Knowing Me, Knowing you December

I totally missed the November addition. I love doing these and cant believe I missed it! Always skip on over and check out The Fairy Blog Mother who created the monthly interview process and play along. Its so much fun!

1. Are you an egg nog fan?

No way! I try it every year because it looks so good but I gag on it every time. I don't know what it is about it but I just cant acquire the taste.

2. What is your favorite at Christmas treat?

I cant think of a at Christmas treat but my favorite seasonal treat is the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks! It is my all time favorite and just makes it that time of year...know what I mean. The smell, the taste, everything about it.

3. How is your tree decorated? A theme like red and gold? Or does it have a more eclectic slant?

I would for sure say it is eclectic. I put up my moms tree this year. Since she has passed away I take over the Christmas tradition of early Christmas morning with my brothers and their families. They come early and I make a huge breakfast with all the trimmings. She had a tree of all the ornaments that we made when we were in school, from family outings and then grand-babies came along and the ones that they have made are on there too. She even bought the stuff one year for them to make ornaments together so the handmade ones are on there. This tree is more valuable to me than gold. It is for sure not my style but it makes me feel so close to her with her not being here. My brothers appreciate it too!

4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I don't really have a favorite. We usually just watch which ever one we come across on TV. I do like the ones with Tim Alan. I forget the names of them right now. Plus you have to watch the Charlie Brown seasonal ones too. We have been watching those since I was a kid.

5. New PJ's on Christmas Eve?

We usually always have new jammies for Christmas Eve. Usually just because I was able to find them for a really good deal on Black Friday. I did not go this year due to blood pressure issues and being preggo so I need to go and find the kiddos some for Christmas. Oh Man one year I was able to find footy PJ's for Tim (the hubby). It was so great! I need to mention that he is 6'2". It was just about the funniest thing. What makes it even better is that he asked for them. I wonder that happened to those.

Knowing Me, Knowing you October

I have missed a couple of these being sick and all growing a baby but am glad that I am better enough to join in in October. This is a really fun interview started by my friend The Fairy Blog Mother to help everyone get to know each other better. It is a lot of fun and I encourage everyone to join in.

1. Crunchy Peanut Butter or smooth?

Depends I love crunchy peanut butter on pancakes but have to have smooth on a sandwich. Peanut butter and syrup with crackers is a house hold snack around here. And I am with The Fairy Blog Mother, it has to be Jiff.

2.Do you do any volunteer work?

The only volunteer work I do on a regular basis is volunteer with the four year olds at our church. I love it and the kids love us. I do this with my hubby. I have not been able to do it lately because of morning sickness and I miss them as if they are my own kids.

I do other stuff as a needed basis. If people need me they call me.

3.What is your favorite cold weather drink?

Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I know that Fall has arrived and Winter is just around the corner when they start serving them here. Just the smell of them says fall to me. I love them.

4.What is your favorite holiday?

Valentines Day! I love the pinks and reds and how everyone just walks around on that day with their head in the clouds. I love seeing all the men at the mall and Wal-Mart freaking out doing last minute shopping because they forgot. It is just a loved filled day. My girlfriends say I'm a hopeless romantic. You think?

5. Okay quick-you got to hop a plane right now, to anywhere with anyone-where do you go and with who?

I would go to Paris with my hubby to kiss under the Eiffel Tower at sunset. (My dream and please see last question above.) =)

I have some news....

So of course I have not blogged in forever. So much has been going on and I hope to catch everyone up soon. For now I have news for all my blogging buddies.

We are having another baby!!!

Number 4. I know I could not believe it for a while either. Our due date is February 16, 2010. Who knows it could be a Valentine baby. Triston's birthday is February 11 so more likely he is going to be sharing a birthday. Did I mention Valentines Day is my favorite holiday?

How have I been? Sick! When I say sick that is a total under statement. I have spent many a day in bed or in the bathroom floor. I was hoping being number 4 that it would not be that bad. Although I am kind of hoping that since I have been so sick that it means that it is a girl. I have heard that women get more sick when it is a girl. Which from past pregnancies, I did get way more sick with Serenity with I did with both boys. I would love to have another girl. I guess we will find out in just a few more weeks what we will be having and I will truly be happy with either one.

Are we done? Oh yes we are done. I am signing the papers to get my tubes tied and Mr Husband is making his appointment as well. I do want him to wait until we know everything is okay with the baby. Probably during my 6 week recovery time. Although I don't know if I could handle two babies because men are babies when it comes to being sick or in pain. Know what I mean? We are done, we are done, oh yes we are done!!

Thankful Thursday- Mommy going CRAZY edition

I am thankful for my kids...I am thankful for my kids...I am thankful for my kids!

After the week I have had with the three little joys in my life they are very lucky to still be alive. But aside from it all I am very thankful to have them. (Especially when they are sleeping)

What I miss most about being a kid...

So today I noticed that my kids are getting really dark and tan from playing outside in the sun. It reminded me of when I was young and NEVER got a sunburn. I could play outside all day and be just fine. Now I go outside for just 20 minutes and I have to rub myself down with aloe for three days. Then comes the peeling. I hate that!

Second thing I miss about being a kid is the naps in the middle of the day. Some days I would give my right arm to just be able to take a 10 minute nap. Even if I do find the time to get a nap, my mind is usually going a hundred different places that I can't rest. Know what I mean.

Third thing is energy. I swear my kids don't ever walk. They run everywhere and in three different directions. We could be at the park for 5 hours and then they would still want to play in the back yard when we get home. They never stop talking and asking questions. At times I think they are going to crash any minute and then the next thing I know they get a second wind. They beat me by a thousand miles.

Fourth thing is peace of mind. They only have to worry about mommy and daddy taking care of them. No worries of bills being paid, going to work, what they will get for dinner. They only know that mommy and daddy are going to take care of them. My kids are young enough that they don't know what is involved in taking care of their stinky little butts. They think when mommy says that she does not have the money for what ever crazy little thing they want, that all she needs to do is go to bank and get some. I remember those days. I remember telling my mom when she would tell me that she did not have any money to just write a check.

Of course there are many, many other things that I miss about being a kid. There is of course many things I love about being an adult too (like Margaritas!) but today I miss not being able to sit outside for 10 minutes and be as dark as it would take me sitting 2 months in a tanning bed. That's all I am saying. =)

Knowing Me, Knowing You June

Wow I almost missed this one. Tales from the Fairy Blog Mother started this interview section to get to know each other better. I really love playing along. I have been so busy with work and kids being out of school that I have had no time for myself to do any blogging. Today is an at home day and I have been trying to get caught up on everyone blogs. I missed reading what is going on with everyone.

1. Do you have any pets?

Well kind of. We now have a new adorable little beagle puppy but she is only 2 weeks old and cant come home with us yet. I took the kids over yesterday so that they could pick which one they wanted. Her name is Sophia but more than likely we will call her Sophie which was my name in my high school french class. =) Doesn't that just sound like a cute beagle name?

2. What is your favorite dessert?

I am not really a sweet person. I really prefer more savory dishes. Although I am a sucker for a good brownie. I will never turn one down and can eat a whole pan in one sitting. I am embarrassed to admit to that one.

3. For my fellow blogger out there - are you a stats checker?

No not really. I was so excited when I got blogger but I don't really check stats. Really I don't even know how to do it. I use to when I had my Multiply blog but not since then.

4. Do you have a gaming system?

We have a PS3. I hate that game . All it does is take my husband time away. Him and my step day zone into another world when playing that thing. I have looked for games that I would be interested in to play on it or even kid friendly games but there really isn't any. I would be happy if it was gone.

5. What is your beverage of choice?

Well being a southern girl, of course it would be sweet tea. Nothing is more refreshing that a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot day. Instantly cools me down. Does make me have to run to the bathroom a lot though.

Sooo much has happened

So much has happened to keep me away from blogging. My beautiful daughter, who was suppose to help me by taking the laptop downstairs for me to her grandfather, decided instead to slide it down the stairs and when it hit the bottom it broke the power adapter. I had to order a new one. It would not be received for three days!!! I use this for work and it had everything on it. So after I finally got it back I was so far behind that I am just now getting caught up. I then talked my dad into buying a rebuilt comp for the office so that I did not have to take my laptop back and forth any more. It has been a relief and a lot less back ache in the mornings trying to load up all my bags and 3 kids.

My 10 year class reunion was this weekend. I immediately went to the cash bar and got a drink. I was so nervous. I really don't know why. It wasn't like I did not know these people. Tim (hubby) was great. He just walked around and mingled with everyone that we use to hang with back in the day and caught up with everyone. I really do need to say that he did not graduate with me. He is four years older. That's what makes that so crazy. But that could also be why he was so much more relaxed than me. It was really great seeing everyone. Everyone looked pretty much the same plus or minus a few pounds here or there but really there was not anyone that I had to really think to remember. I had a great time! I am so smart but I was so nervous that I did not think to take any pictures until it was all over. Sorry!!

I will be following up soon. I know I got some great awards while I have been on blogging vacation. I really want to share those with everyone and the great people that shared then with me. Plus I have not got to read any blogs either and miss what has been going on with everyone. So know that I will be checking back with you soon and thanks for sticking in there with me!

Knowing me, Knowing You May

Wow is it May already! That really snuck up on me. I have not blogged in forever due to weather and falling really behind at work. What a better way to make a come back then with another rendition of Knowing Me, Knowing You started by The Fairy Blog Mother. Play along if you would like on your blog or in the comment section here. It really is a great way to get to know each other.

1. Do you and your significant other go to bed at the same time?

Most of the time yes when the stupid Playstation does not get in the way. Usually on the weekends he gets carried away playing the game and will stay up all night.

2. Do you have any siblings?

I am the oldest of four and the only girl. I have some step siblings but don't really know them since both my parents separated when I was older and married off.

3. Your spending an evening with friends--would you rather cook for them in your home or go out to a restaurant.

Well I would have to say both. Most of time we end up going out to get away from hubbies, kids and responsibilities. Every once in a while I host a dinner at my house because I love for our kids to play and all of us couples to get together and hang out. Plus they always compliment my cooking when they come so I really do it around PMS time when I need a lot of love. J/K...kind of. =)

4. What's your can't miss TV show?

Oooo that is a hard one. I have several. I would just have to say Thursdays on channel 8. If I had to pick one it would probably have to be Greys Anatomy. My husband calls it my porn. Never the less I love it!

5. Are you doing any spring cleaning?

I would have to say yes. This time of year is when I put up all the winter stuff and get out all the spring and summer stuff. Plus we have birthdays back to back right now also so we get rid of all the toys that they do not play with any more. I have been a cleaning fool all week. I have been in a purging mood so I have been taking full advantage of it. Still have a long way to go though.

Thankful Thursdays

It has been said that listing what we are thankful for increases our happiness by 25%. Why would you not? Here is what I am thankful for today!

1. I am thankful for Children's Tylenol. Serenity has a had a terrible cough and fever this week. Nothing breaks my heart more than when one of my kids are sick. The little whimper voice, sunken eyes, just laying around and doing nothing. A dose of Tylenol did not make things perfect but would sure help with the crying and fever. I am thankful that she could go to school today.

2. I am soooo thankful for my Aunt. She is babysitting for me again this season. Tim does not want our kids in daycare for his reasons and I agree with him. Thanks to her I get to do a job that I love and know that they are more than well taken care of. The best thing is that they LOVE her because she feeds them junk but at least they do not cry when I leave (which breaks my heart) Plus she is just down the street from where I am working.

3. I am thankful for my step dad being much stronger than I. My mom passed away 2 years ago in July. I have been putting off getting her a tombstone just because it was so hard. Not just that but it made it all final. I was not ready to let go. I could plan the funeral and everything else. I just could not do this. John stepped and could see how hard this was for me. He did it...secretly. That kind of made me mad at first but now I am just relieved. I got up enough strength in me today to go and see it. It is very beautiful and looks like something that she would have picked out herself. Thank you John.

4. I am thankful for the crock pot. This time of year I just don't have any time. Everyone beats me home. Since the adults that beat me home are male they just sit and wait for me to come home to eat anything. You think that some trigger would go off sometimes that says "Hey, I am hungry. I think I will start dinner before Mandy gets home." Nope doesn't work that way. With the crock pot I can put dinner on before I leave the house, turn it on and voila! They have dinner when they get home before I do.

5. I am thankful for friends. All friends; blogging friends, church friends, family friends, etc. They make life so much softer because life is HARD! It is so nice to always to have people to go when you need advice, just need to have fun or when you need a hard belly laugh. Or even when you need someone to be there with chocolate ice cream while you spill your guts about how you are going to cut your husband in his sleep. (not really but sure feel like it sometimes =p ) Everyone should have friends. If you don't have any let me know. I think I am a pretty good one. =)

Wordless Wednesday - Stud Muffin

8 things tag

So I read a blog ( Don't Bug me, I'm Blogging) and then I got tagged. What a fun way to get to know each other.

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. My 10 year class reunion in May
2. My 10 year wedding anniversary in November
3. My best friends 32nd birthday party on Friday. BYOB ;)
4. That the kids are now all old enough to go camping
5. Warm days and nights
6. Getting to go boating
7. Seeing all the plants and flowers bloom
8. School being out for the summer so I can sleep a longer

8 things I did yesterday

1. pulled out all my hair due to kids. (not really but sure felt like it)
2. Worked
3. Ordered Pizza for dinner
4. Chased a little mouse that has decided to move into my closet
5. Beat my kids (not really but sure felt like it)
6. Did some laundry
7. Did taxes
8. Answered my many many phone calls

8 things I wish I could do

1. Speak Spanish
2. Sew. I would love to make Reni pretty little dresses
3. Fly
4. Many many things at once
5. cook like they do on food network
6. Decorate beautiful cakes
7. Run a marathon
8. Well really just run

8 shows I watch on Tv

1. Greys
2. ER (and now its gone. boo hoo)
3. Desperate Housewives
4. Medium
5. Food Network Challenge
6. Iron Chef America
7. The Real Housewives of every place
8. Brothers and Sisters

8 People I tag

1. WidneyWoman
2. Tales of the Fairy Blog Mother
3. Lit and Laundry
4. Obnoxious SAHM
5. Crazy thing called Mother Hood
6. Any One who reads this
7. The polka Dot Daisy
8. Thoughts on Everything and nothing

Sorry this list is kind of numbing. I am so tired that I really just cant think or make since really.
Go ahead and play along. Maybe your list will be way better.

Small act of Kindness

I don't have much time but I have to tell you what happened to me just a little bit ago. This is a God's honest to truth story.

I was in Quik Trip in Broken Arrow with all three kids getting them some donuts and chocolate milk before taking them to my aunts for the day while I went to work. When we got what we needed we went back to the car. While we were sitting there putting straws in milk and opening up the cups of donut holes Reni was smiling and waving back and forth with the lady in the car next to us. Reni told me "Mommy that lady smiled at me." I told her she should smile back because that would be nice of her. After just a bit I look up in my mirror and I see the lady (who was a small and very cute oriental lady in her early to mid 30's I believe. It is hard to tell age with them) coming around the back side of my truck. I rolled down my window and this is what she said. Hold your boots and have tissue.

She told me that she did not want to offend me but that she could not have any children and that my children were so well behaved and just so cute. She handed me a $100 bill and asked if I could take this get them some toys for her. WHAT?!!!! I know!! I was totally in shock and did not know what to say. I told her "You don't have to do this." But she kept telling me that she was not able to have children and that she just wanted to do this for them. I did not know what to do so I just told her thank you and took the money and told her that I would.

When I was leaving I was still so shocked and did not know what to think. I just kept thinking that I needed to donate the money to charity or something because believe me when I tell you that my children are not without lots and lots of toys. But I thought I told her that I would do this for her so I will. But what I will do is pay it forward. I will bless someone else with such kind words and with just as great a blessing as that. You know as a mother how great it feels to be told how wonderful your kids are. I am not ashamed to take the credit for that. I have the grey hairs to prove it.

I just had to share this story. Just when you start to lose hope in the people around you someone goes and does something so selfless. How amazing is that!

ZzzzzZzzzzZzzzz! Huh!? What!? Did someone say something?

Funny title I know but it is so true. I am dead tired. Remember me saying that I had the IUD taking out. When mother nature came to visit and stayed for a very long time and was very heavy. It was a reaction to taking it out, says the Dr. "You should be back to normal in no time." says the male Dr. Well it finally stopped but now I am anemic and having to take some iron. I have always been border line anemic since I was a little girl. I use to pass out all the time.

So needless to say, I am drained. I am behind on everything. I tried to take the day off yesterday to rest and re-energize. Yeah right! My phone just kept blowing up and over the most stupid stuff. Why do men act so incompetent when you are out of the office? I don't get it. My blog has really payed the price. I have a lot of reading to do and have to posts that need to be posted. Being Easter weekend that probably wont happen till next week. Just know that I love you all and I hope to back to normal soon. Prayers appreciated!

Knowing Me, Knowing You April

It is time again for the monthly interview by The Fairy Blog Mother. I love doing these. She comes up with such great questions! So link over and join in.

1. Who does the grocery shopping in your family?

Um that would be me. Tim hates to go shopping so he always volunteers to stay home with the kids. He does not like the stress of fighting our way down our local Wal-Mart on the weekend. It makes him very cranky so I don't mind him staying home. I usually go on Sunday evenings so that I can get ready and prepped for the week. I take one kid with me. They get to take turns but the other always cries when we leave. I have to admit I like when Reni goes the best right now because she helps me with my list. Plus it helps her with her reading. Plus if you are a family on a budget check out http://www.e-mealz.com/. They plan out your menu and make you a grocery list. Sorry I went way off subject.

2. Are you watching American Idol? If so, who are you picking to win it?

I use to when it first came out but I don't anymore. I never agree with what they have to say or with who usually gets to win. Plus Simon pisses me off soooo bad I just want to punch him in the face a lot of the time! (deep breathe) I guess for me it has just gotten old. I do however love to watch during audition week. Best laughs ever.

3. What is your favorite type of fruit?

I would have to say strawberries. Pineapple makes a close second. I really like kiwi too but I always forget about it when I go to the store. When it see it in fruit cups or something I always love to pick it out. Yummy.

4. Are you a night owl or a morning person?

I have always thought of myself as a morning person but since kids it has really been the latter. I stay up later just for the peace and quit that I don't get any other time of the day. It lets me regroup and get organized for the next day. BUT since I stay up late it makes it hard to get up the next morning. I love Friday nights. I stay up late and watch movies and then I get to sleep late the next morning. I look forward to it every week.

5. Speaking of bed--when you're sleeping do you have your socks on or do you take them off?

It just depends. Most of time I have them on. I am always border line anemic and have been since I was a girl so I am always freezing. I sleep better with socks on. However, when my Aunt Flow comes to visit during that special time of month I can not stand to have socks on. Even clothes touching my skin irritate me. I do wear clothes to bed though. =) Okay way to much info.

Wordless Wednesday- When kids get your camera

Random Tuesday Thoughts

Stacey's Thoughts on Everything and Nothing has an addition called Random Tuesday Thoughts. After the day that I had today that is all I have...random thoughts. I also thought it would be a way to check in with out a lot of words. I just hope that is makes since. =)

Today I hate my truck. Stupid thing was broke into a few months ago and not it needs a new ignition switch. It left me stranded for about two hours today at QT (gas station). Well my dad too who told me he would be right back to get me but HE LIED! He went on about his business and then sent my brother. We still could not get it to start so I had to ride with the guys to plant trees. Yeah that's right I had to plant trees. 20 to be exact. My arms hurt. I am the office manager. I hire the guys that plant trees. Anyway I counted it as my work out for the day and did not go to the gym. Does that count?

I had to go to the lady Dr yesterday because I have been having some girls problems. I had a IUD put in after my third child because my husband is being a wiener and wont go get it taken care of. Well turns out I had to have it taken out. So now I have to worry about that. Then my Dr says "Hey while you are here you are due for your annual. Lets take care of that while you are here." Sure, why the heck not. I love getting paps. They are most favorite thing in the whole world. It takes me time, you know like months to prepare for the annual. To have it sprung on me like that really messed me up. You know.

Did I mention I have a great husband? I need to. Even after I was so horrible with my bad attitude to everyone, I asked him to cook dinner and he did it without a single are you crazy face. He made spaghetti and it was wonderful. He always makes great spaghetti. I love him so much for doing that. It took a whole other step out of my evening that I was so dreading. It really brought me back to the sane world. Isn't amazing how such a simple act of kindness can turn your whole attitude around. I think I will carry that with me in everything I do. I will try anyway. At least until that stupid truck decides it doesn't want to start for me but will do it for Tim making me look like a totally incompetent person. Arrrgghh!

Thanksful Thursday- Randomness

It is said by listing what you are thankful can increase your happiness by 25%. Why would you not do it? Here is what I am most thankful for today.

1. Peanut Butter: When I do not feel like cooking or it the kids are begging for a snack peanut butter is always there. They are always in the mood for peanut butter and it is good for their growing little bodies too.

2. I am thankful for central heat and air. In Oklahoma you need it. One day is in the 90s and then like today out of no where it is 50 outside. I love just being able to flip the switch to cool and heat and get just what I need. Love it!

3. I am thankful for my blogging sisters. It makes me feel so good when you guys check in and leave me your comments and give me your advice. It helps me to feel like I am not alone in this crazy world called motherhood. That is support that is hard to find. I am thankful for everyone of you.

4. I am most thankful for my faith. It is what keeps me grounded and sane. Otherwise, I think I would be a serial killer because people really piss me off sometimes. This is a crazy world we live in and people do some really crazy things. I have to remind myself everyday 'Do as Christ does'. Everyday He blesses my life. For Him I am so thankful for what he has done for me.

5. I am thankful for baby boy hugs. Don't get me wrong I love my little girl hugs too but there is something about baby boy hugs. Baby boys love their mommies in a totally different way than little girls. It sets me on fire on the inside when they come up to me and out their arms out for a big hug. I love it most when they squeeze me and hug me real tight. Makes me feel like the most special mommy in the whole world. It really makes everything bad in the world go away and all that is left is puppies and rainbows. Okay maybe I am exaggerating a little but not by much. =)

What are you thankful for? Make a list. It really does help. Be Blessed!

Wordless Wednesday- Peace

Spring Break Fun

I have been so busy with work this week that I have not really gotten to spend any time with Serenity. So I took Thursday off and we went to the zoo. On the way I was thinking that taking three kids to the zoo by myself really did not sound that fun so I called my friend Sam and asked if she and her two would like to join us. It was a great day. It was about 65 degrees and just cloudy enough to make it a perfect day for the zoo. We had a great time. All the animals were out and active. I got some great pictures. They are starting to do a lot of renovations and really jazzing it all up. We ran out of time when my dad called me on my day off and could not find some paper work, soooo we had to leave and take it to him. Day off huh? I can't wait to go back.

Funny Moments

On the way home today Reni asked us if it was 6 more weeks till winter. We replied by telling her no it was 6 more weeks till Spring. She then did her usuall cross of the arms and puckered lips. Then she said in a hateful little voice "I hate Spring. I like Winter."

So then me and her dad proceeded to tell her all the reasons we like Spring more.

"We get to go to the park. We get to go to the sprinkler park. We get to wear sundresses and sandals. AND we get to get our toes painted!" (she loves to go with me to get our toes painted)

Tim then said to Triston, "That's all right bubby, me and you will go and play in the mud."

Triston freaked out. He started screaming no and crying. He wanted to go with me and Reni and get his toe nails painted. LOL!!! He would not quit screaming until I told him that he did not have to play in the mud if he did not want to. He then stopped his fit and let a sign of relief. Me and Tim were laughing so hard.

I guess that is what you get when you have a girl first.

25 Random Things About Me

Like many of you I have been tagged a million times with 25 Random Things About Me on Facebook. I have seen a lot of you blog about it and thought I would do the same. Why not? I have learned a little more about you so here is a little bit more about me.

1. I am in love with Patric Swayze. I would still leave my husband today if Swayze showed up on my door step. My hubby knows all about it and gives me a hard time but is a great sport.

2. I love to scrapbook and make my own cards. Although since I have small children I do not get to do it much these days. I love to send homemade cards though. It just makes it that much more special.

3. I am not a natural blonde. Shhhhh! Don't tell!

4. I am a landscaper. Yep a woman in a mans world and I get treated like it too. When people find out that a girl is coming to look at their yards they always ask, "Oh, your coming? Will anybody be coming with you?" No they will not. I can do just fine by myself.

5. Although I am a landscaper I can not keep plants alive. I guess I should say I choose not to keep plants alive. I walk by them knowing they need water yet I always say to myself "Man I need to water that." It always ends up being to late when I get to it.

6. I have been married to husband since I was 19 years old and new I was in love with him from the first kiss. I felt it in my toes. That told me he was the one. Now it will be 10 years this November. Wow time has flown by.

7. I would do anything to just Paris. I french in high school because I was going to go someday. That day has not come yet but I think it would make a good 10 year anniversary trip don't you.

8. My favorite color is purple. It is a little of my girly side although I lean a little more towards tom boy.

9. I am the oldest of four. Only girl, three brothers who are still scared to get in fight with me even though they tower over me. They know!

10. I am the mother of three. Everyone keeps telling me I need one more but I will seriously have a break down. I am not even joking.

11. Chocolate. Do I really need to say anymore?

12. I lost my mother July of 2007. I still feel like a piece of my heart is dead and that I will never recover from it. I miss my best friend.

13. All of my kids have my hair color and my eyes, except Eli has blue eyes. But everyone of them look like Tim. Yet he has dark brown hair and eyes. Funny huh?

14. I have the best mother-in-law. She knows everything and can do everything. She also has a gadget for everything. I am amazed by her all the time. She is what I want to be when I grow up.

15. I played soccer for 15 years. Boy to my knees feel it too. I always know when it is about to rain because my knees start to hurt.

16. I hate to mate socks. Just about nothing more that I spite. I have a sock basket. If you need a pair of socks then you so mate you some in the basket. Or if you are my hubby as long as they are the same length that is good enough.

17. I can write with both my left and right hand. They say that people that can do this think with both sides of their brain. In my case my dad was left handed so I was taught to do it with my left hand. I write mainly right handed but I golf left handed, I kick left footed, I do quit a bit lefty.

18. I can blink one eye at a time. My fam make fun of me for this. I don't even know when I do it. Tim calls me a frog and makes fun of me all the time.

19. I use to model when I was a pre-teen. I really enjoyed but did not realize how much work it was. It taught me a lot though, like how to apply make up and helped me to be a lot more outgoing.

20. I am a loud mouth. I do not realize it but when you are the oldest of four you grow up talking loud just to be heard. I don't realize that I am being loud till Tim shushes me.

21. I am married to the most wonderful and handsome man ever. He has been my side through the really hard times and even though we are so different we are so much alike. He is THE best friend.

22. I love to buy pretty jewelry but never wear it. I try but like I said I am a tom boy so I do not feel comfortable in it. I have a great collection though for my girl friends to borrow all the time.

23. I hate to drive. I don't really know why but I hate it.

24. Although I hate to drive I love road trips. I can't wait to see more of the US. There is so much you can see while traveling by car that you don't see when you fly.

25. I love my God with all my heart. If it was not for him I would not be the happy person that I am today. I owe my life to him. I thank him everyday for my husband, my children and my life that I have been so graciously blessed with....and it gets better everyday!

My First One Ever

Now I feel like one of the blogging community. I have never gotten an award before. It makes me feel so loved especially with it being for good gratitude and attitude. Which is so ironic because if you know me before I had the wrong kind of attitude. My brothers still refer to me as the bitch. I don't choose to look at it like that. Just because I do not let people walk on me and always speak my mind doesn't make me a bitch. I can still be giving of myself and of my time without being taken advantage of. I am a die hard friend. No one and I mean no one messes with my friends. I don't even need to know why as long as you need me to. Any who I have just went on a little rant haven't I.

Thank you so much to the It's A Beauty Filled Life for my wonderful new award.
Here's how you pass the wealth

The Rules:
1) Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude
3) Link to your nominees within your post
4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award

I almost forgot... I need to make my list

1. WIDNEYWOMAN

2.The Obnoxious SAHM

3.Dont Bug Me...Im Blogging

4.Lit and Laundry

5.Married for Keeps

6.Scary Mommy

7.Thoughts on Everything and Nothing

8.Tales from the Fairy Blog Mother

9.She Can't Even Cook

Sorry that is all I have. I am new here rememeber. Have fun!

Where am I?

So just in case you have wondered where I have been, work. This time of year is crazy for me! I run like you would not believe and my blog pays the price. I always have good intentions. I take lots of pictures for posts but the posts never get written. I had a great one for Wordless Wednesday but now it will have to wait till next week. I got pictures of everything blooming and was going to blog about spring and wouldn't you know it... it snowed today!!! Crazy Oklahoma weather. I am still reading all your blogs and following along but by the time I get there I am to tired to post.

Totally brain dead! Cant think of one thing. Know what I mean.

I will still be around. Just a little slower these days. Help me out by asking some questions. Lets start with a get to know me section of the blog. Maybe this can help me come out of my funk. Nothing off limits, ask anything! ;0p

I Really Miss Her

I came across this picture when I was on my old Multiply site today. I found a bunch of pictures on there that I had forgotten about and was copying them off. This is a picture of my mom pushing Reni in a small wagon on Hilton Head Island Beach. This was the last trip that we took together. Me and Tim were up there for two weeks trying out a potential job opportunity. My mom was on vacation the second week that we were going to be there so her and my step dad drove up and brought Serenity with them. Triston was only 6 months old so my aunt kept him because we did not think he would make the drive. This was a big decision for us to make and I could not make it with out her so I wanted her to come so she could give me her opinion. Of course she said not to do it. We are very close and big family. We all live with in 10 minutes of each other and get together all the time. Well, we did when she was alive.

Coming across this picture brings back that day so vividly. How I wish I would have been more in that moment. I am so glad that I had that time with her. We celebrated her birthday while we were there. I remember her ordering a drink when we took her out to dinner. I never saw my mom drink. I was totally shocked. I miss her. I really really miss her.

Friday High Five

I have been reading a new blog called This Crazy Thing Called Motherhood and she has recently stumbled along a blog that has you make a list of your 5 favorite things. It can be anything from your 5 most favorite people (or most hated), 5 things you would do if it were the end of the world, etc. You get the idea. Her list was great so I think I will play along.

Five Things I Would If I Could Get Five Minutes Alone.

1. Go to the bathroom. Yep, not very creative but I would love to go to the bathroom without a knock at the door asking me what I am doing in there. Then come the little fingers under the door. Shortly followed by a screaming fit because I will not open the door so he can come in.

2. Take a cat nap. With three kids who like to go to bed late and get up early, I am always in need of a nap. Usually all I need is five minutes to just close my eyes and re-energize. Then I'm good to go again.

3. Take a shower. I love hot hot showers. They are so relaxing. Well, as soon as the little rats hear the water come on they all come running in the room butt naked. All screaming and jumping up down "I want a shower! I want a shower!" Unfortunately they do not like hot hot showers.

4. I would sit and stare into no where. If you are a mom then you know what I am talking about. Just sit.....and stare. Like you have a illness or something. I guess in a way we do. It's called motherhood.

5. I would scrapbook so my husband will quit giving me crap about how much money I spend on scrapbook supplies and gadgets and never do anything with it. I often tell him "Well, if you would take them away for a while then I would be able to." Serenity is at that age where she wants to help. But she has to dump everything and mix everything together and with me that is a BIG NO NO! Everything has its place. Other wise I get over whelmed and can not work. Silly I know but that is how I am.

Okie Doke there you go. What is your fave High Five?

Wordless Wednesday

The Girl Can Tie Her Shoes!

She finally got it. I have been working with her and working with her with it always ending with a hissy fit of her crossing her arms and yelling "I can't do it." I decided to teach her the short cut. What does it matter how she does it as long as she is tying her own shoes. I am so proud of her and she is so proud of herself. She is always untieing her shoes so that she can show who ever is watching that she can do it. Then she always ask "Are you proud of me?" Of course we are. We are so proud of you and even a little heart broken because it just makes you that much more grown up.

If you are wondering, here is the short cut.

Take one shoe string and make a bunny ear

Take the second shoe string and make a bunny ear

Now tie the two bunny ears together.

So much easier to explain that

Make a bunny ear

Take the other shoe string and go around the bunny ear

Now push through the loop

This is were I would lose her because she would lose her string or would try to put the whole string all the way through. This is when the hissy fit would come and all frustration would set in.

But she got it now and I am free....for one kid anyways. One down, two more to go.

Knowing Me, Knowing You March

The Fairy Blog Mother does a once month interview with all of her readers. I love doing this. It is so much fun getting to learn about all the fellow bloggers. So please come and play along.

1. What is your dream life?

I would really have to say that I am living it. All I ever wanted to be was a mom to a lot of kids. I wanted to have 6 but after I started having them I stopped at three. I would love to have a house with some land kind on the edge of town where the kids can play in the front and back yard. We are working on doing this with in the next year. I have always been afraid of the loto. Money changes people. I have never played it and probably never will.

2. Do you play games online?

Yes. I love puzzle games. I am hooked on Jewel Quest right now. Tim gets jealous because it takes my attention away from him. I guess I could just learn to shoot zombies on PS3 and then it would be okay.

3. Seen anything good lately?

We just watched Road to Rodanthe. It was a good date movie. Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author and because I have read his books I knew what was going to happen in the end and it did. If you have read anything of his you know too. It was a really good movie but have tissues with you when you watch it.

4. What is your favorite pizza combination?

I like just good ol pepperoni on thin crust. Papa John's also has a spinach, chicken and alfredo pizza that is really really good. I always go back to the traditional. It was my moms favorite too. Like mother, Like daughter.

5. How are you with houseplants?

I am so embarrassed. I am a landscaper but I can not keep a houseplant alive to save my soul. I just forget about them and they are usually dead by the time I remember them. I will walk by them about 50 times and think to myself, I need to water that, walk away and start doing something else. Next thing I know I am throwing it in the trash. I have one Peace Lilly from my moms funeral that I refuse to let die but it really looks like crap.

Now link on over to the Fairy Blog Mother for more Knowing Me, Knowing You and play along.

My Blog to the Unappreciated Mother

So many mothers are not told just what an amazing and wonderful job that they are doing, including me. It is a selfless job that gets nothing in return. We do not get raises nor bonuses. We do not get vacations or fill ins or even better just a clone. Yet we get up everyday, dust ourselves off and go back to work raising our children and running our households. It is THE hardest job in the world no matter what any one says. So I am taking some time to recognize that mother.

Thank you Mother for making sure that I have clean clothes to wear everyday. Thank you for working so hard at washing and drying. I understand that you were just to tried from chasing me or running errands to get it all folded and put away. I still appreciate what you were able to get done.

Thank you Mother for making sure that I have food to eat everyday. It does not matter if it is out of a box or if you slaved over it for hours. I am just thankful that you provided me with a full belly and that you made it with love regardless of what it was.

Thank you Mother for making sure that we get to our extra activities on time. I know that you have to sacrifice time for yourself in order for us to get to do what it is that we want to do. I understand that some days you are so tired or do not feel good but you still get up and take me so that I will be happy. Thank you for sacrificing yourself for me.

Thank you Mother for loving me unconditionally. There is not another person in this world that will love me the way that you love me. No one gives me the hugs and kisses that you give me. No one is more understanding when I was not able to run as fast as the other kids. You are always there to encourage me and build me up and let me know that one day with practice I can be as fast as I want to be.

Thank you Mother for disciplining me. I know you do you best. We do not come with instructions. I understand that you don't know what will and wont work. I understand that by correcting me when I am doing wrong will make me a better person when I grow up. It will help me to be a leader and not a follower. It will help me to have manors and respect my elders. It will help me to be more giving of myself to those in need.

Most important of all, Thank you Mother for being my mother. I would not trade you for any other mother in the world no matter how many times I tell you that I hate you. I am sorry that I take you for granted and do not show you the appreciation that you so greatly deserve. You are chosen by God to carry and create his greatest creation. What greater honor than that?

I love you Mother, and Thank you for all that you do!

Thankful Thursday

It has been said that by listing what we are thankful for can increase our happiness by 25%. I need my happiness increased by 25% so why not blog about it.



1. I am so thankful for my husband. I never give him the credit that he deserves. Then he goes out of town all hell breaks loose and then I realize just how much of a team we are. Usually after he gets home from work he takes the kids. They play games, read books or even go outside for a bit. This gives me my down time to read blogs or catch up on my DVR shows or just take a nap. He was gone last night so I had them. I feel exhausted today with out that down time. Not only that but I miss my kisses on the forehead and my sweet have a good days that I get in the mornings before he goes to work. Things feel off when he is out of town. I am truly thankful for him.



2. I am thankful for my job. I love what I do. I get to use my artistic talents and create layouts for people. Nothing is more gratifying when they love what you have done and get so excited about it. THE best part of my job is that I get to have my boys with me. I love watching them play while I am typing away on the computer or talking with customers on the phone. Plus I make my own hours so I never miss out on anything or get to overwhelmed. It is a blessing.



3. I am so thankful for this beautiful weather that we are having. I hate the cold. The kids have been able to play outside which has been great for my house cause it stays a little cleaner when they are outside. Plus the birds are chirping, sun is shining, trees are budding. Oh what a glorious day!



4. I am thankful for my friends. They can always tell when you are down and are so great at picking you back up. They send cards or call and let me vent. The best things about friends are that even if you are right or wrong they will always be on your side. I love my girls for that.

What are you thankful for? Link on over to Widney Woman or Fairy Blog Mother for more thankful Thursday editions.

My Many Jobs

Filling out the many many surveys that I get on Facebook gets you thinking about some things. Widney Woman said that every time that I fill one out she learns about a new job that I have had. So I thought I would just catch her up and list them all. At least the ones that I can remember.

1. My first job was of course working for my dad. We use to own our screen printing business. When you have four kids use them right? We were cheap labor. I remember one time we got the printing job for the movie that hey made about David Coresh and Waco Texas. Do you remember that? We took our sleeping bags there and would work in shifts printing t-shirts, hats and jackets.

2. My first real job was when I was brand new 16. I was so glad to be able to get a real job and not have to work for my dad anymore. I got a job working at Mazzio's. I loved this job. I only worked two days a week so not to interfere with school. I ate a lot of pizza. My car smelled like pizza, my room smelled like pizza, everything smelled like pizza. I also got a stalker from this from job that took me years to get rid of. Actually Tim had to do it. If you want to hear that story, comment me.

3. My next job was working for Homeland grocery store. I was a cashier. I liked this job too. I love meeting new people and staying really busy. At this job I got to do both. I actually had this one guy that would always wait in my line no matter how long it was so that he could tell me a blonde joke when he got up there. I also had a spanish guy that would always wait for my line and he would only speak spanish to me and laugh at me while I tried to figure out what he was saying. My mom told them that I quit one night when she did not want me to work and study for my finals.

4. I worked for the father-in-law. This was the best job. I did cleaning, data entry for the mother in law, ran errands and played. Mainly played. Me and all the guys had running jokes. Me and Stew would always pick on each other. Me and Charlie would always have rubber band fights. This was the job that helped me get my first car! My father in law was so easy to work for. Best boss ever. Do I get bonus points for saying that?

5. My senior year I worked for Old Navy. It was brand new to Eastland Mall right by my house. I Love Old Navy clothing. It is still just about the only thing that I wear. The job itself SUCKED! I hated this job so bad. All I did was fold clothing and unload trucks. When I had to unload trucks I would have to work until 1 or 2 in the morning on a school night. It was where I was working when me and Tim started dating. It did not last long.

6. Toward the end of my senior year I started working for a dairyette called Lil'Abners. Great Job! I also got my sister in law Sarah her first job here. We had so much fun and ate so much ice cream with the hard chocolate topping. We got free food so we ate a lot. Tim would always come in here too so that I could feed him and then he was my ride home. I met so many great people while working here. I miss them and wonder about them all the time. They have closed it now and it was the food that I craved when I was pregnant.

7.I went back to work for my dad after I graduated. It was short lived and we had a big blow out.

8.I worked for a family friend Cindi right before I got married. She had a courier business. I was so confused because I was never be trained on what I was suppose to be doing. Come to find out her son was telling her that I did not want to be there. She fired me two weeks before my wedding. Stank big time.

9. Worked as a medical assistant for a Internal Med Doctor. I miss this job. I love working as a nurse. It is such a fulfilling job. I had to quit (got pushed out) when I got pregnant with my daughter. I do not do pregnancy very well. I get very sick.

10. I got the best job in the world. The job of being a stay at home mom. I was home with Reni for about 2 years.

11. I worked as a phlebotomist for St.John Hospital. I really loved this job and would probably still be doing it if it was not all the drama in hospitals. Yeah it is alot like the shows on TV. Everyone sleeping with everyone. Everyone mad at everyone. Then the territorial disputes between the floors. Etc. I hope to return to it someday. I miss the patients and taking care of the people.

12.I worked as a CNA for St John when I got pregnant with Triston. Had to quit. I was so sick and I was working 12 hour nights. I really tried to keep this job because I loved it so much. My doctor told put me on restrictions so I could not keep it. I was not allowed to pick up the patients and could not be on feet for that long, etc. I hated giving it up and still do to this day.

13. After a few more years of staying at home with babies and then Eli came along I went back to work for my dad and that is where I am now. This job is so perfect for me. I can take my boys with me. I make my own hours. If I need time off, no problem. And the pay is just awesome! Plus I get to play with pretty flowers all day.

Okay that is it. WOW! 13 jobs. I don't think I even knew all that. Doing this has brought back so many memories. I recommend trying it. How many jobs have you had?

By Popular Demand

Widney Woman say on facebook (yeah I'm a junky too) a survey that I had filled out about me and Tim. She said blog it so here is my love story.

Our story all starts with Tim's sister Sarah. I first moved to Catoosa when I was in the 9Th grade. Me and Sarah had journalism together and became friends right away. It really was not until our 10 grade year that we just became inseparable. If I was not at her house,she was at my house. When I first met Sarah, Tim was not around much. He was in the Marines and was gone at his school and boot camp for a while. I do remember the first time that I saw him. Me and Sarah were at a school dance and he came to give us a drive home. He was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. I instantly had the worlds biggest crush on him.

During our 10Th and 11Th grade year Tim would do all kinds of stuff with us. He was almost always our ride to were ever we wanted to go. He would tag along on our school outings with drama club, he was our chaperon on our girls only camping trips in the back of their land, he would take us to concerts and movies as a group, etc. I would always do what ever I had to to be the one standing next to him or sitting by him, whatever. Everyone knew what a huge crush I had on him. They gave me such a hard time about it. To Tim I was just a little kid. There was 4 years difference between the two of us.

I remember when I got my first car and i took it over to show it off to the Widney's. Daryl had helped me get it by doing work for him. I asked Tim if he wanted to drive it. He got in it and started driving it like it was a go cart. Well it kind of was. It was Geo Tracker. Next thing I know he starts off roading it and we are all bouncing and flying all over the place. Every time Sarah would ask me if I wanted to stay over I would always ask if Tim was going to be there. I loved being with her most but Tim was just the bonus. He was dating a girl then (I wont mention her name...Marcy) that treated him like crap. He was not around much. Me and Sarah would always stay up late watching movies and Space Ghost =) and fall asleep in the floor. He would end up stepping on us on his way in at night. He was like a big brother.

Then the happy day happened. It was around the time of my 18th birthday party. I had started talking to a guy that he graduated with. For some reason this changed things for Tim. He told me later that me dating someone his age made him jealous and changed the way he looked at me. I was no longer like a little sister. He got into competition for my attention with the other guy. I noticed that something was different but you have to understand. Me and Tim being together was so out there to me. It would be like me and Brad Pitt dating. Why would someone like him be into someone like me?

It took a day or two for me to get it...he was flirting with me. I got up the nerve to ask him about it. He told me yes but that nothing could ever happen between us because our families were so close. He said that we could be friends. I was heart broken but I was not about to give up. I knew we were suppose to be together. Love at First Sight. Corny I know,but it was true.

Well then Halloween came around and my moms company was doing a haunted house for the United Way. They were needing some big guys to be demons and such. She asked Tim and the other guy that I had been talking to. Me and Tim flirted so hard all night, all weekend. On the last day, which was Halloween, he brought one of his friends Greg to volunteer too. I was so mad because I did not think he would pay me so much attention with him there. He did though. After the Haunted House was over we headed to downtown to try and go to another haunted house. It was closed so we just headed out to hang out. We ended up out by the river. Greg wanted us to play truth and dare. I would always pick truth because I just knew they were going to make me go out in the dark by myself and I do not like the dark at all. Especially when there are woods with things that can eat you in them. Finally after they had asked me to many questions I did not want to answer I picked dare. Greg dared me to kiss Tim. I was sooooo embarrassed. I was thinking it would be a really fast peck and then that would be it. NO IT WAS NOT. That was the best kiss of my life. I felt it in my toes. I knew then that I was going to marry him. Crazy I know, but I knew he was my match. He then drove me home that night and we talked until the sun started to come up. I remember the sunset. It was a beautiful deep purple with streaks of bright red orange. I will never forget it. We were inseparable from that night on.

Our first real date was when he came and picked me up from my job at Old Navy. We did not talk a whole lot. It was kind of weird and very surreal for me. I felt like I was dreaming. We did everything together. We would go running just about every night. I loved to run back then and really miss it now that I am a fatty Mcfatterson.

We dated for about a year. We then started to talk about marriage and decided that we wanted to. There was not really a proposal. It was an agreement that we came to together. I am okay with that. When he got me the ring, he came upstairs with a silly little grin on his face. I asked him what he was up to. He then put my boots on the bed and told me to pick a shoe. I remember thinking "What the hell?" I picked a shoe and it was the right one. Inside was a black box with the wedding set in it. He did good. It was gorgeous. Unfortunately, I can no longer wear it because yeah McFatterson.

Well, this year we will be married for 10 years!!! He is still my shooting star. I can't believe that I was ever able to catch him. It still feels like yesterday when we went on that first date. Now we just have three screaming kids in the back seat. When did that happen? I don't know but it sure was fun getting here.

Anything else you want to know about me? Don't be shy, just ask.

(ps: he is going to kill me over that picture but its his own fault for always goofing off when I try to take a picture. Widney Woman knows what I mean.)

Check It Out

I did it. I started a blog that will be all about my landscape business and everything that has to do with trees, plants and flowers. Maybe even some little extras like rocks and patios, etc. Feel free to follow along if you are interested. I would love to have you. Landscaping is one of my passions and I cant wait to share it with the blogging world. More than anything I love to discussing it so please ask questions or if you have problem you would like some help with...just comment. I would love to help.

Then New Blog Name

Trees, Leaves and the Bees Knees
(corny I know, but I though it was cute. =) )

Let Me Catch My Breathe

Here is a short, sweet, need to go to bed but want to check in with everyone blog. Trees are starting to bud, easter lillies are blooming, grass is turning green so that could only mean one thing. It is time for me to go back to work. I have enjoyed the last couple of months of being home with the boys and just being a stay at home mom. I am excited to be getting back to work though. I love love love what I do. I get so excited to make up a landscape plan on paper and then see it come to life in their front or back yards. It is almost like having baby but without all the pain and yucky stuff. Well if you dont count the horse manuer as yucky stuff. = )

Stay tuned...I am thinking of starting a seperate blog for the landscaping side of stuff so you can share in my love of plants, design and everything mother nature.

Finished For Friday-Valentines

Yeah I get to play! Serenity was needing valentines for her class party. Completely forgot until she reminded me late late night. So I just got out my paper, scissors and tape. Voila! That was all it took and about a half hour later this is what she got. Not my best work but for a kindergarten class it was perfect. Serenity thought they were great just because they were pink. That was all I needed.



Happy Valentines Day!

Now link over to Lit and Laundry, the queen of Finished For Fridays for more great stories.

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THANK YOU

I just wanted to give a big shout to my favorite blogger Widney Woman. She has just recently started to crochet and is already like a pro at it. Marine Man, my husband, has been wanting a crocheted hat and I have tried and tried and can not do it. So I put a call out to Widney Woman and she did it for me. She did a fabulous job too! Marine Man loves it! Wears it everywhere.

XOXOXOXOX THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! XOXOXOXOXO

Thankful Thursday

I have read that by listing what you are thankful for can raise your happiness by 25%. I need to do this today more than anyother day due to the couple of weeks that I have had.

I am thankful for the pain medicine that the hospital gave me the other night for my abdominal pain. I really like the medicine. It makes me feel so much better.

I am thankful for my 5 year who is the best big sister ever. She watches her little brothers so well when mommy is not feeling well. She gets them milk when they ask. She changes Eli's diapers as long as they are only wet and not dirty. She is always fetching stuff for me. Yesterday she helped me so much with getting the house cleaned up for the birthday party. I am so glad and thankful for her.

I am thankful for all my friends and family that came over yesterday to help us celebrate Tristons birthday. It was a short and sweet birthday but loved all the fellowship with them. Thank you all for the gifts and just being with us on such a special day.

Now click over to The Fairy Blog Mother and Widney Woman for some more Thankful Thursdays. Then join in. It really is worth reminding ourselves what we are thankful for.

My Little Birthday Boy

Dear Mr. Triston,

Today you are turning 3. I have been thinking about were I was at this time in 2006. On February 10 at 9 am I lost my plug. The contractions started right after that. Very slow and mild. I was about to burst on the inside. I was so excited that you would be here soon. Your grandma Donna was getting ready to go to work. I was with her because my doctor has taken all my privileges away from me. I was not allowed to drive or go anywhere by myself because they had thought it would be soon. You were not due until Valentines Day. My favorite holiday! Of course you were early. I called my Doula and she said the usual. Go take a shower and eat something. She would tell me to do this to make sure that they were real contractions. You did not come fast. It was 27 hours later. Everyone came over to Grandma Donna's and we sat around and talked and laughed while mommy had very light contractions. Kelly (the doula) kept telling me that when it was going to kick in it was going to be fast. Sure enough about 9 on February 11, 2006, it hit. The contractions became about 3 minutes apart. We all jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. Everyone else followed behind us because they were not even sure we would make it to hospital.

Once we got there we were immediately took back to a delivery room. Your doctor was a real quack. That is another story. It was just me, daddy and Kelly in the delivery room. That was all they would let us have. Both Grandma's and aunt Sarah waited out in the waiting room. It was just a few pushes later and you were here. You were so beautiful. Long and skinny with dark black hair. Of course you looked like daddy and not mommy. They put me in a wheel chair, put you in my lap and wheeled us out to the waiting room. You was born at 11:55 pm. You were also born on Grandpa John and Grandma Roses anniversary...barely.

Now I look at you and you are such a big boy. You tell me great stories and sing me songs. You are still a momma's boy. You are such a dare devil like your daddy. You do it first and then think about it after. If you don't get it the first time you just keep trying until you get it. You have a contagious smile and get the hiccups when you laugh to hard. You are into dinosaurs and Diego. Your favorite color is blue and pink. How could it not be when it is Reni's favorite color and you do everything she does. You are her little shadow. You love monster trucks, only that is not what it sounds like when you say it. Sounds like a really bad word. I love your hugs that I get out of no where and the I love you mommys that come with a kiss on the check. I can't believe how the time has flown by. You will always be mommy's special little boy.

Happy Birthday Mr. Triston, Happy Birthday to You.


(That is Grandma Rose holding you in the top picture. I am sure she is sending you birthday kisses from heaven. Those are the best kind.)

When will it End

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, months that just don't seem like they will ever end? Where it just seems like if it is not one thing then it is the other? Yeah, going through that right now. Really what I want to do is run out in an open field wayyy out in the country and just scream. If one more person gets in the 20 item or less line with 50 items, if one more person turns out in front of me while I am driving down the road, if one more person goes off on Me because they are mad at someone else..... Stand Back because I just might Blow!!

Or I can pull up my big girl panties and remember that these things don't last. Life does go on. What goes up, must come down in other words. God promises seasons in our life. It is to test our faith. Right now, I need a faith refill before I kill someone. Know what I mean?

My Biggest Fans

First let me start with I can not sing. Never have claimed to. I torture Tim with it all the time. Poor guy is such a trooper. He just lets me have my fun and never even flinches. Sometimes I try to be even worse than I am to just see if he will say something. Nothing. He's no fun. However, my kiddos love my made up songs.

Reni gets the morning song:
Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning
It's time to rise and shine
Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning
I hope your feeling fine
It's time to get up, get out of bed
It's time to get up you sleepy head
So all your dreams can come true
Tootaloo Tootaloo

She does not like it as much as much as I like to sing it!

When Triston hit two and the tantrums I found myself singing everything to him to make it fun.
Like instead of just asking for milk he would stream and cry MILKKKKK like I was depriving him of it or something. So I got to were I would sing and dance :

I like milk. It's yummy in my tummy. I like milk. It makes me big and strong. Repeat for as long as it take you to make the cup of milk.

I use it for everything. Food, drinks, milk, shoes, etc. He usually just comes along behind singing along with me and bopping along to the beat. I love it.

Now today Eli has joined us. We were in the kitchen making our every morning cup of milk, singin our song. Eli stood there watching with a huge grin on his face like he just got it. Then he started to bop up and down to the beat with us. I just got so tickled. This is the first time I really seen him try to dance. It was just so cute. Of course when I tried to get him to do it again, he did not. Darn, maybe next time.

Who needs American Idle when I have the best audience right here.

Don't like it, just wait

One thing you can count on in good ol' Oklahoma is that the weather is going to change. Last week we had about 5 inches of ice, snow and sleet that shut everything down for about 3 -5 days. Some areas were even declared a state of emergency. This week, sunshine and 60 to 70 degree weather. When it gets warm outside, I get the itch. I am a landscaper you know so it really makes me what to do some planting. You should never plant in Oklahoma till after April 15. Never fails that we have one for freeze before then. People fall for it though. It gets warm and they get outside and spend lots of money on plants and then BAM!! We get another freeze and all is lost.

So as they say here in OK. If you don't like the weather, just wait.

It was AMAZING!

Something amazing and wonderful happened this morning. I can not express how proud of myself as a mother. I have gotten some of my self esteem back. I was beginning to take it so personal. Okay enough I will let you in. My beautiful little soon to be three year old went to the potty all by himself! Here is the amazing part. At 6 this morning I felt him get out of bed, walk into the bathroom, turn on the light, I asked "What are you doing?", He responded I need to go to the bafroom. WHAT!? Sure enough the climbed up on the potty, went pee pee, turned off the light, and then got back in bed. WHAT!? I was so excited I wanted to love all over him and let him know how proud I was of him. I was met with screams and Leave me alone I'm tired. So I did it this morning when we got up.

Status now:
"Do you want to wear big boy underwear?"
"NO"
"Triston, lets go the potty."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" (While falling on the floor crying)
"You can have a piece of candy if you go to the potty."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

That okay. I now know that he knows. He just doesn't want to do it on my terms. He will do it on his. I think this is God's way of teaching me patience and that I can not control everything. That is hard for me. We are taking baby steps. I just keep telling myself that he will not be in diapers when he is 20. I just hope he isn't when he is 5 so he can go to school. I guess will see. But what a first step. I am so proud of him.

Dinosaurs

So Triston has THE best grandma and grandpa ever. They got him tickets to see Walking with Dinosaurs for his early birthday present. They were going to go with us but called last minute to a business meeting in NY so Aunt Sarah and her niece Katie came along with us. We started with dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse. We ate in the trolley (he loves trains as well) that they have in the middle of the restaurant. They sang happy birthday to him. I thought it would freak him out but he loved it. After cake and ice cream we headed to the BOK. I won't mention that Sarah got lost in the wrong parking garage and Tim had go and find her causing us to be a few minutes late. =) In her defense she felt so bad.

So we get to our seats and they are fabulous. We were only 5 rows from the floor. It was like we were right there. They were absolutely amazing! The kids.... totally freaked out! I was most worried about Triston. We spent weeks preparing.

Mommy ask "What do dinosaurs eat?"

Triston "Dinosaurs eat rass. Not mommy.Not daddy. Not Eli. Not Serenity. Not the house."

Mommy "Yes, that's right. Dinosaurs eat grass. Not bubbys."

Well when the show starts, Triston is fine. Eli on the other hand is grabbing and clawing trying to get the heck out of there. He is trying to climb over the back of us just screaming. I had to use Katie's jacket like a blankey so that he would calm down. We were okay after that. I had to show Serenity were they were robots and that they were not real in order to get her to come out from behind my back and stop crying. Needless to say, after all the commotion they loved it! Triston asked if they could go home with him. Serenity wanted to go back the next day. I wanted to go back the next day! It was so incredible.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for getting tickets to the most awesome dinosaur show in the world!!!