LOVE THIS SONG...LOVE THIS VERSION,







AND THIS ONE...From Jason Castro, during his stint on American Idol.
I read somewhere that he taught himself Ukelele just for this song.


and boy, does this bring back memories..



When Travis was little, and this commercial played, he loved the "zoom-zoom" song and then when Patrick came along, same thing. They both LOVED this song! It's catchy!

This is the whole version...

Friday, 1/29/2010

Isn't technology great? and really...have you ever seen a prettier girl? :)

Daughters lyrics

I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me

Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Oh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left
Cleaning up the mess he made

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Boys, you can break
You'll find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without the warmth from
A womans good, good heart

On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too [x3]


Thanks, Donna, for the info on slide.com

Friday 1/29/10

Idea Explosion at Pat's school today. In all our years there, I have never been to this. Always in January and I don't take the time off after being off for the holidays. Next year...I need to go.

always next year.

I've been bad this week, don't think I have taken a picture. But that's okay. I can use something in their place for my book...that's the beauty of this project. IT. DOESN'T. MATTER! I'll figure something out. Maybe find a favorite picture from last year? or a favorite song, quote, etc. I'll figure it out and in 20 years when we are looking at the book, no one will know. Not even me, because my memory will be gone by then! :)

Travis had a half day today. His school hosted the Academic Decathalon so they dismissed the students at 11:30. He had to go back at 3:30 because they have a basketball game tonight, though. This is the same team I posted about earlier when it was such a good game and they won in overtime. I was not going to go, but Ty just talked me into it. Did not want to get Addy out in the wet and cold weather, but guess we will. It was just an excuse. I should be at every game. It's not THAT far...way south Hulen.

Addison found a bag of life savers this afternoon. She is on her 4th one already. Maybe I need a picture of LifeSavers!

Thursday, Jan 28, 2010

Pretty typical day...had to go up to City Hall and sign papers to sell our easement to the city so they can widen the street and add sidewalks. I have been waiting for this since we moved it. Now maybe Patrick will be able to walk to school in middle school. or not! :)

Went and ran errands after work, then out to Spring Creek for dinner. Came home and made dozens of cupcakes for Idea Explosion at Patrick's school tomorrow. Then finished working, then around 10 p.m. I was cleaning out a gerbil cage so "Chewy" the gerbil can go to Idea Explosion tomorrow as a stand-in for a hamster that cancelled! :) FUN!

Wednesday, 1/27/10

Happy Anniversery, Mom & Dad! 48 years. This is the most recent picture of I have them...need to get a picture of Mom!

Thanks for all you have done, and continue to do for me and my family. We all love you!!

1-26-10 Update

Got a call from the day care. She never ate breakfast and then did not eat lunch. They were calling to see what she likes so they could get her to eat something. I was worried about that...she is such a finicky eater! Poor baby! Is it true that "when they are hungry, they will eat?"


update: When I brought her home, she ate half a can of raviolli (one of her favorites) and some cheese and goldfish crackers. She asked for an orange, but did not eat it. Guess they do eat when they are hungry. :)

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Today is the day that I have been dreading since 2007. The day that I knew was going to come no matter how hard I fought against it. That day that was just going to rip my heart out.

Today is the day Addison went to day care.

The day that total strangers have to be trusted enough to leave my precious baby with. Well, okay, not a baby...but that sounds more dramatic.

When I took the boys to day care, they screamed and cried and were clingy and I felt so guilty for leaving them. I have been dreading that with Addy.

So what happened? I walked over to tell her I was leaving and try to comfort here a little before I left and before I could even get close to her or say a word she waved me away and said "No, I don't want to leave."

WHAT? YOU don't want to leave? what happened to Mama, Don't leave me? and the screaming? And the crying? and the gut-wrenching sobs?

No, I don't want to leave. And she waved me off. (like, get away from me).

Will she like the other kids? Be nice to them? Play with them? Will she EAT? she is such a picky eater. I told them to call me if she won't eat. Will she hit anyone if she gets mad? Will she miss me? Will she wonder when I'm coming back? Will she ask for her binky? Will she take a nap?

Will this day ever end? I want to go back and get her so bad. I know in some ways it will be good for her...to be with kids her age and be able to play and have some structure. I called it school, and she was excited that she was going to school.

Will she want to go back to mom's tomorrow?

Monday, January 25, 2010

It's Monday. No work this a.m., so after I dropped the boys off, I took Addison to a day care to check it out. I was worried about how she would do with total strangers, other kids, etc. She stared at the other kids...like she was fascinated. She would not take her eyes off them. Then I showed her the play kitchen and she was hooked. At that point she said she wanted to stay and did not want to go to Oma's. I had to promise to bring her back, so tomorrow we are doing a "complimentary day" to see how she does/how she likes it. Both the boys screamed bloody murder when I left them at daycare...she does not care at all. It makes it easier for me, but gosh...couldn't she just be a little upset?? :)

After we got home, Addison was "being watched by the boys" while I finished working. I was in my office, typing away, and I thought I smelled baby powder. At first I thought "wow, that smells good." and then I thought 'what smells like baby powder?' and then all of a sudden I remembered the baby powder that was in Adddison's room that cannot be closed...and it dawned on me. I went running into her room and this is what I found.


all that white stuff you see? powder.

Oh well, could have been worse!

Sunday update, also Thursday update

hope this works. I came across this on another blog. I had just added the "Shrek" version of this to my Ipod and love the song and really like this version. Now to find it for the Ipod. oh, and I need to find my Ipod. I think Addison carried it off somewhere.

2 big news items from the week. There was a huge earthquake in Haiti and so far the death toll is 150,000. Expected to double. Now, when you stop to think that roughly 6,000 died on 9-11 - it just boggles the mind. I don't think I can even comprehend the tragedy they are going through.

The other news...Last Thursday, Ty came home from work and was white as a ghost. I was busy vacuuming in our bathroom where Addison had broken a glass in my bathroom sink, had her locked out of my bedroom while I did so because she was barefoot, and she was standing at my door screaming and crying to be let in. I had to just let her cry. Anyway, just as I was finishing up, Ty came in and was holding her and told me that he just saw the most disturbing thing he had ever seen in his life. I thought he meant with Addison and thought "what could she have done...she was right outside the door the whole time?" but he said on his way home, just as he was exiting the freeway where it turns into Davis, there was a body laying in the middle of the road and he almost hit it...and he thought the person was dead. And the police and firemen were not even there yet. It had JUST happened.

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=50766@ktvt.dayport.com

copy and paste the link above to hear what happened.

Sunday, Jan 24, 2010

Update for Thursday, 21st: Typical day....picked all kids up from school today, Krista had a dr appt. Addison had a late nap, so went to get her around 5:30 and then realized that Dalton had practice at 6 and Krista would not make it back in time, so we went ahead and took him to practice. Krista and Sam are our neighbors and Kayla, Dalton, and Landon are their children. Krista used to run an in-home daycare and keep Patrick when he was a baby. This school year, she has been bringing him home pretty much 95% of the time and he has spent a lot of hours over there with them. Kayla is a huge help with Addison when she comes over and Addison just adores her!

Friday: Travis had a game again tonight. Pep called and asked if Jake could spend the night tonight, so he was here when I got home from getting Addison. Donna wanted to come to the game again so we picked her up and then we all went to the game. Came home and had pizza and visited with Donna.

Saturday: I had plans to go to a crop today. First I went to the grocery store, then came home and got stuff ready for the crop, then headed over to Jackie's house. I had not had lunch and it was already dinner time, so we went and had dinner at TGIFriday's and then back to her house for the rest of the crop. I got caught up on Project Life and finished a couple of layouts I had started at the last crop, and we watched a movie (while we cropped) and then I came home and starting ironing the panels for Addison's new bed.

Sunday: Got up around 10:30 and checked email to see if Beth had responded to what time she wanted to meet me to let me into school to do the directory. There was an email asking me if I could get there at 10:30. Ooops. I was in my PJs and cooking breakfast, so, um...no. Sorry. Anyway, we met around 12:30 or so, then Glenda came up later and between them 2, we got something figured out that would work and we got them all printed out and stapled and distributed. Thank goodness that is done. and thank goodness for Beth and Glenda (and Travis and Patrick, who helped put them together and staple). Thanks, Ladies...I owe you one!

Took the boys to GameStop and to get a bite to eat (Chicken Fettucini at Chef Point...yum!), then dropped Travis off at Matt's house to play basketball, then home. I finished ironing the panels for Addy's new bed, then folded some laundry, made some sandwiches, and now Im ready to hit the hay.

another boring weekend in the Bailey household!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Update on Tuesday. Today was our usual weekday schedule...i start working at 6 a.m., stop at 7:20 and hurry kids up and out the door. Travis had to be there at 8 and Patrick was, as usual, dragging his feet, so for the first time I took Travis first and let Patrick be late. I don't normally...it's completely out of the way for me, but he needs to learn to "light a fire under himself" - he just does not care if he is late or anyone else. So, he was late for the first time today. Wish I had gone inside and gotten a picture of him getting a tardy slip at school. Anyway, so took Travis, then backtracked and took Pat, and then Addison over to Mom's. Got back home and back to work. Work until kids get out, then go pick them up. My dear sweet neighbor has been picking up Pat pretty much every day this year. Thanks so much, Krista!! Anyway, got back home and finished up working (I work later to make up all the time I spend in the Mom Taxi). Travis had a game tonight, so his friends Ryan and Michael came home with us and then I took them all back to school for the game. I then left and picked up Donna as she wanted to come to a game and then we went and ate at Bueno. I figured out that maybe the reason Addison did not make it through a game is because I did not usually feed her beforehand. Duh. and they let me be a mother! :) anyway, so we went to get a bite to eat and then went to the game. Nana and Papa were there...so we had a good little crowd for Travis to cheer him on. (who am I kidding...Ty is the only one who "cheers" (I mean screams). So, I took my camera to the game to get my POTD but they are not on the computer yet...will add later.

Wednesday: Pretty much the same, minus the game. This might be a "filler picture" day.

Did I mention that Addison washed my phone? Did I mention we got new ones for all 3 of us Saturday? Well, they had to be shipped to the house, but we ordered them Saturday? Well, they came yesterday...and we all 3 had them up and running today. So, another option for POTD. We got an EN3. Same plan, same #. but I lost all my contacts because she "fried" the phone.

Addy had a bubble bath tonight. She gets such joy from bathtime, but add bubbles, and the joy grows exponentially! Why can't we all carry that enthusiasm for the little things all throughout our life?

JANUARY 18, 2010 - MONDAY

The Great Cinnamon Roll Disaster - I was working this morning and Patrick came in and said he wanted to make some cinnamon rolls. (Pillsbury, that is) He has done this many times before I told him to go ahead. He loves to cook and help out in the kitchen on occasion.

So, he preheated the oven and opened the can of rolls...and then got highly upset because "they all came unrolled and they are ruined." Just as I walked into the kitchen, he was about to throw them out. I stopped him just in the nick of time. Then he got mad and threw them onto the counter. I made him calm down and then proceeded to show him how simple it was to roll them back up, put them in the pan, and cook them.

So, into the oven they went, and I went back to work.

Quite some time later, I asked him about them and he got that "deer in the headlight look" and ran to the kitchen. Then he came back and, all upset, and said they were burned. Black. All the way through. Burned to a crisp. I told him it was not the end of the world and told him we have more and that he could get a new can and start all over.

Which he did...and this time I checked them. And they were done. Just as he is taking them out of the oven...I spotted the 1st pan he had made. You know, the ones that were black through-and-through, burned to a crisp, unedible?

Here's the pictures. Can you tell which is which?

Monday, January 18, 2010

I decided not to title these posts anymore, just put the date. Makes it easier when I am catching up on Project Life!

Anyway, it was a pretty uneventful weekend. I got Patrick signed up for soccer Sat. It was painless, so I was happy about that.

The Cowboys lost this weekend, so they are out of the playoffs. Just in case any of you reading this care. I don't even think anyone other than Donna is reading it. Oh well...

I have a feeling Sunday's POTD is going to be a "filler." Maybe it's time to take a picture of that tree! LOL

Monday, the kids were out of school...it's Martin Luther King day. I'm not prejudice or anything, but I can't, for the life of me, figure out why they get out of school for that day and not, say, PRESIDENT'S day, Washington or Lincoln's birthday. But, as someone (in the media) said when this first became a holiday "You'd have to be REALLY prejudiced to complain about getting a day off of work." Got a point. But, if you are like me, and work in the medical field, you don't get the day off anyway.

Guess I could mention that I do medical transcription. I'm a "Medical Language Specialist" as they like to say in the biz. Started college as a Pharmacy major...just because I worked in a pharmacy at the time I had to pick a major and thought "I can do this job." Turns out I was not dedicated enough to science and math to carry it out. It bored me. The biology and microbiology were more my thing. Maybe I should have started pre-med! LOL I wish when you were 18, 4-6 years of college did not seem like a whole lifetime...I did not want to be in school that long. I did not do Veternarian either, because I did not want to do 5 years of school instead of 4. Oh, to be young and dumb....Oh well. So, while almost done with Pre-Pharmacy, I was looking for a job that paid more than I made as a pharmacy tech, and stumbled on transcription. I saw a job for $10/hr and that piqued my interest. (I was making minimum wage at the time, or just over) So, I called around and was basically told "go to school and get some experience." So I checked into that and found out it was taught at TCJC in a 1 year program and I signed up. This was just supposed to pay my way through Pharmacy school. But after doubling my salary in the 1st year, I was hooked. and I was making more than $10/hr. I did do all my pre-pharmacy except for 2 classes, but when I tried to get accepted, I got turned down. However many people graduate, that is how many they let in the next semester, so there might be 50 spots and 500 applicants. I never got in. (tried twice) and eventually I quit trying. and my salary as a transcriptionist kept going up. And for the first time, when I was in school for it, I enjoyed school. I did not feel like I was studying...I was consumed by it. I was hooked. And for the 1st and only time in my life, I felt competitive to do better and more than the others that I went to school with and ended up working with. I was constantly setting and meeting goals. I became active in the professional organization. I had a career. and I did not miss or regret the pharmacy never working out. There have been a couple of times I thought about going back...but probably won't ever do it. I would like to go back and get a Bachelor's degree, probably in Bio or just general Science...but that's about it. I have not done anything to make it happen.

But here I am, 22 years later, and I feel like transcription as I know it is going to cease to exist. And I feel a little overwhelmed by all that I am going to have to learn to stay current and relevant in the field. And wondering if I will...I don't have a clue what else I would do...this is all I have ever known.







just rambling....

HAVE YOU HEARD?


From the Becky Higgins blog... (www.beckyhiggins.com)

project life is going digital
In the coming week, we are planning to launch the site for Project Life | digital version. I have all the information coming. Frequently asked questions, details about how it works (so, so, so easy!), and all that good stuff. So many of you have been patiently waiting for this (thank you, oh loyal people).

I just got my sample book so I wanted to at least share pictures of this little beauty. This is the end product -- the final result -- of what you get after you create a Project Life book online.

Oh, and I want to tell you this one more thing: Everyone -- ANYone -- will be able to build a book online and play around with it for FREE. No obligation.

Did you catch that? Free.

Should you choose to print a book, then you can pay for that. But if you get in there and play around and decide it's not for you, there's nothing to lose. You just don't follow-through with printing. And you pay nothing at all. Do you love that?

Go ahead -- ask your questions (in the Comments section here). Go for it. We're working on compiling all the FAQ now, so now is the perfect time.


WOW. I'm SO glad I have this kit; however, this would probably be easier for me to keep up with. I hope it is outRAGEOUSLY expensive to print the book so I won't be tempted! LOL Maybe next year.

Saturday, 1-16-2010

Slept in today. It was great!

I took Patrick to sign him up for soccer with BAYFA. It's been awhile since he was involved in sports...too long, actually, so we went and did that today.

I did manage to get some clothes folded today...but still have not put all the Christmas stuff back into the boxes and put them out in the storage bldg. I don't know what I am waiting for. I keep telling myself that I am going to go through everything and weed out what we don't use, but it never happens. I have been saying that for about 5 years. I did find Addison enjoying a big snow globe in the sunroom today and knew I had my POTD.


I'm realizing I am in desperate need for photography classes. Or at least to find the manual for my camera which has been missing for a good year or more.

Still loving Project Life. It is taking a little more time that I envisioned. I had some photos printed out and mailed to me so I am getting caught up on that tonight. I still think I need to make a word file and print out my jouranling because I really don't like my handwriting...plus if I did that I would probably journal daily because I'm on the computer anyway. As it is, I have been doing the journaling the last 2 Saturday nights.

I think tomorrow I will make a list of the things I want to include in the book. For instance...there is a tree, it is on Chapman Road. This sounds crazy, but ever since we bought our house, I have noticed that tree all the time when I drive by, which is usually daily. I notice it every season, with and w/out leaves, etc. I always say I am going to take a picture about it and put it in a scrapbook but I never have. I do have a friend that took a picture of it for me one time many many years ago but I never got the picture from her. (Hi Tina!) This is probably a shock to anyone that knows me because I don't often "notice" nature or anything...but that tree does something for me. I can be having a bad day and then drive by it and "calm down" for the few seconds that I see it. It's just the most perfect tree. One year, several years ago, part of the tree...a big chunck of branch, fell out of it...and made it "less perfect" in its symmetry, and I noticed. I have watched it fill back out over the years since. I can't explain it...it just makes me happy. Guess I'll be driving over there tomorrow and taking a picture! :)

Also, pictures of the kid's schools, the grocery store, the bank, the places I shop, or eat, the places that make up my everyday life. I want those in this book.

what would make this so much easier to do and keep up with would be a more portable camera (Ty has misplaced his or I would try using it) and a photo printer. The kind that does 4x6 photos. I could do this daily if I had those. I just can't go buy one just for this, though. I don't normally keep my Canon Rebel with me at all times. I don't want to leave it in my car, either. But when we find Ty's camera, I'll keep that handy.

oh, something else I definitely have to include in the book...this is for my Sister-in-Law, Kathy, and my hairdresser/friend, Misty Brown. a picture of my RED SWEATER. :)) That sweater has been with me longer than I have had kids. I get teased all the time. What can I say? It's comfy, it's just the right weight for Texas weather...it's perfect for me. I remember when I went to buy it...I had planned to get the Ivory colored one like my friend at work had. But they were out of it. So I settled for red. and now they will probably bury me with it! (but please not IN it...it's too hot in Texas!) :))

Friday p.m. update

all I can say is TGIF!

Had to work with all the kids home today. Patrick had to go to school for 3 hours, but otherwise, home. Travis was exempt from his finals. Wow...where was that option when I was in school? He did, however, have a basketball game that he had to go to tonight. And he did not get to play because his father and I don't think his ankle has sufficiently healed, so we asked the coach to bench him. He's really happy about that. not.

Addison wrecked - oh, I mean rearranged - my office today while I was working. I just look around and think "where do I start?" (have you SEEN the show Hoarders??) I just need to pick a room and get started. Maybe if I unplug the computer...

I heard from Luci today...emailed her after getting her card the other day. It was so good to get back in touch...it's been a long time. She was my very first friend. Met her in 2nd grade. She lived at the end of my street and I think our teacher, Mrs. George (hey, Luci, she is still teaching at Shady Oaks!) had us seated together. We walked to and from school together every day. I had sleepovers at her house all the time. Funny...I don't remember her ever spending the night at our house. I wonder why? I remember her grandmother would get mint chocolate chip ice cream for us from Baskin-Robbins. I remember being jealous of her getting brand new white roller skates. I was so jealouse of those things. She introduced me to skating and it was a huge part of my childhood. I remember, even at age 7, thinking her Dad was the most handsome man around. And I remember moving to Alice, Texas, and having to live in a hotel when we first got there, and I remember being in the parking lot, going up to the room at the hotel and hearing someone call my name and turning around and seeing Mr. Avalos standing there. I was so thrilled! He came to see ME. An ADULT had come to see ME. I must really be important! or special! :) I don't know if I ever told Luci about that. Thanks for being such a big part of my childhood, Luci...and thanks SO MUCH for always keeping in touch over the years! (send me a picture so I can put it on here. None of my pictures of you are digital!)

time keeps on slippin....

Guess what started this week???


wow, has it been 3 days since I wrote last? I was supposed to do this every day!
ok...Tuesday...The sun came out! Patrick played with our neighbors, Kayla, Dalton, and Landon Bryant, outside, and Addison came home and joined them on her new 4-wheeler! She was so happy to get outside after being cooped up for so long indoors with all the cold weather.

Travis has a basketball game and Ty and I decided Ty would go to that. I was supposed to have a room mom meeting, that I had every intention of going to, but when I dropped off Travis, with all kids in tow, Patrick started complaining of a headache, really complaining, and at one point started crying...and I looked in the rear view and Addison was asleep. Great. So, I come to find out that Patrick did not like what they served for lunch and did not eat it...thus the headache...so I stopped at Little Ceasars as they were doing a 5th grade camp fund raiser, and picked up a pizza and went home. Of course, then Addison woke up, but I had made up my mind at that point I was not going to drag Patrick to a meeting when he did not feel good and Addison there when she was half asleep, so we came home, had pizza, and that was that.

Travis got home and said they won their game, and he did fine, but Ty informed me that he was hobbling on the foot that he hurt last week and should not have been playing at all. He is going to call the coach tomorrow.


Wednesday: Big lack of communcation on phone/text with me and Travis today. It's a long story, but he asked me to pick him up at 2:30 because he was exempt from taking his last period exam, but when I got there, he was not there. I went back home and told him to ride the bus home with Ryan and I would pick him up at Ryan's, but what ended up happening was they all waited and Beth went and got them. I had told Beth I would pick up Seth today because of a PTA Board meeting (that I did not make either, due to running to get Travis, wasting that time, and then having to make up work). Anyway, big "catastrophe." and it was made worse by me forgettng my phone when I went to pick him up. so, just a bad situation. I'm sorry, Beth!!

Thursday: Half day of school for kids today, and I kept Addison home from Mom's today. She did pretty good. I gave her my chalk board and she spent well over an hour drawing and cleaning it off with baby wipes over and over. She took a good nap, too. We will have a repeat of this tomorow..then the kids are out on Monday.

Started watching American Idol again this week. Love that show. Everything about it. The auditions, as well as the competition itself. It will be interesting to see Ellen on it when they get to Hollywood. And wonder if it will survive w/out Simon next year. What I really wonder about, though, is how some of those people can honestly believe they can sing.

I got a card in the mail from Luci Conlon. Wow...did she have some news! She is a GRANDMA!! She's my age. She has a grandchild. I have a 2-year-old. What's wrong with this picture? :) Serious...Congrats, Luci and Mike! She has also moved and her kids are all grown and "gone". and I have 3 at home. For the next 16+ years! :) Great to hear from her!

Monday musings...

Patrick "called in sick today" at school...said his stomach was upset/nauseous. Addison slept late, so did not go to Oma's until 10, but not before she got her stool and proceeded to turn on the bathroom water and flood the counter and floors. Oh, and Travis has an overdue library book. Yep. It's Monday.

Yesterday I got an email from Beth that one of the families at North Ridge (Patrick's school) had lost their house in a fire overnight. I spent most of the day going through things of Addison's and Patrick's because they have 5 children under the age of 10, including a 6 month old infant. Two weeks after Christmas...everything they own, gone. All the Christmas presents they got for their children...gone. All their photos...gone. That would be the most devestating for me. Losing the photos. I just can't even imagine. Anyway, got some stuff boxed up for them. Hope they can use it all.

Saturday

Everytime Addison walked through the den this evening, she asked what Dad did with the Christmas tree. I finally told her it had to go back to the North Pole to be with Santa until next year.

I spent the evening (after Addison went to bed) getting the first week of ProjectLife done. I have to print the pictures, but got the journaling done. I know it's only been a week, but I'm determined to keep up with it. My picture of the day today will be the car for Travis.

Still did not accomplish anything on the house that you would be able to notice...what is wrong with me??

Go Cowboys!! They are in playoffs. (like I need to tell anyone that)

Rodeo

My sister-in-law, Peppy, got a new car before Christmas and she called Ty and I and asked if we wanted the old one for Travis. ummm...YES!! Ty went over this afternoon and picked it up and gave Travis the keys. It was Christmas all over again! It's an Isuzu Rodeo. It needs some work, but I'm married to a genius mechanic, so that is not a problem. And, Travis does not have a permit yet and has to have the permit for a year before he can get a license, so Ty has plenty of time to get it ready. Pictures to follow.


I took the ornaments off the tree today and Ty carried it to the curb. Addison was not happy with me. She wants it back up. I keep telling her we will put it up again next year, but 2-year-olds don't get that.

Now she is walking around with my ipod.

Most of the day was spent trying to clean up, but as usual, I would start one thing, get distracted, and got to something else...so I got a small portion of lots of different things done....but you can't tell I did anything at all. Story of my life!

Friday p.m. update

When I got off work today, I went and checked out a couple of day cares for Addison...thinking she could use some socialization! One was the right price but I didn't care for it...the other I liked (same one Travis went to) but it's "not cheap." I think I will just do part-time.

Donna came by tonight and I took Pat and Addison with her to eat a Mooyah Burger. good burgers...check them out. www.mooyah.com I believe.

Travis had a basketball game in Burleson. He can't play because of his ankle, but still had to go. It was a late game so he won't get home until 10ish. He has been as school since 7:15 this a.m. Long day for him!

TGIF!

Baby, it's cold outside! It was 16 degrees when I took the kids to school this a.m. What's funny is that they had school today (16 degrees) and it was cancelled yesterday (26 degrees). Go figure. Yes, they had a day off yesterday. So now they get to go on Good Friday. Again.


so far I have been keeping up with the Project Life kit. I have my pictures, I should say. The kit is still in the box because I don't want to get it out until I have time to sit and put it all together for the whole year. If I don't, then I'm afraid Addison will get into it and scattere the pieces all over. So, tonight after she goes to bed, I will get it out and work on it.

oh, and I definitely could use that photography class! ;)

Ty came home sick from work yesterday afternoon, but he went back in today. I took the kids and met Margie and her kids at CiCi's for dinner. It was either that or go to the grocery store. No contest!

Travis' ankle is better. Not 100%, but better. He was going to meet with the Athletic Trainer at school again this morning. They have a game today, but I seriously doubt he will be playing. It was still swollen up last night.

It's Here! ...and some bad news...

My package arrived from BH.com...can't wait to dig in and get started.

On a lesser note....Travis had a basketball game last night and at the end of the first half, he got injured. I did not even know he had been hurt, and when the game started back up after halftime, he was nowhere to be found. I was concerned because earlier in the day when I learned he had a game and he told me the game was against the former state basketball champs, I had a premonition about him getting hurt...which I just dismissed. Anyway, game started after halftime and he was not there...came back in about 10 minutes later...with his ankle wrapped and hobbling around. He did not play the rest of the game, and will probably be out for awhile. His ankle is all swollen up...looks nasty.

On a more positive note...his team beat Crowley in what had to have been the most exciting game he has ever played (or not) in. It was so close most of the time, We'd be ahead, then Crowley would come from behind and pass us, then we would get ahead again...anyway, towards the end of the 4th quarter, we managed to get ahead until the last couple of minutes of the game when they passed us again...but then we ended up tying with them and when the game ended, it was a tie. The coach had to go check with someone about whether or not 9th grade plays in overtime, which they did allow, and the game resumed in overtime....and we just came out and played like there was no one else on the court and scored 4 baskets in about 2 minutes. It was awesome and we ended up winning. Out of A and B 9th grade teams, and JV and Varsity, we were the only team that beat Crowley! Awesome game guys!

I'll post pictures of Travis' ankle later.

It's on its way!!

Just checked tracking for FedEx and the BH kit is on its way. Can't wait to sit down and get it all together and get started on it! I know what my picture of the day will be today!! It's like Christmas all over again! :)

Just another manic Monday....

Back to the grind today. Well, officially tomorrow when the kids start back to school, but Ty and I both went back to work today. Mom kept Addison for a few hours so I could get some work done and the kids would not have to watch her. She has been doing that all year, but it's time to find a daycare to give her a break. I'll be checking them out this week. I think it will do her some good to be "socialized" but I think it will be a rough start as she is used to making her own schedule and doing what she wants. Once she adjusts, I think she will enjoy making friends and playing with the other kids.

Ty called this afternoon just to tell me he appreciates all I do. Wow...did I ever need to hear that. Thanks, babe!

Well, off to make school lunches and make sure the boys are ready for tomorrow.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Becky Higgins kit...can't wait to get started.

Another funny thing that happened: Last night (Saturday, Jan 2), we took Addison to storytime in the lobby. This is where an animated scene tells a story for the kids...they come down in their PJs and watch the show. She went to this last night. Did not seem like it was a big deal to her and we did not stay for all of it. (see photo of her on Travis' shoulders from Sat. night) Today, however, we were in the lobby, in the vicinity of the storytime area (but across the way from it, and around a corner and down the hall a ways). She heard the music start that signals the kids to gather for storytime and off she went at a full run. She knew exactly where she was going and did not stop until she was sitting front and center. And never even looked back to see if anyone was coming after her or even knew she had left our side. So, we sat and listened to storytime until she decided to get up and climb on the fence/barrier. This child has no fear!

GOING TO THE LODGE...

Got that little ditty in my head now and it's driving me CRAzy!! Going to the lodge...going to the lodge...GREAT WOLF LODGE. (going to the great wolf lodge).

We went yesterday, spent the night, had a good time. Pep (my sister-in-law) got us a great deal on a room - great enough that we have enough left over for a 2nd trip. Not sure when we will go back.

Anyway, checked in, went to dinner, went to the waterpark (Addison had a great time!) and then back up to the room for awhile. Later I took Patrick around the hotel. He had his wand for the MagiQuest but never quite seemed to get into it. Maybe he's too old for kids fun now. So sad. He's only 10. Travis would not even do it. Which I suspected. He did go check out the teen hang out spot. Patrick was NOT happy that he could not go. Travis said it was no big deal. Probably because he did not have a friend to hang out with. We did get a "thank you so much for taking us...it was great" from Patrick on the way home. After he moped all night for not being able to go to the arcade. I finally decided today that it's his vacation too and if arcade is what he wants to do, then he should be able to do it and I gave him some $$. Apparently he did not do much down there because he had enough left over to buy a 3-ft long make it yourself pixie-stix. (insert eyes rolling icon here).

The water park was fun. Lots of chlorine. I took some Mucinex with dinner because I' ve had a hacking cough since Christmas, and when I got into the water, I started to itch from head to toe. I figured it was the water, but when I went back today, did not notice any itching, so maybe it was the medicine. Which, by the way, did not help a lick. I stayed with Addison in the kiddy pool all evening because Ty was upstairs watching TV. Did not ride anything or do the lazy river.

This morning we got up and had the breakfast buffet. Since I now judge everything against the Hyatt Hill Country...the food was okay. Not as good, but we all had plenty to eat. The highlight of breakfast was when Patrick came back from the buffet with a whole tray full of food. I don't think he understands the concept of all-you-can-eat, when you take 1 plate and fill it and then go back for more. He had plates overlapping on his tray. And you know that someone that worked there had to get him a tray...they are not just laying out there like the plates where you just grab one. It was funny! He also had a grapefruit. I have never even seen him eat grapefruit. He said he eats it at school all the time. He took a bite and said "oh, this is stale." (does grapefruit GO stale?). I figure the ones at school probably don't taste right and this was how it is supposed to taste and he was not used to it. Nothing they serve at school tastes good.

Today I went to the waterpark with Travis...I only rode 1 slide...with Travis, double tube, and I have to say, it was one of the most fun slides I have even been on. and then it was cold and we went to the hot tub. :)

Ty's parents came up there to check the place out for awhile. We got the gift card from them for Xmas, that's how we got to go. It was a great gift! Very unexpected and very appreciated.

Good end to Christmas vacation. Back to work tomorrow. Kids still off until Tuesday.

4 pm.

Tomorrow we head out to Great Wolf Lodge (www.greatwolflodge.com) for the night. We decided to split it into 2 trips. Meeting Pep and Jake. She was able to get the $500./night suite for $99. She must have friends in high places! Hope we are all feeling better...been sick since Christmas. Not bad enough to stay in bed or even go to the doctor, just lots of upper respiratory stuff...coughing and runny nose. Addison has been asking for 2 days "go to waterpark?" sounds so cute.

speaking of sounding cute..she sounds sooo cute when she says "merry Christmas." I hope I can figure out how to get that from my phone to the computer to post here. I'm sure I am biased, but it was really cute!

January 1, 2010

This is my family. Complete. I thought it was complete years ago, but turns out...not! Travis is 15. Started high school this year. Patrick just turned 10, a 4th grader, and Addison just turned 2. She is...well, 2! Very smart, very pretty, and knows what she wants and will tell you. She completes us! Ty and I have been together since January 1988, married since 1997. This photo is from May 2009, after Patrick's First Communion.

So, a new year, a new decade. 2010....already. Wow. Time for some resolutions. Things that you should do...even WANT to do...have good intentions of doing, but never quite seem to get around to. The Suzanne Bailey definition!

So...if I had to make resolutions, these would be them...in no particular order:

1. Clean the house of clutter. I'm starting to think, after watching the new show "Hoarders" on TV, that I have a mild form of it. I have a hard time throwing out perfectly good stuff...even though we don't need it or use it. SOMEBODY can use it. Good thing there is a Goodwill Drop off close to us...just need to use it more. Makes me feel better to know that someone will get use of it. and if THEY throw it out...well, I'll never know. I think I will start with my office.

2. Scrapbook more. I have all the supplies I could ever use...but don't make the time to use them. I need more "me" time. How does the mom of 3 get "me" time? I want to make more scrapbook ornaments. I want a tree full of them. Much to my kid's dismay. Someday they will appreciate them. I want a book for each family member, each year. 5 small books a year. Is that too difficult? I think not. With the Quickutz mini book template, it should be a piece of cake. We'll see. I also invested in the Project Life kit from Becky Higgins. I'll have to figure out how to add a link on here. (http://www.beckyhiggins.com/) Ok, that was easy! LOL ! I plan to do this kit from start to finish. 1 photo a day, one journaling spot per day, all year. I'm on the computer all day anyway...how hard can it be to spend 5 minutes journaling about a photo? I take photos all the time anyway. One thing I hope to get out of this is better photography. I really need to take a class. I REALLY need to take a class....as far as journaling...well, that's where this blog comes in. If nothing else, I can write it on here and print it out later. That's the plan.

3. Photography class. Why not. It's resolutions, after all, right? Why not? I could use it!

and of course...

4. Be a better Mom. Be a better wife. Just be better!

I'll think of more later, I'm sure...