Saran Wrap and Memories

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! :)

The Dreaded Day

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??

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)

Falling Off a Mountain Top

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!

Summer "Vacation" Day 1

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?!?

RIP Whitey!

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!

What Are You Doing Today?

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

Warning: Do Not Get Suckered In!!

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!!!

What Does Your Husband Do On His Vacation??

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

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

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

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??

A Layer of White

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

What a Difference a Year Makes

This past week marks one year that my mom had a Stem Cell Transplant which allowed her to come to Texas and celebrate her 1-year birthday of being "cancer free".

My sister and I went to Albuquerque to help her and my dad the first weeks after she got out of the hospital. I will honestly say that when I left, I wasn't sure how she would ever manage on her own. She had no energy, was forgetful, and felt awful.

However, if you could have seen her this weekend, you wouldn't believe it was the same person. Time has given her her strength back, her memory has gotten a bit better :), and she feels great. She can also shop 'til she drops now -- which was important this past weekend!

My sister, mom and I decided we needed to celebrate her health by going to Canton, TX. Canton is in East Texas and is a small town that hosts the First Monday Trade Days -- I believe the largest one in the U.S. There are three separate sites that range from flea market junk, to adopting animals, to home decor and lots of "bling"! We shopped for two straight days and still didn't see all the home decor and "bling", although we tried our hardest!! In fact, Saturday night we were the only ones left out of the thousands that were there that day!


We took this picture after we had already made one trip to the car (AND it was the second day to shop!) and to prove we really DID close the place down that night! Yes, we shopped 'til we dropped.

It was also raining outside for most of the afternoon on Saturday. When we had arrived that morning, we had to park way out in a field at the front gate. The last thing we bought was, of course, on the opposite side of the place. So we walked with all this stuff, through the rain and dark and emptiness for at least a mile or more while laughing hysterically and having to stop because we needed to go to the bathroom so badly! Good memories!

I have spent the last three days finding places for all of my new treasures. I have decided I can't go back to Canton until I move into a bigger house!! Thank you, Mom and Danette for a fun-filled weekend and thanks to our husbands for letting us go and for "holding down the forts" while we were together!!