Family Traditions

Around this time last year, we were visiting various colleges and universities in hopes of finding the perfect fit for Amanda. I remember her stressing that she wanted to attend a college that had numerous school traditions. At the time, I just thought that was something silly to even be concerned about. However, as I was preping our house for Christmas this weekend, I realized how many holiday traditions I have instilled in my children. So I decided to sit down and list them just for fun.

* Every year beginning from the time they were born, I have bought a special ornament for them. As they grew, their ornament would be a symbol of something they were interested in or liked at that time. It's my intention for each one of them to take their ornaments and hang them on their own family's Christmas tree someday.

* We always go out for a family dinner on Christmas Eve. When the kids were small, Santa sometimes visited while we were gone, to throw them off since they were with us the entire time. After dinner, we spend the evening viewing Chistmas lights and walking through displays.

*The annual Christmas Gift Game....11 years ago I got tired of the the kids peaking in the presents and Tommy guessing every gift. So each year I come up with a theme. For example one year the theme was animals. Each person represented a different group of animals. Amanda was zoo animals. Josh was birds. Tommy was ocean animals. Samuel was farm animals, and so on. It keeps them from shaking and guessing because they don't know which gifts are theirs. On Christmas morning, I pass out the gifts one at a time while everyone watches and keeps track on paper of who gets what. The first person to correctly identify the theme and category details, wins $100 cash. We've had a music group/song theme, states and capitals theme, ABC order theme, just to name a few. I start thinking up a new theme each year around Aug/Sept. Depending on the complexity of it, sometimes I've had to keep a written list to keep everything straight. It's always very controversial and competitive in our house, but never the less, it's FUN!

*This year we started a new tradition. We bought 24 children's Christmas books and wrapped them up individually. Beginning on December 1st, the boys alternate and open one book per night. Sometimes they read us the story and other times, I read it to them. We bought most of the books at the local thrift store to keep cost down. So far, they really love it and it helps their reading level too!

* Leading up to Christmas Day, we always watch ALL of the movies and cartoons that pertain to Christmas.

* Christmas Day night, we go to the movies as a family.

* I make loads and loads of Christmas candy, cookies, breads, snacks, fudge and so on. We like to make our neighbors small trays of goodies and deliver to their houses the week of Christmas.

* Each year we like to do something for someone or some family that needs a little extra help during the holidays. Each year is different. Sometimes we give a gift card. Another time we bought lots of gifts. Many years ago we hosted a Christmas party for children at a low income housing project. It helps my children to remember how important important it is to GIVE at Christmas!

I guess I understand why traditions are so important to my kids. Anyway you look at it, Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. Our family traditions, just add a little character to it!

Surprise...Surprise...Surprise....

Yesterday wrapped up yet another long stretch of planning and organizing in my life. It seems as though that is what "my calling" in life is. My closest and best friend, Karri turned the big 5-0 and the last 6 months of secrets and planning have been called a big success. With only a few mishaps, I'm satisfied with the outcome....because what's important is that she was surprised and that she knew how truly loved she is by all.

The party was catered by a local catering company and they did an excellent job. A big thanks to Josh and Caitlin for bar tending for us...I think it added a personal touch and no doubt they enjoyed free access to the alcohol.

It was a first time for me to see my older children all dressed up and WOW...they looked awesome! Amanda was quite beautiful in her dress and her hair all fixed up. She certainly didn't look a mere 17 years old. Joshua was very handsome in his pin-stripe suit...I honestly thought that the first time I saw him dressed up like that was going to be his wedding. Both kids standing with their "significant others" really hit home for me that they are not my babies anymore, but grown, mature, beautiful children. I have to give myself a little credit for raising such wonderful kids!

So despite the limo going to the wrong place at the wrong time, people who RSVP and never came and Keith Urban not showing up..(just kidding), it was a memorable night. It was my pleasure to create such a special night for a very special friend. Happy Birthday, my friend!

My Bucket List

As I get settled into a new year, I can't help but think about my own bucket list and what I hope to accomplish this year. Of course there is the usual stuff such as exercise more, eat healthy, work less, yada, yada, yada.

But since I like to challenge myself, lets start off with skydiving. I am scared to death of heights but something about jumping out of an airplane at 12,000 feet strapped to a stranger and plunging towards earth at a speeds I don't even want to know...sounds like an amazing rush and a life appreciating experience to me.

Run a marathon....Well it's not at the top of my list but none the less, it's on my list. As out of shape as I am, I should start training. Well maybe next year!

Sell everything and move to a foreign country. Not sure which country and really, I'm not picky...but life has so much to offer each of us and I feel guilty, like I am cheating myself, for not exploring everything that's out there.

Take helicopter flying lessons. I know this is an expensive hobby, but it's something that I have always wanted to do. I guess I should start out with baby steps and ride in one first.

Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person. Something about seeing those huge balloons and floats makes me feel like a kid again.

Volunteer to work in a soup kitchen for the homeless on Thanksgiving Day.

Ring in the new year in Time Square, NYC. Amidst the freezing weather and a bazillion drunk people...it's a celebration like no other.

Spend a week of pure relaxation on the warm beaches of Tahiti. I have always wanted to stay in one of those little huts that are out in the middle of the water with glass floors; watching the fish swim by and taking a moonlight dip in the warm salt water sounds amazing.

Ride in an old fashioned cattle drive. I'm sure my butt will be sore after the first few hours and my back sore after the first night, but count me in for the cowboys, campfires and beautiful scenery!

Fill up my new passport with Stamps from all over the world. Particularly France, Italy, China, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Greece and Germany.

On a simpler note, I plan to donate blood, join the National Bone Marrow Registry in hopes of saving someone life, spend more quality time with my family and try to not sweat the small stuff. Although I don't plan to cross everything off my bucket list in 2011, I hope to chip away at it the best I can.

Goodbye, Farewell....

As a child, my brother and I would spent New Year's Eve watching TV, enjoying the occasional soda pop, and stuffing our faces with french onion dip and ruffles while my parents were out celebrating. Of course that was if we could keep the food away from our annoying baby sitter long enough! Funny how those memories come to light each year on this, the last day of the year. It's probably due to my guilt that we are going out tonight and leaving the boys with a babysitter...but hey we all have our own memories, right?

I can't say that I will miss you 2010...what a year it's been. Full of good times and bad. I do, however, feel like I have learned more about myself this year than any other thus far. That in itself makes it all worth it.

The highlights of the year for me were the new places we visited. Taking in the sights of San Francisco last April, touring Alcatraz definitely hits the top of the list for me. What a city....I still have visions of selling everything I own and moving there on a whim. Okay, Okay....maybe a little harsh, but someday! Spending a fun filled week at Disney World...feeling like a kid with all the magic, riding the rides and smiling when I saw all my favorite characters. Walking in the rain with my family from ride to ride and getting baked by the 106', record breaking Florida sun. Flying to Memphis, TN for Tommy's birthday and touring Graceland as a surprise. Learning of all the humanitarian things that Elvis did left me with hope and the need to do more to make the world a better place.

Of course watching my children grow and learn is always a highlight. I have definitely been blessed with four amazing children, who have all filled the year with funny stories and comments. I just wish that I could remember every single one of them.

I finish this year with a smile on my face, a spring in my step and a cold Miller Lite in my hand! I want to thank my friends for being my sounding board, my husband for putting up with me and my children for listening to my unnecessary rants. I love you all.

Goodbye 2010....I wish each of you a fantastic New Year filled with happiness and success.

Let the Game Begin...

I really thought keeping the boys up for hours past their regular bed time on Christmas Eve would allow us some extra extra sleep time. Boy was I ever wrong...(yes, you heard me right, I said the "W" word). Samuel woke up at 1 am eagerly wanting to open presents. Thank goodness he was sleeping with Amanda and she made him go back to sleep. He woke again at 3am to the same response. Finally, at 5am, she could not hold him back anymore...I awoke to a 7 year old whispering in the face..."Mommmm"! I have to say getting Josh out of bed that early only happens once a year!

It was another successful round of my Christmas game. Amanda was victorious once again and claimed the $100 prize. Everyone received as many presents as the letters in their name. Each gift was addressed to a word that started with letter. To help me keep things straight with the multiple letters that were shared in their names, I simply gave Carter 3 letter words, Sam 4 letter words, Amanda 5 letter words and so on. It was no surprise to me that she won again....I had another theme started, presents labeled and under the tree several weeks ago but after she snooped at the gifts, unbeknown est to her, she guessed the original theme. So I had to scramble to come up with a new one and re-label all the gifts. It was all worth it because I love this tradition I have started with them.

The kids made a haul as usual. Samuel's favorite gifts were a new pro-skateboard that Josh gave him, a purple hat that Amanda bought for him and his roller blades that we got him. Carter, is such a simple, sweet soul. His favorite gifts were his spongebob hat that Amanda got him and the squishy slime that Santa left in his stocking. Amanda loved her Tiffany earrings and the shoes that her boyfriend, Bailey gave her. Josh had a hard time choosing his favorite gift, but it was a tie between his bamboo iPhone cover and Salvador Dali painting. The top of Tommy's list was the rifle I bought him and coincidently my favorite gift was the pink pistol, followed closely by the James Avery ring that he bought me. Guns and jewelry...what more could a girl ask for?

All in all it was a very nice day with my family. I slaved in the kitchen cooking a traditional Ham dinner but if I don't step foot in the kitchen for another 365 days, that would be soon enough for me. I am happy to be relaxing in my recliner, watching movies and eating popcorn with all the kids. What a great way to end an already GREAT day!

Merry Christmas!

Holy Jingle Bells, Batman...It's December Already?

Someone please pinch me because somewhere in the last 360 days I have lost track of time. Hopefully, that is all I have lost, but only time will tell. I just can believe that December has arrived so quickly. The boys have gotten a year taller, Amanda a year smarter and Joshua a year older.




I didn't anticipate being away from you this long Mr. Blog and trust me when I say it wasn't because I was at a loss for words. I don't recall that ever being a problem, but I will do my absolutely best at catching you up.



The beginning of the year brought big career changes for me as my job moved locations. I had worked in the lake area since 1995 so moving 59 miles west to a very small farming town; was like culture shock for me. I adjusted and am very content and happy there now.



It was also a busy time for little dribblers basketball. It was the boys first time to play and Tommy's first time to coach. Both were equally entertaining to watch. It was a good experience for all of them and as my Mom would say, 5 year olds playing basketball is like watching a Chinese fire drill.



In April, Tommy and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary in San Francisco. I completely fell in love with this city and it's surroundings. We took in an Oakland A's baseball game, toured Alcatraz Island and explored Muir Woods, which is part of the Red Wood Forest. Personally, I was in awe with Alcatraz...the tour was spectacular and it's a part of history that has always intrigued me. I found myself starring out at the island every chance I got.



Over the summer, we enjoyed a 2 week family vacation. The first week we spent at Disney World, taking in every park during Florida's recording breaking 106 degree temperature. But with me being the big Disney fan that I am...it was well worth it! We drug the kids on all the rides we could and probably scarred them for life, but it was definitely a week we will all never forget. The second week we spent relaxing on the beach of Destin, FL and despite the BIG oil spill, it remained open and beautiful as always!



Samuel endured another unsuccessful ear surgery in July. It is unsure why the past attempts at reconstructing his ear drums have not worked but we will continue to push forward from doctor to doctor until we are able to find some success. As of now, we are giving Samuel and his ears a break until next year when we will try again with a new doctor.



The boys started 1st grade with much exuberance and are doing their very best. Speech therapy is still necessary for them both and continues to help their articulation and reading skills. Amanda started her junior year with a schedule packed full of AP classes and is ranked in the top 5% of her class. This year she began taking nursing classes and spent the first semester at the nursing home where she earned and passed the Texas State Certified Nursing Assistant exam. I am extremely proud of her.



Joshua learned that college wasn't his cup of tea and began working for me at Carquest in June. He has done a great job there. His accomplishments afforded him a new car a few months ago. I thought we would never find the right one that met his never ending list of demands, but sure enough, he ended up with exactly what he wanted. It's a 2006 Chrysler 300 all blacked out. This has become his baby so to speak and he spends countless hours a week washing and waxing it.

Earlier this month, Tommy and I were able to visit Graceland. Actually, it was Tommy's birthday present, and although it wasn't the surprise I had hoped it would be, I really enjoyed it. I never considered myself a big Elvis fan, but touring his mansion and learning more about him caught me hook, line and sinker. Not sure I will be blasting his music anytime soon, but I definitely admire him as an artist and as a humanitarian.



With Christmas only a few days away, the annual Christmas game in our family has definitely spurred on the snooping of presents. As much as I'd like to let you in on this years theme, I will save it for an after-Christmas post. You can't ever be too careful when money is on the line with my children!



I promise to keep this updated more frequently this year....it will be my New Year's Resolution.

Perspective Brings Wisdom

Santa arrived bearing excellent gifts for our family this year. The boys, of course, made out like bandits and were riding their new bicycles, scooters, and skateboards within no time. The older ones loaded up on clothes and electronics while I was estatic with my new Nikon camera, pandora bracelet and various items from Victoria Secret. Tommy had his new flat screen TV set up within an hour....funny how a new TV seems to motivate men!

It was an upset this year with our annual family Christmas game. Miss Amanda thought she had it in the bag (for the 3rd year in a row); she studied the gifts under the tree all month. But it was Josh that was declaired the winner of the $75 bonus, while Amanda did win the $25 bonus to the bonus. Poor Samuel and Carter will never have a chance as long as Tommy plays for them!

As most of you know, my family owns two Carquest Auto Part Stores. I have spent the last 7 years managing the one in Austin. My parents have decided to move back to Colorado and retire for good, therefore we have sold the Austin store. I will be transfering to the other store, located in a small farming town 80 miles west of Austin. Since Marble Falls is in between, my commute to work will be the same; just in the other direction. It will be a big change from what I am used to but with this economy, I'm just happy that I have a job.


We come to the end of 2009 - Yes . . . a bit “bruised” by life, but perspective brings wisdom. This year has definitely been a unique year, full of “life-changing” events! But, some years just seem to stand out compared to all the rest. As we close 2009 and look forward to 2010, time is moving way to fast . . . and then, in other ways . . . the days are never-ending! However, through it all, I would like to “dig in my heels” with Father Time and slow down one particular part . . . my children's zealous push through Life. :) Somedays I have a hard time with the fact that my children are now 19, 16, 6 and 5 years old. Where did all those years go? Reguardless, I treasure all of our wonderful blessings . . . health, accomplishment, growth, purpose, childhood, family, laughter and love. And, yes, moments of sadness, challenges, disappointment and pain, but opportunities for blessings as well.

MEMORIES...

This past weekend, I enjoyed another visit with my great friend, Brandi. We have been friends since our early teenage years and I'm grateful to still have her in my life after all this time. I flew to Denver and although I do love Texas; Colorado will always be home to me and I miss it more each time I return.

After scouring the mall for the best deals...Brandi is much better at this that I....we sat through the Twilight Movie, New Moon along with at least a hundred 5 & 6 year old girls, their mothers and only 20 or so men....yeah, who takes girls that young to a love story/vampire movie? Although the movie could have been better, the little girls kept quiet and the shirtless scenes weren't that bad either!

We ended a perfect weekend in our pajama's, watching TV and looking through all our old yearbooks. We laughed so hard at times we were actually crying. It's amazing how one can be sooooo ugly at the age of 13-14 but really turn it around by the age of 16-17. What a difference 3 years makes!

The weather was perfect and even the flight home was quite relaxing. The kids were excited to see me and the house was clean....

oh, let me repeat that.....

THE HOUSE WAS CLEAN!! Another great memory! :)

Technology...It Makes Spying On Your Kids So Much Fun

I love technology! And to go one step further, I love the fact that it sucked when I was a kid!

This past weekend, I secretly installed a "locator" on my daughters cell phone. She hasn't done anything (yet) to arouse my suspicions, but she is my only daughter and do I need to remind you that she is 16 years old? I was 16 once and lets just say that for the most part, I was a good kid. However, I was not always where I was supposed to be and not doing what I was supposed to be doing.

Yeah, we'll just leave it at that!

Anyway, for precaution sake, I thought the Verizon Family Locator was a good investment for a small $10 a month. I have only "located" her a few times, mostly for my own entertainment, and so far so good. In fact, yesterday was the first time she drove into Austin, alone, for a dentist appointment. Yes, I was nervous, but tracked her location every few minutes until she arrived safely. It also lets me know how fast she is driving, which would have been a great thing to know when Josh was 16!

So far she is unaware of the application on her phone and I plan to keep it quiet as long as possible. When and if she ever notices it, I have already decided to tell her that its for her safety. Should she ever be in an accident and unconscious, I will know exactly where she is. Although that reason is true, I will admit that it's also to check up on her and to spare my own worry.

After all....I'm afraid that once all the hair on my head is white it will migrate to other places on my body! Yikes!

2009 Christmas Game

Just released.....it's the newest version of our family's annual Christmas game. Those who know me, know that each Christmas I create a game with our gifts. I started this many years ago when I realized that the kids were peaking in their gifts and/or getting too good at guessing what they got.

What? Peaking?

Of course, we all did it. I remember when I was 12 or 13 years old, I carefully unwrapped all my gifts one year to see what was inside. Then I wrapped them back putting tape exactly over the old tape....and wal-lah, good as new! Although my parents never knew, Christmas just wasn't as much fun that year.

Anyway....in previous years I have numbered gifts (assigning 1-10 to one child 11-20 to another and so on), I have assigned a different group of animals to each person (birds, water animals, zoo animals and so on) and last year was states and capitals. Half the gifts were addressed to a state and half were addressed to a state capital. They each got an answer sheet and had to keep track of all the gifts and come up with the correct answers. The one with the most right and spelled correctly won a bonus $100. There is always a bonus for who ever can correctly guess the theme. Since Carter and Samuel are too young to understand, Tommy always plays for them and if he wins, the boys split the bonus. So far....Amanda has won every year.

Since I am confident that my children don't read my blog, I am sharing with you what this years game entails. For those of you who are my friend on Facebook you may have noticed that I posted a status update yesterday that said, "26 Christmas presents.....finally have 9 bought and only 17 more to go and only 45 more days to do it!" What a big hint and neither Josh or Amanda picked up on it. How would I know that I will have 26 presents before they are even bought? Well, the gifts are named for a word that represents each letter of the alphabet. For example, Samuel has A-E, Carter has F-J and so on. As we open our gifts in random order they will have to recognize the pattern that develops...first one name the theme wins $50. And the bonus to the bonus is that each word is the first word in our dictionary for each letter. That extra bonus is worth another $50.

I love doing this because it adds an extra amount of fun on Christmas morning, and will be a tradition that I hope they will pass down to my grandchildren someday. It also keeps the kids from knowing what gifts are theirs and also from peaking. Of course they love that extra bonus money too. I may need to solicit ideas in the future because I am sure I will run out of them eventually.

First Date....Oh my!

Well, I guess I should have predicted it....she turns 16 years old (the age where dating officially begins) and it took Amanda exactly 1 month to have her first "official" date. Last night was the 1 month anniversary, yes I dad say 1 month, that Amanda and Bailey have been "going out". They went to dinner at a nice Italian place here in town, just to text me frantically wondering how much of a tip to leave.

Awww....to be young and in love! I have to admit it was super cute and the two were so excited to be celebrating such a milestone! I'm sure there will be many more first dates in the upcoming years, but I couldn't resist snapping this picture of the very first, first date!

Lesson in Fender Benders

I didn't realize how relaxed I have become with just one teenage driver. With Josh almost being 19, It's taken me 3 years for me to not freak out every time he calls. Well, now that Amanda is driving, I have to admit that I am back to square one. Every time she calls I can't help but wonder if something is wrong.

Yesterday, was the day that I had been dreading and knew eventually would happen. You know it's not going to be good when before you say hello, you hear your daughter yelling "OH MY GOD!" Apparently while leaving school, she was stopped in the long line of cars going slow over the speed bumps when the guy in front of her rolled backwards and hit her. It was very minor and only dented the license plate frame and license plate, but still enough to scare the bejesus out of both of us.

I know it could have been a lot worse so I'm just thankful that her first lesson in fender benders was a small one. She was scared to drive to school this morning, but hopefully that fear will translate to her being more careful and cautious of her surroundings. All of this however, will not ease the stress on my heart!

Volleyball Rocks!

The regular season of volleyball is finally over and although our JV team won some and lost some, the Varsity team made it to playoffs. Normally, I wouldn't be posting about this, however, Amanda a few other JV players were moved up to varsity as alternates. It's not likely that she will get any playing time, but it is exciting none-the-less.

Last night was game #1 and it was a dozy of a game. Lampassas put up a good fight but our girls were able to pull out a win in 3 straight match wins! I am so impressed with the playing ability of these young girls....nothing compared to the ability of my team or I when I played varsity volleyball light years ago.

On an unrelated subject....Amanda is the proud owner of a new car. Yes, this will make #3 for her at only 16 years old. Before you think how spoiled she may be, let me explain. Car #1 was a standard and she just couldn't learn to drive it...safely that is. Car #2 spent more time in the shop than she did driving it. Everyday, she was stranded somewhere in it and with me working 45 minutes away, I was a nervous wreck to say the least. So that brings us to car #3....last week we bit the bullet and got a newer, better car for her. We surprised her with a 2007 Jeep Liberty. Its perfect for her and did I mention that I really like it too? Hmmm, may have to think of an excuse to borrow it sometime. It is a huge relief to me and especially since Amanda helps out so much getting the boys from point A to point B. No more frantic calls that she is stranded. And better yet, the payment is small enough that she can afford to pay it with a part time job. The best part is, no more driving to the high school late at night to pick her up from an away volleyball game! Another reason why volleyball rocks!

New Birthday Haircut...Compliments of Himself!

I am a bit late in posting about Samuel's 6th birthday. Our entire household had the swine flu that particular day and for several days thereafter.

Anyway, I can't believe that this was the 4th birthday that we have gotten to spend with him. Seems like only yesterday we endured the long flight back from Russia with him. As you can see, it hasn't taken him long to really rack up those gifts.

Oh, yea and the crooked haircut....ya, that was complements of himself the day before his birthday. Which also happened to be the day before picture day at school. Thank God that we were all sick....maybe it will grow out before retakes. I honestly thought that when he did this around age 3, that we had seen the last of it. Obviously I was wrong. Seriously, it doesn't look half as bad when you comb it over, but hey....he is 6 and hair doesn't stay put that long.

His favorite gifts were his new bike and football jersey. Okay, so we really aren't Cowboy fans, however even though this is Texas, the Houston Texas don't seem to be very popular. I was just looking out for his best interest in knowing he would fit in at school with a Cowboys jersey rather than say a Bronco's jersey! Actually, he didn't seem to care at all. It was football and that is all that mattered!

The bowling party was a hit with Sam and his friends. Probably safe to say that we won't be expecting him to become a pro-bowler anytime in the future, but at least he didn't confuse the sport of baseball with bowling much like Carter did!

P-A-R-T-Y....San Antonio Sytle

The party went exactly as planned! (with the exception that one friend couldn't make it at the last minute) The girls all had a great time and my friend, Karri and I enjoyed sharing in their fun. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott, which is a new hotel right on the Riverwalk. It was very nice...well, until the morning after that is. Their room was a mess and I am just waiting to see if there are any extra charges on my credit card. So far, so good! There was confetti EVERYWHERE! When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere....in the beds, bathtub, sink, floor, balcony, desk, just about anywhere you can possibly think of. We also wrote with lipstick on the mirrors of the bathroom "16 Reasons Why We Love Amanda". The balloons added a cute touch, however really irriated the girls when they found them hovering around their face the next morning.

I made a sash for Amanda to wear with the 16 tasks that she and her friends must find on the Riverwalk. I was afraid that she may resist the fun....but she was a good sport and really started getting into in once the night began. Here are the 16 things she had to do/find:

1. Ask a stranger to kiss your hand


2. A Starbucks cup signed by an employee


3. The Harley Davidson logo


4. A take out menu


5. Ask a stranger to write you a birthday message on a napkin


6. Buy something for exactly $1 including tax


7. Ask a stranger for a quarter until you get a Texas quarter


8. Find a cute boy and take a picture with him


9. Get someone to give you a birthday spanking


10. Take a picture of bathroom graffiti


11. Find a police officer, security guard or bouncer and take a picture with him


12. Take a picture with a man over the age of 50


13. Take a picture of a guy with a mullet


14. Buy a postcard


15. Get a book of matches with a hotel logo


16. Ask of group of people to sing you "Happy Birthday"

I think finding a cute boy to take a picture with was the task that took the longest. She was just to embarrassed! It was a lot of fun and I think the other girls got a kick out of watching Amanda squirm! Needless to say, the weekend was full of laughter.

We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Rainforest Cafe! What a cool place! Other than the long wait...the food was great and the atmosphere was really enjoyable.

I hope that it created as many memories for Amanda as it did for me! She really is an awesome daughter and deserved every minute of it!

Awww...to be 16 Again!

Where have the years gone? I just can't believe that my baby girl turned 16 years old today. Happy Birthday, Amanda! She is excited to say the very least! We got up early and arrived minutes after the driver's license place opened so she could get her license. Then she happily drove herself to school! I have to admit that I felt a little tug at my heart as she drove away knowing that she was all grown up!

We have big plans this weekend for her Sweet 16 Party! I am sure I went a bit overboard this year, but really, how many times do you turn 16? I let her invite 3 friends and I am taking the 4 of them down to the Riverwalk in San Antonio for the weekend. They will have their own room of course to stay up late, talk about boys, listen to music and eat all they want! I plan to completely decorate their room while they are busy shopping at the River Center Mall all afternoon. In addition, I have set up a little treasure hunt along the Riverwalk of 16 things that the girls must do or find. (For example: Take a picture with a cute boy! Have a group of people sing you Happy Birthday! Buy something for exactly $1!) Things to completely embarrass her....after all, isn't that my job? All 16 things are printed on a sash that she will have to wear. Of course I will be hiding out while photographing the entire charade.

In any event, it should be a great weekend! I just wish that it was me turning 16 again! Oh, the value of hindsight!

The Return of Snoop Deville

Oh the joys of having a child in Kindergarten. This year Samuel's teacher has implemented a "Treasure Box" reward system. At the end of the day children who have followed all the rules gets to choose something from the "Treasure Box". Now you many think that these treasures amount to a small items such as a yo-yo, bouncy ball or maybe even a pencil holder, however we were surprised when Samuel came home with a remote control car, large stuffed animals and even used clothes. At the time we weren't aware of the treasure box and I couldn't help but wonder if Sam was stealing toys from the classroom or maybe the lost and found. And what about the clothes? Is his teacher trying to tell us something? I always thought I dressed the boys nice in jeans and little polo shirts.

One day I politely emailed the teacher asking where and why Samuel was coming home with these large items. That's when I learned about the Treasure Box. Of course I was relieved that my child wasn't a clepto; although I already knew that. Apparently this teacher is also associated with the local thrift store where they are over loaded with children's toys and clothes; thus the reason for the types of items in the "Treasure Box."

So a month or so ago, Samuel brought home this hideous, green, low rider remote control car, which we called the Snoop Deville. It is definitely the most annoying, ugliest toy he has. Well, last Friday while the boys were at school, I completely cleaned out and rearranged their room. I took the opportunity to put good ole Snoop in the donate box. I happily dropped off several boxes and bags of unwanted toys and clothes to thrift store before picking up the boys after school that day.

Today, 3 days later, Snoop Deville made it back home with Samuel from school. It took the thrift store less than 72 hours to get rid of good-ole Snoop. It's so bad that they didn't want it either. Who knows what his teacher is thinking....there can't possibly be more than one of those hideous looking low riders here in this small town. However, Samuel picked Snoop today because he wanted to give one to Carter so they would both have matching cars to play with. Awwww...I just don't have the heart to tell him that this is the original Snoop.

I'm just hoping that the rest of the crap that I dropped off doesn't make it back to our house. And I am keeping my fingers crossed that Sam's teacher doesn't quiz me about it at his parent teacher conference next week.

Redneck, Texas USA

Well, we really don't live in Redneck, TX, but any out-of-towner may have thought so this past Saturday night. My husband lives for the annual Demolition Derby where he spends endless hours for months on end fixing up an old hunk of junk into what you see to the left. For those of you who have never been...this is where perfectly grown men take these old cars (all decorated of course) and crash them into each other in a small arena full of testosterone until the last car moving/running wins. Sadly, they have a round for just women too. Nope, sorry, not for me!

This annual event seems to bring out all types of people, half of which don't have teeth. While it is fun to watch these grown men crash into each other "just for fun", I also completely enjoy drinking beer with my friends and doing a little people watching. It's always good for a night full of laughs. Certainly not the type of crowd you would find any other time of the year, anywhere else for that matter. But the kids love it, so count me in.

I am proud to say that Tommy won 2nd place in the final event. This is the 7th year he has participated and last year was the first time he placed (3rd). So if you see the patten developing here you can guess that he has his eye on 1st place next year. Of course, I am not complaining about the $600 prize money that he quickly handed over to me. And first place is a much bigger prize!!

Struggles of Teenage Girls!

This past weekend, the Mustang JV volleyball team placed 3rd in a local tournament. Now that probably doesn't sound like headline news, but for these girls....it is! This team has played together for 4 years now and I have to say it has been a long road with many tears shed along the way.

During the 7th and 8th grade seasons, we couldn't buy a win. In 9th grade, they were able to pull it together enough to win a few games but could never pull it out enough to win the match. This year however, our team is currently 4-2. They are finally playing and communicating as a team. Our 3+ year loosing streak is finally over. I am so proud of them and how far they really have come. It has been endless hours of conditioning, practice, and numerous summer camps.

Don't get me wrong....they are still 15 year old girls. They argue enough to make one think they are all related. They all have their good and bad days....which happen to not be at the same time. And there is still so much unnecessary bickering going on, but again...they are still 15 year old girls who's lives revolve around drama!

Keep up the hard work girls.....it's your year to kick some BUTT!

The Chaos Has Begun...

It's September already, which means that I am swamped and pulling my hair out. No, literally...it's really falling out thanks to these wonderful drugs I am on, but we won't discuss that.

The kids have all started school. Josh just completed his first week of college classes. He is loving life in Lubbock and has stayed out of trouble so far...thank god! I have been very good and only called him a few times. I am sure it is safe to say that he enjoys being out from underneath my wing.

Samuel and Carter are really enjoying Kindergarten and their new teachers. They are in a brand new school this year and besides the rattle snake found on the playground yesterday, all is good! Samuel just started flag football and really loves it! Which is a great means of negotiation when he decides to misbehave.

Amanda is already overloaded with homework from all her AP classes. However, I am so proud to report that she has gone up 4 spots in her class rank since last year. She has finally made it into the top 10% (28/286) of her class. She has worked real hard to get there. She is also playing on the JV volleyball team this year which we currently have a record of 2-2. Her goal was to make varsity, however she seems to be content on JV with a lot of playing time.

I am slowly healing after my year of medical hell! My back seems to be healing nicely according to my doctor. Physical therapy is going good and my legs and muscles are definitely getting stronger. I am anxious to finally be free of antibiotics after this month...and my body can get back to normal. Will also help my super low iron levels, which explains above hair loss!

Samuel had ear surgery last week....apparently the boy put some sort of foreign object in his ear. It looked to be berry from a tree or maybe an unpopped popcorn kernel. Either way it was big enough to completely block his eardrum, which ended up being good news because his eardrum has began to regenerate itself. He could possibly have "normal" hearing in that ear without the need for more surgery....wish that was the case on the other side too...but no such luck!

I am definitely looking forward to less chaotic months ahead.