08-30T21:09:00.002-05:00

Sitting on the couch a few minutes ago...

I said, "Oh, shoot! I haven't blogged today!"

Chris pats my leg and says, "That's OK. You can have a day off."

Now that is the kind of boss I love!!

A Lovely Life

2010-08-29T19:26:00.002-05:00

A beautiful Houston Sunday night spent in the backyard grilling and watching God's creations...

One of THOSE Posts

2010-08-28T21:45:00.002-05:00

Well, I knew it would come...a day in my 60-day challenge that it would get near midnight and I would have nothing to blog about.

It's not like today was a waste by any means. Colby had his best buddy spend the night and play until the afternoon. Connor had his best buddy over who will spend the night tonight. Colby had a three hour baseball practice. Connor went to a high school baseball game. Chris got some things done around the yard.

And, I watched it all. I really just enjoyed the presence of my boys. After a week of school, I was getting tired of all the quiet around me.

I am thankful for the activity that surrounded me today.

Sleeping Like Babies

2010-08-27T14:41:00.003-05:00

It is a VERY exciting night here at our house!

This will be the first night we will sleep on our new Sleep Number mattress!! If it is as great as the commercials say, we will feel like $1,000,000 when we wake up tomorrow morning...

...of course, we first have to get these two off of it!!

Siskel & Ebert & Marshall

2010-08-26T14:29:00.003-05:00

In the past four weeks, I have seen six movies -- IN THE THEATER!!! I don't know if we have ever seen six movies in the theater in a year!

There are two things that bother me about seeing movies in a theater:

1. The fact that I HAVE to have movie popcorn and a Diet Coke. I went to the movie this morning after meeting a friend for breakfast -- a breakfast I couldn't finish eating because I was so full. However, went straight to the movie and had a popcorn and Diet Coke...a BUTTERED popcorn since Chris wasn't with me. Do you know how many calories are in that little snack?!?

2. That it costs an arm to get in a movie and a leg for my snacks! Ugh!!

There are two things that I love about seeing movies in a theater:

1. There is nothing you can do besides SIT and WATCH! When we rent movies at home, at least once during the movie we have to pause it!

2. Because you sit and watch, it is easier to get transfixed into that "other world". My mind can let go of whatever else is going on and I get lost in the story.

Anyhow, because I am sure you are all wondering, here is my list of movies and my ratings.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice: (****) I give it 4 stars! A fun movie that was perfect for my 9-year-old and my 14-year-old. I also enjoyed it!

Toy Story 3: (****) I give it 4 stars too! Many friends told me to bring kleenex with me because it was so sad. I kept waiting and waiting and near the end was proud of myself for not crying...Then, cut to the last scene where Andy tells how Woody is a great friend and tells Woody goodbye and then drives off to college...All three of my boys turned their heads to me and started laughing because elephant tears were rolling down my face!

Salt: (*****) I give it 5 stars!!! An action-packed, violent movie that had my attention for the full movie. I loved it! It was a bit gory; but, I live with boys. :)

The Karate Kid: (*****) I give that one 5 stars too! Probably the best remake of a movie ever! Also great for both my boys!

Eat, Pray, Love: (***) I give it 3 stars. I did enjoy this movie. I love Julia Roberts! But, after it was all said and done, not my most favorite movie. There was nothing earth-shaking to it. I did love the scenery of Italy, India and Bali. And, yes, I was amazed that this woman in real life would go and travel the world to find herself. If I were going to find myself, I wouldn't have the guts to travel the world by myself...I would probably sit on the couch with a bag of M&M's instead!!

The Switch: (***1/2) I give it 3 1/2 stars! A total girlie movie that was absolutely predictable; but, a very fun and light-hearted hour and a half of entertainment.

So, there you have it. I doubt the movie critics will approve of my star ratings but I rarely agree with theirs!

In the meantime, I had better start exercising to get rid of my "snacking gut" and get a part-time job to pay for my new hobby!