End of the year...bullet blog

Jenny, you inspired me...yet again. So, I copy you!

• Christmas was ... interesting this year. My gifts to people were nothing or very close to nothing. We were so strapped with money... but, my Dad pulled through for me. :) I got to go on a maternity shopping spree! So, I spent a good amount of money on CUTE maternity clothing and underpants.
• Caleb LOVED his Christmas. We did the "Santa brings you 3 gifts, because JESUS got three gifts" idea this year for the first time. It worked out great! He got games, Veggie Tales DVDs, and clothes. Next year, I think we'll add a gift from us. My cousins do that...it seems like a good idea.
• I still don't know what this little bean is. It's driving me crazy! I can't seem to get (sneaking, of course) into anywhere to view the "between-the-legs" shot that I need...
• My sister has been here since the 19th. It's been great. She leaves on the 3rd. I don't know when we'll get to see each other, again. But, it won't be soon enough.
• I've been sleeping WAY too late in the mornings. Late for me, anywho. I can't sleep in until 7:30 during the school year. Caleb has even been letting me sleep...once he joins us in bed at 5:30. :)
• I am up about 6.5 pounds so far this pregnancy. It's not holiday food, either. I've been doing pretty good... I think. Weird thing about this pregnancy, though...Meat = yuck! I don't' want it! Except ground beef, ham, and summer sausage. So, no chicken, steak, or fish for me. I hope I'm getting enough protein.
• My friend from church ... due same day as me... already knows they are having a girl! URGH! Yeah for them! I am jealous! I want to know. We've kinda already starting calling the baby "Owen." We're pretty sure it's another boy. We'll see, soon, I guess. Oops! I posted two bullets on the same subject. Is that a crime? or un-etiquette-appropriate? :P
• New Year's plans? Nah! Not me. Bed time at 9:30 sounds crazy enough for me. Thanks, though.
• See you on Thursday at school...eek! Yuck! Bleck!
• So...Happy New Year!

ESP

So, this morning at church (during the first service) I had the strongest ESP ever! It was something to do with my bestest friend, Cathy. The one in the preggers pictures below. It is a week away from her due date. I just knew that she was in labor, or had already pooped the kid (whose sex we don't know...because they are CRAZY!) out. So, between services, I called her. I figured if she wasn't in either category listed previously, she would be leading the church choir like she does every Sunday...and I would leave a message. Lo and behold...her hubby answers the phone. WELL... I lose it and automatically start balling. Could be the hormones from my own little bean...could just be because I KNEW. Her water broke at 7:15. She took her time and ate breakfast, took a shower and meandered over to the hospital. By the time she got there, she was at a 4 and 80% effaced. She was on pitocin when I last spoke to her (at 10:20) because her contractions were weird and spread out. I got this information in-between sobs. We were both crying. It was a good cry. We both needed to hear each others voice. And, when we lived together, we got ESP all the time. We are definitely cut from the same cloth.

I finally got a call about 4:30 this afternoon. My bestest buddie is the proud mommy of a little boy! Ethan Joseph Breeden. 8 pounds, 8 ounces. 19.5 inches long. She ended up with a c-section. His head kept hitting the back wall of her pelvis. What a great sized baby! I can't wait to drive back to Cypress to see her and Ray and Ethan! But, that will probably have to wait until school is out in 2 weeks. Plus, that'll give her time to get into a "routine" with Ethan, before I go and mess it up.

On another note. I called a mutual friend of ours (Cathy and mine) to tell her the news...and mine, too. I hadn't had an opportunity to tell her about our bean. Plus, she's had a very HARD last year or so. Lost 2 babies...nearly bled to death delivering the last one at home. I didn't want to give her my GOOD news...if she wasn't ready to hear it. But, GOD works in mysterious, and wonderful ways. SHE is in the process of adopting a little boy! Due May 4th! OMG! This is such a blessing for all involved! Our babies will all be 6 months apart or less! What a wonderful time for us!

So, if you don't want to be in the same situation as several of my friends, may I make a suggestion? DON'T DRINK THE WATER! :) Happy, glorious day! Thank you, Lord!

Tired, still

I thought it was supposed to get less tiring the 2nd trimester.
I am unexplainable tired! and hungry!
Right now (6:20 am) I feel like I could eat an entire horse! Mane, Tail, and hoofs!
Eww...that thought nearly made me puke! LOL!
I could have gone to bed at 8:30 last night and still not had enough sleep. But, instead, I went to bed at 10:30...and am doubly exhausted.
Soon. I'll have more rest. Right?!
Or maybe not.
...now, where did I leave that horse?

Missing them already!

They've been gone only 30 minutes. Yup, as soon as they crossed the threshold, I was teary. Caleb asked me if I was sick, if I was mad at him, or what?! I smiled and said, no, just sad that Grandma Jean and Grandpa Greg had to go back to Ohio. They tried talking me into letting Caleb fly up there this summer, on his own. WHATEVER!!! Maybe if he was six or seven...but not at 3. I think we might try a trip in July...when new baby is at least 2 weeks old. We'll have to wait to see.
Eww...I still have 3-ish weeks of school before I can be lazy again. I am already ready, already. For sure.
So, I guess I should go ahead and get ready for the day. I DON'T WANNA! I'd like to stay at home and sleep and enjoy the empty house. No, I'd be uber lonely.
Oh well. Off to get un-stink-ified. Joy.

Back to school too soon!

I've had a marvelous weekend with my MIL and her BF. (absolutely NO sarcasm here - she's WONDERFUL!!!) She helps so much with keeping things picked up and reminding Brant and Caleb to put things away. I've gotten into an "I don't care if you don't care" mode. But, hopefully that will be changing soon.

First trimester is officially over! Yahoo! Boobs still hurt, though...ready to feel this bump that is so fatty right now. And, BTW - kids at school still don't know. I guess when they ask, I'll reveal. We'll see.

Anywho, back to school today. I don't wanna! I'd love to hang around the house and pretend it's vacation time with Brant and Caleb...some more. They leave tomorrow, MIL and her BF. Bummer. Early, too. like flying out at 7 am. EWWW!

Next thing to look forward to? My 2nd appointment on the 18th. Seester back on the 19th. End of first semester on the 21st. Yahoo! for all!

Have a great Monday!

Brother in Training...

We finally had an opportunity to tell my MIL about our new baby...



Here's a little video (9 seconds) to show you the real deal.



We had just picked them up at the airport...and Grandpa Greg is talking to Caleb about Thanksgiving snow. Caleb rips off his jacket...on cue, of course...and shows off his too-cute shirt. the reaction is priceless. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving SNOW!!!

Yup! We were in Snyder. Lots of snow. Caleb loved it. He learned very fast how to pick up the cold, cold snow and make towards Mama to throw it! Little snot! :) Still had snow on the CRV when we got home! Funny, not a drop of snow was left here, though. Oh well...another day, perhaps!

So much for time ALONE!!!

Caleb was sent home on Monday from "school" with a 102.3 fever. I kept him yesterday just to be sure. Today, I got the call at 2:00...just as I was laying down for a cold winter's nap... or something. He had a 101 fever. GRRRRR! There is nothing else wrong with him...if you don't count the hacking cough he's had for a month. It's bad enough that my baby two-year-old knows how to say "throwed-up" and how to get positioned in front of the toilet if necessary. Eww!

I shouldn't complain. I just wanted to get my tree up and the house cleaned sans two-year-old. Oh well...there will be time to do that with him.

Tomorrow is Turkey day! Or rather, happy eat lots of food, watch football, and spend time snoozing with other family members you barely get to see day! :)

First OB visit

I finally got to go!

Heard and saw the little bean. Unfortunately, the image is horrid...you can't tell it's a bean! Not even slightly human-oid. But, the heartbeat is good...and we're right on track for the 14th or so of June.

I did get to see better images than were printed...darn timing. :)

On a side note...Doc told me that we would be allowed to "pick" our baby's b-day at 39 weeks. Meaning...I will most likely have a c-section, again. Darn it. I really wanted to try to deliver vaginally. She said if she was on call, we could try...but I have to go into labor all by myself. No inducing. I know it's crazy, but I wanted to try it. I know there are no trophies...but I wanted to experience it just once...for real.

But, yeah! Baby is doing good! Just about 10 days until EVERYONE knows. We tell MIL on the 29th when she gets here. Finally!

Back from Houston

I drove to Houston on Friday. Just Caleb and me. We did great!

We went to see my bestest friend, Cathy, for her baby shower. She has one month to go. She's totally adorable. The cake was amazing! Her friend did it all free-handed-like. WOW! I am jealous!

Anywho, here's Cathy...and the tummy...and by the way...did I tell you they ARE NOT finding out what the sex is? Crazy people! To each their own, right?

All better

So, I got all better today. At 2 pm. Know what the problem was? My intestines were slowed down. So-to-speak... sat down and took care of that little problem. Felt STUPID not realizing THAT was the issue. Oh well. Have to watch what I eat. More fun to come, I'm sure.

Bleck!

My tummy is tired. I am very nauseous. My head hurts. I don't want to take anything 'cause I don't want to puke. But, my head hurts more and more as the day goes on. So, I've now taken A Tylenol. Just one. I'd like to sleep. If I got the flu from my dad...I will be so mad! I purposefully WAS NOT around him last week because of this. Maybe it's my "other" condition? I hope so. :)

6 more days!

I am positive!
Rah, rah!
Not including today, because I am already up...
There are only 6 school days left until our much needed Thanksgiving break!
We haven't had a break since September - Labor Day!
I am looking forward to sleeping in with my hubby...after taking Caleb to day care (only for 2 days!).
I am looking forward to seeing/hearing this little life inside of me.
I am looking forward to putting up my Christmas tree and other decorations.
I am looking forward to seeing family and eating far too much food.
I am looking forward to time to bake and be a home-body. (which I secretly desire!)
I am looking forward to ... no school.
YIPPEE!
Can't wait.

SEESTER!!!

So, my seester (yes, it is supposed to be spelled that way) is coming back to Tejas for a visit.

YIPPEE!!!

TODAY!!!

She was scheduled to come back for about 2 weeks during Christmas...and still will. She is VERY homesick. (who could blame her?!) She texted Dad and I yesterday that she could be here tomorrow (Tuesday - today) for $495...she wished. So, dad called her and said do you really want to come home? How long can you stay? etc, etc... Long story short...she will be here today at 4:50 ish! Through Friday!

Not a long time...but time needed. We've already been warned that Franco's, Rosa's and Henry's will the on the menu at least 2 times. Each. :) I so love my seester...more and more as we get older.

YEAH!!!

Happy Halloween!

I went on my very first ever Trick-or-Treating adventure.

Caleb did, too!

He was so adorable. We really did have fun. We went to about 10 houses in the neighborhood. I am ready to throw the candy away...not because I am being a freak about it...but because Caleb is wanting to eat it all...NOW. :)

Got my CRV today...FINALLY! It's only been about 3 weeks! I love it. I've only been in it for about 10 minutes...but, it IS love at first drive. I'll have to post pics, soon.

In the meantime, here's my pix

and a couple of Caleb

and one of both of my boys.

(Caleb is wearing Brant's glasses at Olive Garden - what a weirdo!)

Anywho - Happy Halloween!

Changes

So, being pregnant the second time seems different.

I am technically 8 weeks (even though the ticker says 7 wks, 2 days). Whatever. I feel a huge difference in the lower part of my already poochy tummy. It's firmer and filling out. I put on some pants today...and had to take them right off. I could zip them, but NO WAY could I have gone all day like that. So, I opted for a skirt that makes me look 300 pounds. But is roomy. So, dad went with Caleb and I to Target and I got 3 pairs of (eek!) maternity pants. $80 down the drain. But, I got denim, black, and khaki. so, all the bases are covered. I have the maternity pants from being preggers with Caleb...but they are full belly...and HOT. I am not ready for that yet. Besides, these others are very stylish...I think.

My breasts are so heavy! Seriously! I am already moving into my BIG bras. It's not much of a difference size-wize...but they feel heavy. And hurt! Man they are achy in the morning. Maybe I should start wearing a sleep-bra...eek!

My face is like a war zone. Very broken out and dry. What the heck?! I am a non-zitter. I did this same thing with Caleb...just - eww!

I dread getting on the scale. It lies.

3 more weeks until I see Dr. Adams. I can't wait to hear the bean's heartbeat! I don't remember when I get to feel the bean. Maybe around 12 weeks? Thoughts?

I think almost everyone at school (save the students) know, now. I can't keep a secret. BP still wants to wait until we go to the doctor before telling his work. I want to SCREAM it out to everyone that will listen.

Anywho...that's all for now. Growing body = growing bean. and that's all good. Loves!

Yesterday, I was...

30 in the morning. By 3:30, I turned 31.

So, what changed?

My boobs hit the floor.
My butt grew 2 inches.
I have heartburn really bad.

Oh, wait. Maybe that's just because I am preggers!

:)

It was a nice birthday. BP brought me lunch and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. (BTW - He doesn't believe in flowers...so this is very nice!) Several of my teacher friends made me feel special by purchasing a HUGE balloon bouquet. THANKS! Another teacher friend brought a cake that I still haven't eaten...look for that addition to my butt on Saturday. :) Another teacher friend got me a real bag of goodies. A calendar, gel pens (I am a sucker for school supplies), a journal pad, and some stamps. Thanks Kristy! Dad, Caleb, Brant and I went to Ichibans (purr) for dinner. Dad got me a gift card to CATO...I love CATO...it IS my shopping weakness. Did I mention that I also have a credit card to that place?! He also got me/Caleb some Veggie Tales DVDs...to be re gifted at Christmas. Hmmmm... We then went out for ice cream at Marble Slab. Sweet cream with caramel and cherries is my other weakness. When we got home, Brant pulled out my gift. He did very good. He got me some silicon bake ware. That is exactly what I wanted. I can't wait to try it out.

Anywho...Caleb did good, sleeping in his own bed the entire night. Today is just Friday. I am just 31. and preggers! Still trying to get used to that idea.

Good Night! - Yes!

We had a good night -strike that - a GREAT night. No fight to get to his room. No fight to sleep in his toddler bed! Not awake all night! YES! Thanks for that birthday present, Caleb. Mommy totally loves it.

On another note - I had been sleeping with a full body pillow...to get used to it. And not sleeping much, my self. Did not use it last night. I, too, slept very well. Still woke up too early. Maybe it's the birthday jitters?

That's silly. Anywho. Off to check my measly my space page, too.

THE fight

I am tired.

Caleb and I have been "fighting" for a while now.

Fighting?! yes...fighting. I need him to sleep in his room. He refuses to sleep on his awesome toddler bed - that was his baby bed...one of those convertible types. So, when he started sleeping on the couch, we decided to get him the chair futon thing that I used to use in my 3rd grade classroom. He loved it. This weekend I helped him clean his room. Organized and put away toys...it's a really livable room now (the only one in the house). I turned his futon bed thing sideways, next to his toddler bed. Since then, he's been back to my bed or the couch. NO! I won't have it! I'm not sleeping well enough as it is! So, this morning, we've been "Fighting." I won. I think. The futon bed thing is now put up - out of reach. Caleb is passed out on his toddler bed...and I've only been up since 5. sleepy = me.

and hungry, too...but that's another blog.

Car washed...now rain

It never fails. I knew it would be cold today. So, I thought I'd help make it rain. I washed the Jeep yesterday. Got it all vacuumed out and everything. Getting it ready for BP to take over. (By the way - still no CRV, yet!)

Last night, I fell asleep to the lovely sounds of the coming storm. The rain is not sticking around, though. I wish it would stay this cold and rainy for a long time. I love this weather. The kind that a jacket is all I need to stay warm.

Others need coats...but they don't have as much fat to keep them warm, as I. :)

Odds and Ends

My first OB appointment is not until November 19th. While that might seem like forever to you, it feels like an eternity to me! By the 19th, I will be 11 weeks! That means that I will be nearly finished with the first trimester before I see the doctor! Does that seem crazy to anyone else?!

I've been so worried since last Friday that maybe I wasn't really preggers (which is unrealistic, I know), that I bought another test yesterday and peed on a stick at school. Okay, it was AFTER school, but I did it, anywho. THIS time, it was VERY bright and quite obvious. YES!

On Wednesdays, I go to Cheddar's with a couple of friends from school. I usually pick up Caleb and take him, just so I can stay longer with my buddies. Yesterday, I did the usual. One of my friends asked Caleb what was in my tummy. Without prompting, he said, "A baby!" I could not believe he actually grasped that concept! Oh my goodness!

Needless to say, I think it might be hard to keep the secret from day care...I wanted to wait until after my mother in law came down...after Thanksgiving. I am making a shirt for Caleb to wear to the airport that has his name on the front, and I'm the big brother on the back. He gets so dirty at school that I wanted an opportunity for it to be very clean for my mother in law, first, and then day care second. I might just have to find another way to tell day care. They are my friends, too. Hmmm...

Money

Money makes me crazy! Just as soon as you think you are all caught up and ready to pay off some other bill...a bill pops out from under the cushions, and is now past due! GRRRRR!!! Just needed to vent!

New...

Since we ARE finally preggers (YEAH!!!), Brant wants to get a new vehicle. Not NEW new, but something to exchange for the truck. It's 5 years old...we were the first and only owners, and it's out of warranty. So, Saturday morning we went around test driving and looking at cross-over SUVs. They are like small SUVs. We had already looked at the idea of a Honda Odyssey or a Grand Caravan (ewww! Mini-van! - so not what I envisioned ME driving), and decided that they were too big and expensive. I test drove the Honda CRV. Loved it. That's just the way it usually is with me. If there is a BIG decision to make - and I LOVE something - it has a way of just happening. So, we decided to see what the local people would offer us. After looking online for several hours, we decided the prices were exactly the same here as in Dallas, San Antonio, etc. So, against all I've ever said...we shopped locally for a car! We traded in our beloved, tripped out, truck for 10,500 (about 2 less than we really wanted to get) for a yet-to-be-seen (hopefully light blue) NEW 2007 CRV. I am so pumped! In the mean time, we are driving a used 2007 Honda Civic. It's neat. A hybrid. Meaning it has an auto-stop for the engine, every time we come to a complete stop. The AC still works, as does the electrical stuff, but the gas is not applied to the engine. I'm getting like - 35 mpg!

Anywho. We spent Sunday morning cleaning out the garage. We had cleaned out our vehicles numerous times and just left the box of junk in the garage. We had - rather I had - brought home much teaching junk that I hadn't touched in 3 years. So, the trash area is full...the trailer is now backed into my side of the garage with lots of garage sale type items...think I'm going to have to find a place for that. I HATE doing garage sales - LOVE going to them. We've got about an hours more work, and we'll actually be able to park 2 cars in our 2 car garage! YIPPEE!!! What a concept.

I got to watch the Cowboy game last night. Caleb and I went over to Laray and Chatta's house. Caleb played with Caleb and CB so hard! He didn't nap. Which was odd. But he fell asleep at 7:30 last night, at PaPa's house. No dinner. Not cranky. He just plopped down on the couch and fell asleep. ALL NIGHT! He usually gets up at 4 and I send him back to his bed. Then, he'll get up at 6 to wake us up. Not today! He's still out! We wore that little boy out!

So, my MIL is coming at the end of November - after Thanksgiving. We're not going to tell her about our new arrival until then. I bought a t-shirt and iron on letters for Caleb. I'm going to iron on his name on the front, and The Big Brother on the back. When we pick up Jean and Greg at the airport, I think that's how we'll tell them. I'll try to video tape it...send it to my sister in law in Wisconsin...so she can see it, too. That'll be awesome! I love surprising people with news like that!

Okay, it's time to get ready for another Monday at school. Duty. Yuck! Have a great day!

J - see you tomorrow at your shower! I can't wait to see you both!

Test

So...I totally really cheated. I peed on an equate stick yesterday. There was a light pink plus.

Went to Wal-Mart...got EPT ones. Peed in a cup...placed stick in cup...There was a light blue plus.

Peed on a stick - equate - a few minutes ago...Nothing came up.

This scares the ever living poo out of me! Can I really NOT take a pregnancy test accurately? Are you serious?

But, I know you can't get a false positive...so...I've called a few very close girlfriends (yesterday) and told them. Called seester. She needed the good news. She didn't get the singing job she auditioned for in Vegas.

This is how I told BP:
I got a Halloween container thing - with a lid. I put in there: Tums (which I know I will eat like candy...already need one this morning), the 2 preg tests in a Ziploc bag, covered that with tissue paper, on top of that was his favorite beer (because Thursdays are hard for him at work - he didn't even get home until 7:40...was due home at 7ish), a package of chocolate (because he's a chocolate LOVER), and a package of toothpaste (because I actually remembered to purchase he sensitive toothpaste when I picked up the other items on the list last night *grin*). When he FINALLY got home, I told him I picked him up a present. He said he'd open it later, he was starving. I said, "No, you'll open it now." So, he did and was excited about the top 3 items...started to walk away (having NOT lifted the tissue paper - what a guy!), and I said, "I think there's more." He lifted the side with the TUMS...perfect! He said, "Tums? Why?" I said, "I think there's more!" He finally found the two preg tests and turned around and said, "Really? (*poo eating grin inserted here*) Awesome!" Proceeded to give me a big smacker of a kiss and looked at my Dad (who was eating dinner as usual with us). I told Dad he was hired for the next nine months or so to empty the cat box. :) Brant REFUSES to do that.

Needless to say, the cat box did NOT get emptied...which it desperately needs. I guess I'll just wear a mask and do it myself. It's one of those roll over and empty itself kinds.

I AM worried about the lightness of the tests, and the non-existence of the test this morning. Guess I should call the doctor and set up an appointment? Get a blood test and all that?

If everything is as it is - we are expecting our little addition on or about June 16th, 2008! OMG! I am beyond excited and scared to death! This is totally what I/We wanted...but ... WOW!

I think I'll go try to lay down for a tiny nap for about 45 minutes, until my alarm goes off...then maybe I'll have enough urine to pee on the EPT one, again. Or, maybe I'll wait until tomorrow.


NAH! I don't think so! I can't believe I am finally pregnant! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reminiscing

I was watching old movies today...being a bit nostalgic. I came across this one. It cracks me up! Caleb was laughing, too. Enjoy!

DVD player

is kaput. I think. It's NOT playing the movie, as requested by Caleb. That is NOT good. Plus, he's having to settle for Happy Feet instead of Cars...because Cars is currently MIA. So, we move to the living room, I guess. I can use the PlayStation 2...I don't really want to have to purchase a new DVD player.

Oh! I need to start collecting Veggie Tales movies on DVD. I have about 5 movies from when I was in college. They are VHS...and Caleb LOVES them. But, you can tell they are wearing out. Just a thought.

***edit*** Actually, it's the Happy Feet movie. It WILL NOT play! Oh well...we've had fun without a movie - imagine that!!

Message

I got the message!

No, not that one...

I decided to be sneaky and test last night...after a bit of prayer that went something like this: "God, if there is a reason I shouldn't test tonight, could you give me some kind of message...otherwise I would really like to test...and I don't know why! But I am compelled to test. Amen."

So, I peed on a stick. Thought I had to pee like a race horse. It was only about 3 seconds of urine.

And the test?

Yeah, the darn thing didn't have ANY lines show up. GRRRR!!! I got the message. I AM waiting until Friday morning to test again. This is despite the fact that I am home with Caleb this afternoon. He had a 99.9 fever and threw up and was being cranky and not like himself. However, since I've bathed him to get rid of that oh, so pleasant smell...he's doing great! He's dressed himself in my jewelry and is currently bouncing on my bed and waiting for me to find, "My Lightning McQueen Movie, Momma!" Check out the pictures that can be later used for blackmail...The last one is of him wearing the wig cover for my Fiona costume...I don't know why he wanted to open his mouth like that. Weirdo...2 year old...my kid. Ah! Make sense now!

I love my little boy in tighty whities. Only, I'd like to call them tiny whities. Anywho, I better go find that movie before ALL of the sheets are removed from my bed by a little bouncy 2 year old.

Only a few more hours...hopefully I'll know something good, then. I've NEVER been this late...EVER!!!

Waiting is SOOOO difficult!

I want to go buy a test.

NOW!

But, I said I'd wait until Friday.

WHY?!

Because I am cheap...and they are expensive...and I don't trust the $1 ones from Dollar General.

...and I'm impatient.

Crabby pants

I am the current owner of crabby pants. I hope that's not the sign that I'm about to start. Usually it is. I think it's more that the kids REFUSE to follow directions! Things like:

Write a procedure for blah blah blah...
THEN test your written procedure.

Instead they are just jumping in and doing whatever! GRRR!!!

Okay, enough. Positive pants will win. I will be happy so that I can foster a new Foster.

and stuff.

Not watching...

So, I think I am a bad luck charm this season for the Cowboys. It's got to be ALL me!

We were at Double Dave's actually being fans...watching the first 10 minutes or so of the game.

If you watched - you know how the Bills (who the Boys were supposed to cream) scored from an amazing run within the first few minutes.

I told Brant that every time I watch, they do poorly. - You have to understand that I am the football fan in my family. This is a major sacrifice to NOT watch!!! - after a second weirdly bad play, Brant said, "You have to leave the building."

So, we promptly got up and left dinner.

I didn't watch the rest of the game. I went to bed a little early so as not to be tempted.

And who pulled it out of their hineys? Yeah! The Boys are five and oh! And, I'm not watching.

October 8th...

This is a hard day for my little family. On this day, two years ago, my wonderful, loving, artistic, beautiful mother passed away. She was the most caring, thoughtful, loving person anyone has ever known. She loved being a sister to our Aunt Clara. She loved being our mom. She loved being my dad's wife, she loved being a grandmother. We called her "No-knee." It was such a term of endearment. She had both knees replaced just after Caleb was born, and Brant (who could do no wrong in her eyes) named her that when she decided to have it done. We miss her so much. I no longer wake up thinking she'll call, or that I can just drive the 1.7 miles to her house...but I don't remember her voice. I remember her smell. We can still go into her closet and smell her. She had the best laugh...and handwriting. She always knew what I needed to wear - which was exactly opposite of what she would pick out for herself. She gave the best advice without being overbearing. She was an artist. She painted so beautifully...I wish she could have had more time to spend doing just that. Expressing herself the way only SHE could do. I miss pinching the little bit of extra skin on her elbows. I miss tucking her ever-present blue dress into her ginormous panty line. I miss teasing her about Brant and I being intimate. I miss her smile, and her laughter in her eyes. I miss her helmet hair and perfectly manicured fingernails and toenails. I miss the way she just KNEW what to get us for birthdays and Christmas. I miss the way she would drink her Diet Pepsi from a huge Sea World glass...and have us fetch her more. I miss the way Max would only come out to be pet when she was alone with him. I miss having her watch us grow, learn, explore, and experience life. She was taken so fast, so soon, too soon.

Caleb and I "visited" her at the cemetery today. We stopped and ran our fingers over her name. We looked at the flowers that had been left, and the cat figurine that she would have loved. We prayed. Caleb repeated the important words after me. "...special angel...miss you...watching over us...keep us safe...amen...Can we eat?" Giggle and run.

Yeah, No-knee/Mom, that was for you. I see you smiling up there. I love you!

Quarantined

I put several of my friends on quarantine. Why? I don't want their pheromones talking to my pheromones. We've been on the same cycle - to the day - for a while. So, sorry if you are one of those girls that are quarantined...it's for my own good! :)

So far...no "Visitor" has arrived...keep praying. If I make it to Friday without a visitor, then we will test then.

Again, thanks for praying!

ONE line

So, this morning I woke up at 1:30.

I said I would wait until Sunday to test. It's Sunday at 1:30 AM.

Only ONE line.

Could mean that it's too early; that I have a bad test; any number of things.

OR - ... not.

Immediate depression hit, and HARD. I wanted my kids to be closer than 4 years apart. It's HIS plan, I know...but still...

Tomorrow is 2 years since my mother passed away, suddenly. Don't need any help with depression, right now. Thanks.

Keep praying, please...I still have some hope...

Tired/Lazy

Don't know why I am SOOO very tired today.

I was so lazy at school! I let my kids watch Magic School Bus. And they loved it!

I yawned, literally, all day!

Came home, napped with Caleb for about 30 minutes.

Just ate IHOP for dinner...Dad took "the boys" up to the shop to work on gun stuff...and I am going to bed. And it's 8:45!

Hmmm...yes, sleepy = very yes.

Costume Excitement!

Our costumes came in the mail today! I am SUPER excited. Halloween is my very favorite time of year! By far!!!

This year, Caleb is going to be "Puss in Boots."

No - say it the right way: (in an Antonio Banderas accent) "Puss (pause) in Boots!"


As soon as they came in the mail, Caleb HAD to try his on. He was SOOOO excited!

He wore it until I told him he couldn't swim in it...and that did it.

I will be a VERY overweight Princess Fiona - best part about it? No pink!!! :)

Eww! and other stuff

Yeah, so Monday night sucked!

I was up for almost the entire night. I spent 3 hours in the bathroom...in a seated position...in one way or another. I did loose 5 pounds of water weight - in one night!! Zapped my energy, totally! I actually took my first REAL sick day. I've taken days for BP, Caleb, funerals, Caleb's birth...but never for me. All I did on Tuesday was sleep and try to to repeat the process from Monday night.

Much better now! In fact, we had Franco's last night! Someone asked me today where that was, and what kind of food that was! WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! I (or rather everyone else) is paying for the fact that I ate the yummiest Mexican food ever, last night.

On another note. I am Suzy-baker...I baked 17 and a half cupcakes last night for a birthday for an adult at school. Big hit, I might add. Don't look at the fact that we are supposed to be talking about healthy eating and all that jazz at school. :)

Grades are almost completed...which is good...since tomorrow is the end of the six weeks. Some people didn't know to plan ahead and NOT plan the end of the six weeks test for the last day. Not me...just some people I know. I don't think they thought about that part of the planning. But, they learned...or not...the choice is theirs.

That's it...

No, wait! Caleb has been demoted to the 2 year old room. It's an awesome thing! He's only had ONE accident all week, and THAT was at nap time! Yahoo! Today, he actually woke up and went tee-tee on his own, and went back to sleep! Big steps! Hopefully, he'll keep up the dry-ness in the 3 year old room next week. We shall see...

Do I really look that bad?

Today, about 15 people asked me if I was okay. Why? Do I really look that bad?

Yes, Caleb was sick with ickies this weekend. He didn't keep me awake.

Do I look somehow more differenter? Fatter, for sure...in fact, add 25 pounds from last year...and you've got me, this year. YUCKY! I was hot this morning and couldn't get cooled off. Maybe my hair was odd? I dunno. But, I do know that I have peed more today than in a long time. Maybe that means something?

Like I drank a lot?

:) Keep fingers crossed and prayers there, please!

End of September

Can you believe it?!

October starts tomorrow! That means only 2 1/2 months to shop until Christmas...unless you are like me. I shop AFTER Christmas. Because I am cheap - errr I mean frugal. My MIL is already asking for ideas to get Caleb and BP and I... Geez! Let me get through my 31st birthday, first! Just kidding! I always ask for gift cards to anywhere I can get clothes. In fact, I JUST spent the gift card from last year, a couple of weeks ago.

Guilty purchasing, guilt-free. :) Yeah!

Eww...Tomorrow is Monday. That means school, and duty. YUCK! But hey! I think we only have like... ... ... 156 days of school left.

I should not gripe! I love my tiny 6th graders. They are really fun!

Anywho. Caleb threw up yesterday. Y U C K Y! With a capital bleck! Poor baby. Two or three times of the body wrenching kind. Once, on my bed - Brant's side. GROSS! Today, it was the other end. I think he's all done. A bit dehydrated, so he's been downing pedialite. Again, YUCKY! But, he loves his "juice." Now, if I could just get him to go to sleep! He's about an hour past his bedtime.

Anywho. My hopes for next month ... stay busy, but not too much. Keep the house picked up, in a modified FlyLady style. Stay healthy. Continue going to church and absorbing much love, there. Blog more often. Get something awesome for Seester & Bro'in law's birthdays. Carve a pumpkin with Caleb. Lose a bit of weight. Be preggers...see me on the 9th for news there. Have a GREAT birthday! Look adorable for Halloween (Caleb's going to be Puss in Boots, and I will be ogre Fiona! - thanks seester!). and pray. A lot. The real, soul-searching kind. It's got to be doing some good.

Time for bed. Loves to all!

FRIDAY!

and homecoming...

There were some crazy things going on here at school during 7th period today. I was off...THANK GOODNESS! But with my door open. I should have been grading the volumes of lab papers that were done this week...instead I was finally responding to emails and reading blogs. oops!

Anywho, suddenly (scared the poo out of me, actually!) I hear classes screaming down the hall at each other - in unison - Central....(pause for other class to respond) - Bobcats!...(more pausing and repeat this over and over)...also were the chants of "Hey, Mrs. So-and-So, we're better than you!" And other such silliness that can only come with a zillion 6th and 7th graders cooped up in the same building on a homecoming Friday.

But, it is Friday! Yahoo! I hope to get some major "Fly-lady" action this weekend. (don't get all excited - that's a method of cleaning see www.flylady.net for more information). I'd love to find my bedroom floor and vacuum it. But, that's tomorrow.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend, all!

Baby fever, for sure!

Gorgeous! I cannot wait! I just love the smell, feel, squishy-ness of...newborns! I know my turn will be soon! Just keep me in your prayers. Thanks, Jenny, for sharing Grant with us today!

Home

Man, I am so glad to be home. Glad to have a home. Messy as it is, and unwilling as I am to get it clean. I am so glad to have a wonderful home. I need to get the name of that lady that has a way to clean your house a bit at a time each day...the one that Jenni was talking about that Amber does. I bet Jenny does it, too.

Where is this coming from? Who knows?!

I totally spaced out at church today. YIKES! Everyone else in my CLG felt the sermon was spoken to THEM. But, not me. A few parts, maybe...but mostly not. Does that mean I am NOT ready to be baptized? Does that make me less of a Christian? Does that mean that I have not truly accepted the Holy Spirit, and cannot hear His word?

Also, I couldn't bring myself to include myself/family in today's prayer requests. I wanted so badly to ask for something to do with understanding or guidance in our quest to reproduce. I want so much to have this month be THE month. We're like rabbits...Sorry if I offend. No, I'm not. I feel like I walk in His light. So, by doing that, doesn't that entitle me to bring in another precious gift from him to this world? Maybe I am asking for something I am not ready to ask for, yet? I don't think so. WE conceived Caleb without much problem...lots of planning and feet in the window. This time I thought we leave it more up to Him. No charting with temperatures, and cervical position, and all that jazz. Just plain old fashioned bunny rabbit style. Hit and no miss. I even told BP that we weren't REALLY trying this month. We are just "having fun
& enjoying each other." Which is partially true. I am trying (and he knows it...it was a silly thing to fool myself). So, here goes a prayer for me, after all.

Dear God, my heavenly savior,
I am praying on behalf of my husband and myself. I am praying that you will allow us to conceive a healthy, happy, vibrant child that would follow your light. I understand that the door you open for us will not be easily visible, but we want so much to find it, walk through it and experience the road that follows on the other side of this door. Perhaps we have already opened it, and are unaware. I pray for the guidance to better hear your words, especially the words I am deaf to hear, right now.
In your name I pray,
AMEN

O U C H!!!

Worked out yesterday...again.

OUCH! This time, my chest is sore, and so are my triceps.

But, at least I can walk!

Hopefully all of this very sweaty work will be evident, soon. And, hopefully I am not "Squeezing out" any potential kiddos. Gross image, I apologize. I am scared that doing ab-work will do just that. (couldn't be that I don't want to do it, could it?! Just kidding.)

So, when I am less sore, I'll do it again. I think.

Are you my best friend?

My son asked me this today.

My response was, "Yes! Always!"

Ten minutes later, "Momma, are you my best friend?"

"Yes, baby, Always!"

"Daddy, too?"

"Yes, baby, Always! Caleb, are you MY best friend?"

"Yes, mama! Aways! I love you much!"

"I love you more, too!"

Sweet times to be remembered. :)

Beautiful Baby!

And J! So gorgeous! Grant is totally adorable! I can't wait to be in your shoes! I am so happy we could be there to witness Mason meeting Grant! That was so special! You look amazing! I am so proud of you! Just wanted a post to say that.

- ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - -----
On a side note...I had a fun afternoon just before visiting J and Grant. I left school early (3:20ish) and hubby got off work at 3... I should just say (ah-hem) we saw an opportunity and (ah-hem) took advantage of the Caleb-less time to work on future Fosters (ah-hem).
- ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - ----- - -----

Baby time for J?

I am praying hard for you, J! Hoping that today is the day, for real!

My big mouth!

I hurt a friend. A real, true to the heart, friend.
I didn't mean to.

I was venting. Just venting.
I didn't know I hurt her; she did...and it festered with her all week. Until today.

I am sorry isn't enough. I can feel it.
I rarely cry over spilt milk, but there must be a gallon nearby on the floor for the tears I shed today.

I just can't stop apologizing.
I don't really know how to fix it, because you have to be okay.

Are you okay?
How do I make it all better?
If I write you a letter or a card that expressed my apology, would that do it?
If I left you alone for some more time, would that do it?
Maybe I just need to be okay with me.

I don't know. I am rarely in this situation.
If ever.

Poo!
Me, and my big, GRIPE-Y mouth!
This is what I get for being negative after KNOWING I should not.
This is what I get after writing a post about other people crying about stress.
BIG MEANY!
Shouldn't do that.
Lesson learned.

Time to pray. . . did that.
Did I pray for patience and understanding?
Guess I am seeing that tested, now.

Now what?

More tears?
Please, not more tears.

I HATE being weak, and crying like a teenager.
Thanks for reading.

Swept

So glad that's over with! Done and done!

Just wanted to do a quick blog to say YEE-HAW! Dr.B was my sweeper. She wrote, "This is the best activity I have seen in SAISD." Told me that, too. Found out later, bless her sweet heart, I am not the only person she fed that line. But, it did it's job. It built me up and made me feel like a great, effective, positive teacher.

Still glad it's over and done. (for a month!)

My bad!

Yeah, so, I am so tired!

I feel pulled in like - 87 kajillion directions. Yes, that many. I have bunches on my plate...but, it's actually okay right now.

Today we had a "leaders" meeting. Tee-hee. I are a leader. Whatever. That cracks me up. Anywho, our principal (whom I respect, and admire FAR too much...just kidding. He's so awesome!) was talking about some people going to his office and crying because they are overstressed. Um. Yeah...shouldn't that be in MY job description? Let's see. What jobs does Sara have to keep up with...just for school?

• Teacher (of tiny sixth graders),
• subject leader (which is hysterical because my 2 peoples lead me more than I do any leading),
• team leader (not going to touch this one...I'll revert to EVIL pants),
• tech guru (which is annoyingly busy - I can't walk down the hall without SOMEONE stopping me and asking, "I think I have a problem...". I can't keep up with who's problems I have fixed),
• website weirdo (meaning, I push the button to make it updated...and pester those who don't do poo on it),
• awards coordinator (thankfully, that's not much until April - so see me then to cry - BIG time),
• science competition master planner (which I suck at this year, since I don't have ANY pre-AP kids - YUCK!),
• and something else, I am sure.

So, cry! You big babies! I am just kidding, of course. I just am lucky. I have ADHD...QRST...and don't take any (oooooh, something shiny) meds for it, since I am trying VERY hard to expand my family. So, everything just rolls off. If I was medicated, I might need more meds...for the super-psycho organizing way I end up doing things.

Anywho. My bad for venting...some days, it just feels good. Like ice cream, and being sore after working out. But, I digress.

What?
Pillow, did you call me?
Okay, I'm saving now...
Really, I am.
G'night!

First Week

Whew!
We made it!
The first week is done!

Sixth graders are so neat!
I feel like I am teaching kindergarten, when it comes to my 6th period....especially compared to my "hard core" 7th graders from last year.

Sixth graders are small, timid, shy (yes, I know that's the same thing), questioning, excited, easily pleased... I actually gave out stickers this week...to boys! And they asked for them! Weird!

But, THANK GOODNESS for the 3 day weekend. I need sleep. Not that I'll get it with my 2 1/2 year old waking up at 5:30 to play cars every morning...
BP and dad will go hunting this weekend - opening weekend.
I'll try not to do any school work or website junk.
But I know I will.
I'll try to cook and clean and have fun being a housewife.
I'll try NOT to test this weekend - a week early - with NO signs of being "stagnant" (as my funny friend Susan calls it).

But, it's good that we only have 175 days of school left, too. That means only 175 days working with the two men at school that don't always do what is asked of them. Repeatedly. Like - oh- I don't know - make the advisory kids come up with names for our team - 2 days in a row!

Enough negative...I will live to be the positive person I was made to be...most of the time.

I will try, anywho.

Jonah

Sunday, Caleb and I met Jenni and Tater for church at PaulAnn. I loved it last Sunday, if for nothing else, for Caleb's spiritual well being. He loved it, after the screaming because Momma was leaving him with strangers on a Sunday.

In worship, we read the entire 4 chapters of the book of Jonah. You know the story.

When I picked up Caleb, I asked him what he learned at church today. He said, "Jonah was swallowed by the whale. The whale swallowed Jonah. I want to be a whale and do God's work."

Tears? Goosebumps? Yah. From a 2 1/2 year old. I AM BLESSED.

London

So, yesterday was the first day of school. It was AWESOME! Sixth graders are totally different from seventh graders. I don't really know how to explain it...smaller, sweeter, eyes wide with lost wonder... :) Cute.

It was a great day. Until. . .

I had duty after school...which means I stand around and kick kids out of school. A fellow teacher said, "Oh! You are wearing purple panties?" Now, we haven't had sexual harassment training this year, but ... doesn't that fall under that category? Nope, my brand new, most expensive piece of clothing, the cute brown skirt from Ann Taylor had torn at one of the seams...and my big girl panties were in view for all to see. GREAT! Luckily my shirt was long enough to pull down to cover my bare necessities.

So, if that's the worst thing about my first day, then I am blessed. Truly blessed.

Go ahead, sing the song...I see London, I see Franties...I can see ... you know the rest.

Dear God,
Bless our schools, colleges, and universities,
that they may be lively centers for sound learning,
new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom;
and grant that those who teach and those who learn
may find you to be the source of all truth.
Amen

20 days

OOPS!
It's been 20 days since my last blog.

I feel like I'm in an AA meeting.
MY BAD! I think I will follow J's advice...5 am to do it...or maybe during my conference time. hehehe!

It is 5:45...Caleb's been up for 15 minutes, playing, talking VERY loud...good thing I don't have a hangover! He'd be driving me crazy! Just kidding! It's so precious to hear him play totally by himself. By the way - he's playing cars and trains...sans underpants. Yup. In just his shirt (which he put on by himself - inside-out!). CUTE!!!

So, school starts today. YIKES!

Ready? Sure, I have to be...Oh! And, I signed up for duty on Mondays...what a dummy! Nah! I'll be very thankful, especially NEXT Monday - No school! YAHOOOIE!!!!

Alright, time to get ready. Time to stress over which super-cuter-never-worn-before outfit I should wear.

And a prayer. (Thanks Jenni, for introducing me to PaulAnn. I feel so much like a child of God. Walking in His steps, living His word. Thanks!)


A Teacher's Prayer by: James J. Metcalf
I want to teach my students how--
To live this life on earth,
To face its struggles and its strife
And to improve their worth.

Not just the lesson in a book,
Or how the rivers flow,
But to choose the proper path,
Wherever they may go.

To understand eternal truth,
And know right from wrong,
And gather all the beauty of
A flower and a song,

For if I help the world to grow
In wisdom and grace,
Then I feel that I have won
And I have filled my place.

And so I ask your guidance,
God That I may do my part,
For character and confidence
And happiness of heart.

Amen.

Why do they ask?

I must admit...I do it too. Why do people ask if we're ready for school to start?

What are we SUPPOSED to say?

No. I never want to go back. I think kids are horrid!

OR - are we supposed to say, "Yes. I am lost without the confines of four walls without a window; the aroma of dry erase markers, and stinky pre-pubescent bodies; the ever present gum issue; the paper trail left by middle-schoolers because they tear off the edges of their spiral paper and leave a trail they hoped would get them back to their house (like Hansel and Gretel)."

My usual comment is the same as most teachers, I think.

Yes and no. No, summer is too short and I really enjoy sleeping in every morning (sleeping in, of course with my two year old, means until 6:30 IF I am lucky). and Yes, I miss my ADULT friends at school. I see them some during the summer.

But, they - and me, too - are trying to pack in as much time and varied actvities with family and friends and other loved ones as possible. We also are trying NOT to think about school...but always thinking about it, too. Did I remember to do this? Do I need to buy more that? How much is in MY budget for the school supplies I will provide for the kids that either don't have the income to bring them, or don't give a rat's if they have them or about the condition (and therefor will not care about how they treat MY supplies).

So, Am I ready to go back to school? Simply, yes. I am ready to get back to school. What other job do you know that enables you to rearrange your "office" every year?

Just some things to think about. :)

Tested - dummy

So, I bought some preg tests last night.

I still have a week to wait until I am supposed to start.

Thought, I'll test anyway. Yeah! I remember how to do that!

That's the most positive thing about the test.

It said I did it right.

I KNEW it was too early.

Nervous, more and more every day...REALLY want this month to be the month...even thought it's the first month of trying. We'd be due mid to late April. That means Sabrina would have to do the awards ceremony mostly on her own. Tee-hee. :) LOL! Oh well. On the 12th, all will (hopefully) be revealed.

Scarecrow

"If I only had a brain." Hee-hee.

Hubby and Caleb and I got back at midnight last night. Si, very tired today.

He seems to still have his brain in contact. As much as can be expected. :)

We go back in January, after an MRI (an seems more appropriate than a in this case...sorry English peoples).

So, Caleb and I are hanging out today. We've gone garage sale-ing. Much to his delight. Didn't get anything I needed. Still looking for a bookcase for his room, and one for school, too.

Inservice #2

OMG!

I went to an inservice today. We felt like we were on the Oprah show!

First of all, we finished at 11:45. F O R T H E D A Y!!!

Just before we got the evaluations, the instructor said, "now we've got a little something for you."

L I A R!!!

We got big SOMETHINGS.

• A rolling teacher cart, FILLED with goodies that every teacher craves.
• every color of dry erase markers - the good, real, dry-erase brand
• every color of clicky sharpies
• a package of easel sharpies
• A ream of white card stock
• Minnie colorful gel pens
• highlighters
• mechanical pencils
• pencil lead
• A TI-84 calculator (which I promptly gave to my ever-calculating hubby)
• Package of extra batteries
• pens
• A flash drive
• AND - two easel sized post-it brand easels.

WOW. Enough said.
JACKPOT!

Inservice #1

Was fun! I made Caleb's book. Remind me - I'll show you. Something very cool about that. It's kind of like a scrapbook - but a minute one, without too many flourishes.

I got there at 8:30; finished by 10:30. Got 3 hours credit. Yeah, me!

Busy Day!

So,

First of all...the "panties" are still on! Yeah! However, we've had a rough time at school. We went through all of our underwear today. Bummer. But, Caleb did go poop on the potty with me this afternoon. I think they are just not keeping up with him as much as is needed right now, at school.

This morning I went on a walking tour of our historic downtown. B O R I N G. I expected to be able to go into the old buildings and see the original architecture. Nope. Just a bunch of information from a lady that gave it to us in multiple handouts...we walked and sweated. But, not a total loss for the morning. I did sweat. Gross!

At lunch, I went to the Airport for Chinese - how weird is that sentence?! LOVE IT! Went with a good friend from Jr. High/High School/College. So fun. Deep conversations. We're going to lunch again on Monday. I miss adult time like that...with the few friends I've kept up with from high school and college.

After lunch, we (Caleb and I) spent the afternoon with a friend of my sister, her mother, and her little girl (Abreail - "A-bree-ale"). Caleb and her daughter are about a month apart. She is SOOOO beautiful. They had fun playing with instruments, and being two.

My dad and hubby picked us up from our friends' house, and off to Ballinger to eat at Alejandra's. A bit of a drive, but SO yummy! I am uber stuffed! I'm talking I look preggers - type fullness, here (and am not - I think.).

Tomorrow will be so busy, too. I have a fun in service planned for the morning, and a meeting with my principal in the afternoon. So, maybe not so busy...just seems like it will be very long.

Anywho. Goodbye to July, Hello to August. and school - eck!

BIG BOY!!!

I can't believe I didn't include this comment earlier!

My little boy is now a big boy! We are on day 4 in big boy underwear (can't get him to call them that...they are big boy panties!)!

The only accidents:
Friday, 4:30 pm: a number 2 oops at "school."
This morning, 5:30 am: wet the bed, but woke me up to let me know.

We've been in ONLY big boy panties since Thursday afternoon!
I'm on my way to get Caleb from "school." Praying that we had another no mess day.
(PS, he's only 29 months old - not even 2 and a half!)

Painting

Caleb and Simon (from across the street) painted on Saturday. I picked up some sidewalk paint at a garage sale for $1! We invited Simon over to help us paint our sidewalk. Pay no nevermind to the mess of branches waiting to be removed, delivered, and off of our property for the past month. Here, Caleb and Simon are getting some great painting done.

Caleb decided to give me his best "CHEESE" face for this one. I miss those days when he'd smile sweetly at the camera. Now, I have to beg him to even LOOK at the camera and give me a nice smile.

A-HA! I finally caught him off guard and got a good one of him painting "a yellowsomfin', mama!" I feel bad because I don't think I have a very good imagination, anymore. I can't tell what it is he is trying to create. All I can think up to paint for him is letters, numbersm basic shapes, and my crude attempt at animal figurines. I think I need a bit of help in the imagination department.

And finally, to cool off, we got (shhhh!) Popsicles. Heaven forbid if you ever mention this word to him without the intention of really giving him one. He repeats Popsicles until you cave or cry, either way, he'll get one. So, usually I spell it out to BP or vise-versa, if we want one, but don't want Caleb to have one (MEAN PARENTS!!). Thank goodness Caleb can't spell yet. We'll be in a world of hurt when he figures that one out. By the way - orange is his favorite color...and um, blue for me, thanks.

A real backyard!

Thanks to my seester and dad for selling my beloved Jack Russells...we now have a real backyard! Caleb has real grass (albeit in patches that are obviously squares - but grass instead of dirt/mud/stickers), and a place to play and scamper...or whatever! Ya-hoo! It's messy and needs some real TLC...but we're getting there! Yes, I did take this one in the rain on Saturday. It really does that here. :)

Sounds

I just finished the other blog...and am trying to get back to the consuming of okra...but have to say this: I love the sound of thunder! We have an alarm clock thing in our room with nature sounds. if I can't sleep or BP has trouble, we play the thunder/storm one. So, as it is now thundering - that rolling kind - I am getting sleepy. Love it.

Guilty Pleasures

Guilty! I am sitting here eating away at one of my favorite guilty pleasures. Don't tell hubby, yet...he's already mentally kicking my butt. I am eating (from Church's) FRIED OKRA!!! I love it! I was on my way home from school and couldn't stop myself from pulling in to Church's. I ordered the veggie platter. No, not a vegetarian...I love meat too much! I just got fried okra, mashed potatoes, and Cole slaw. Can you hear my sounds of complete joy? You know, the ones nursing babies make as they suckle. :) Yeah...

So, why is this a guilty pleasure? Because I have been doing so good with managing my cravings and eating good food AT HOME. That is, until I went on vacation to Ohio. Gained 10 pounds in two weeks. I tried to pretend that half of that was from "water weight." But, that time of month is gone...and here is the weight, still. Plus more...YIKES! My cute jeans and clothes that fit so nicely last spring...not going to happen.

So, maybe, just maybe there is a really good (wink, wink) reason that the weight is still here and growing. Won't find out until the 12th or so, though...I think I am pretending or my body thinks that I should be...any who, that's another blog, completely...and not yet.

Getting Started

As I sit at school (yes, I am that crazy person that works at school in the summer, when I could be sleeping), I realize that I need to do this. Create a blog. A spot to share my thoughts. I don't do it enough for myself. So, here we are. Thanks for inspiring me, J.