'Tis been so blessed long since I've posted that my baby went and turned 3!!

Wyoming Vacation

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A Howling Good Weekend!

At Great Wolf Lodge!  Good gracious... this has been in my drafts box for ages... Don't even have the energy to post a real post... just pics...

Carter Chance loved to howl like the wolves!

Ready for Story Time at the Clock Tower.

Sweet Wittle Wolfie

My Big Guy Wolf

Clock Tower

Nothing better than "room service."

Glimpse of water park from lobby...

Other part of park - Connor's favorite place.

The grand fire place!

 Everyone enjoying story time in the lobby at the Clock Tower.

 Carter Chance didn't know what to think about the talking characters...

Why The Heck...

...Does my blog have 39 followers?

Manic, Multi-Tasking, Mentor Mom

Today is Friday the 13th... 

All.
Day.
Long.

Actually, it started yesterday with Caleb getting stung by a bee (for the first, and hopefully ONLY time), and our hot water heater crapping out on us.


So then comes today - the actual Friday the 13th.  And, once I type this out and someone reads it, I'm sure it will be totally ridiculous that I even felt overwhelmed, but... you get the point.

Here is my day, so far:


6:45 - Sink bath.  I can handle cold water in increments, so I bathed myself in sections via the sink rather than showering in ice pellets.
7:00 - Wake the Grumpy Bear. (1st-grader)

7:15 - Feed him, his 4 year old brother, and the bottomless pit (the almost 2 year old)

7:45 - Hugs and kisses bye to GB

8:00 - Upstairs to get younger 2 ready for Mom's Day Out.  Youngest doesn't usually go, but needs to due to babysitting arrangements being different and my need to be at Field Day with GB

8:45 - Rush little ones to MDO so I can get to Field Day.  Get to school, realize I signed up for snack today and don't have any.

9:00 - Rush to grocery store to grab a healthy snack for 12.

9:15 - Drop off snack

9:30 - Sign in at GB's school, go find him on the field.  Giggle at him hula-hooping like he's been doing it for years.  (No idea where he learned THAT!)  Follow him around station to station, enjoying the feeling of "Yeah, we so did the right thing by moving him here."  Text back and forth with my teachers and my coordinator - working from Field Day.

11:30 - Sign out and head to MDO to pick up little ones.

11:45 - Drive through the golden arches to give my children high fat nutrition

12:10 - Get home, scarf burger, realize I cannot sign in to my work email.  Text Coordinator to get conference call information.

12:30 - Begin conference call.  Take littlest one to his bed for nap.  Begin skype with Coordinator to discuss conference call in progress.  Help middle one turn on Wii.  Take notes on conference call, skype.  Text with a teacher, pull up reports for her, email her instructions on how to create same report that I attached via email.  Take notes on conference call, skype.  Answer garage door as plumbers show up to deal with dead hot water heater.  Take more notes, skype.  Text teacher to see if she got email.  Check on sleeping Littlest One.  Take notes, skpe.  Check on plumbers.  Text another teacher about incorrect assessment results.  Take notes.  Email mom and text babysitter about abnormal arrangements for tomorrow so that the Mr. and I can scoot out of town for a Ranger's Game.  Take notes, skype.  Take Middle One upstairs to lay him down.  Come back downstairs to close out conference call.  It was not a happy one, by the way.

2:45 - Discuss plumber's thoughts/ideas with the Mr.

3:00 - Tell Middle One he is going to be EARLY tonight because he is still not asleep.

3:15 - Welcome home the completely UNgrumpy GB who had the best day EVER at school!  :)

3:20 - Send GB and Middle One to take care of dogs' food and water.  Chase ground squirrel just for fun.

3:30 - Decide to bore you with my life.

3:40 - Hear Littlest One waking up.

3:45 - Signing off.

I Should Be Working...

But, guess what? Um... I'm not. I'm sitting in the quiet of my shared office while everyone else is out hustling and bustling. Yesterday was the first time in weeks that I haven't been a wad of worry over the upcoming culmination of my time as a TSR! Mentor. I think that it probably has something to do with the weekend that led to yesterday's letting go of some of that worry. ::shrugs:: I spent the weekend in New Braunfels at the T Bar M Resort on a Women's Retreat with some amazing women from my church.

I have to begin by being very honest... I wasn't looking forward to this retreat the week leading up to it. I was thinking of all of the things I needed to be doing - should be doing - and thinking how I was just taking time away from my kids and my to-do list(s). However, knowing the check had already cleared for my retreat payment, I packed my things. We headed down to the resort Friday. It was nice and cool when we got there, and the facility is just beautiful. We enjoyed a good message and some great music in the cool night air. We sat by a fire and enjoyed s'mores. It was good. But little did I know what was to come...

Saturday we had a great message, and I think I've quoted Jill 100 times already saying, "If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy!" Amen to that. After some quiet time, some Low Ropes Exercises that were PHENOMENAL and lunch, we broke up into pairs and groups to go do our own thing. I went shopping with a few friends - even though I said I would NOT and that I would NOT spend any money! I did. And I'm actually wearing one of my new shirts today. : \ We made it back in time for the High Ropes activities that, like shopping, I said I would NOT participate in. Well, I participated... a little. I refused The Screamer, but I screamed and cheered for my brave friends while I kept my coward feet on the ground. I wanted so much to move on and do the Zip Line! Woo-hooo! However, to get to the fun part, you have to do a not-so-fun part... a scary part... a hard part... I almost said no because of that, but decided that sometimes you have to make it through the "rough parts" to enjoy "the ride." So I did... almost in tears from the height and breathing as if I were in labor, I climbed to the top of a telephone pole, crossed a tight rope, and made it to "the ride." I heard cheers and encouragement from my friends below, and THAT is what got me through the "rough part." And then, during "the ride," I was the one screaming! But screaming "Wooooooo-hoooooooooo!" and giggling and loving what I had conquered. Thank you, God, for the ride.

After that, a few of us - thinking we were still in our teens (or just dumb) decided to play a little sand volleyball. Oh, we had a grand time - eating sand as we dove for the ball like it was the high school state championship. How our arms stung when we (would actually) hit and volley the ball. But the giggles, the outright guffaws, the high-fives, and the "Stayin' Alive" cheers made the grit, grime, and groans so worth it! Then we moved on to worship, dinner, dancing (yes, we are Baptist!), and then...

The Tree House. Sorry... can't go there. What is said in the Tree House STAYS in the Tree House! ;) Right, Girls? Even if it was delirious 1 a.m. conversation!

Waking up Sunday was hard. It HURT. I. Am. Old. Blah. However, we went and had breakfast, had some Focus Time, and then Communion Service. It was so touching. I shared the Body of Christ with my mom as she served me the Blood - shed for me. And after that, my life took a turn. I awkwardly interrupted some friends talking - didn't know what to do - stood there like a doof - and finally left. I had to convince myself to only walk, as I wanted to RUN AWAY because I felt so dumb. But walk I did until I came to a beautiful, wooden swing in the trees where I sat and sobbed. I haven't been able to cry in SO LONG. And I so needed that.

And then... the part that I think of the most... was a certain someone coming to me to share part of herself with me. It's was heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time. And I now feel a connection to this person that I don't think I can even lose. (At least, I hope I will never lose.) It was just so funny to find out that for years now we have had the same thoughts about SO MANY THINGS in life - and even about each other! Just astounding, really.

This weekend was just what I needed... and then some. I am so thankful for every ache, bruise, bug bite, secret, tear, giggle, hug, and friend I experienced this weekend. Thank you, Lord!

Oh, and...

Seriously?

Do what?

Really?

I'm just sayin'...

:)

A Month In To The New Year...

So many things are new...

So many things the still the same...

Since I dropped of the face of the blogging planet, so many things have happened in my life. I ended up going back to work. It's a new experience as I am now an Early Childhood Teacher Mentor for the University of Texas Houston. Still a little the same as I am still a "teacher," and I'm still in the classroom. The best part is - I love this job. I truly do. But - before I get on a soapbox about how great, wonderful, important, etc. this job is... I'll just go ahead and let you know that it's over in May. The lovely state of the budget has led to the axing of the grant that funds this job (and the support of SO MANY children who NEED this). So, as of May 31st, I'll be unemployed.

My job has definitely kept me busy. It's brought a lovely person to our family (Ms. Tina) who cares for my kids during the day. She is beautiful, sweet, and loves my kids. She's been beyond a blessing to our family! My job even took me to the beach for a week! Not that I got to see much of it as I was freezing my fanny off in the hotel conference rooms learning so much about my job. But there was one nice lunch break that was warm and cozy, and I enjoyed it very much:


I have a new walker and talker in my life. I'm enjoying the "newness of life" through my 3rd Chance. The "Uh-oh," "wight" (light), "wee" (tree), "go-ggie" (doggy), pretending to blow his nose, washing his own tummy... the list could go on and on. While it's the same things that are seen and done every day - living it as something new through him brings a certain appreciation to the little things.


Then there's the biggest newness. A newness that I just don't like. I often wonder if I've taken the time to allow this newness to really sink in and be a part of the life I live from here on out. I want to ignore this newness. But the truth is... I can't.

The newness is living without my Nanny. She passed away after a 52 hour illness. She was 2 months shy of being 92. I held her hand through much of that illness. I talked to her and stroked her soft, wrinkled, beautiful skin. I always loved her soft skin. I held her hand and whispered in her ear that we would be ok and that we love her so much. I held her hand and told her she could go to heaven if she wanted to. I held her hand when she took her last breath and moved on to her heavenly home. I held her hand and cried. Cried for my selfish soul who knew life without her cantankerous, wonderful, loving self would be so new and so hard. And it is. I miss her more than I talk about or let on to. I miss her for my kids. My middle child often asks if my heart is still sad because of Nanny. And I honestly answer that yes - it is. I know that one day I will get to give her a big hug again and that I'll get to hold her soft, hard-worked hand. But, until then, a new part of my life includes a sad place in my heart for one of the most incredible women I've ever had the privilege of knowing.


So many new things... and oh how I wish a few were still the same.

::sigh::

I can't believe it's been *#&^$&%# months since I last made an entry. Stupid going back to work... I miss blogging.

Experimenting in the Kitchen!

Our Fredericksburg trip was rather fruitful! We came home with a peck of peaches (plus a small box full thrown in for good measure), and we had high hopes for our fuzzy friends! Bill was determined that we were going to make ourselves some jam - not just any jam, but jalapeno-peach jam. We LOVE spicy-sweet jam poured over a block of cream cheese paired with crackers or chips. Yummy.

So - we decided to give it a go! Here is our purdy peck o' peaches:

And here they are peeled, pared, and prepped for puree! I think the one smack-dab in the middle is smiling! :)

Then the peaches were introduced to some spicy friends! And a splash of zing...

After all the mixing and mingling in the blender and getting sugar-coated in the sauce pan, they needed to be separated and put in a nice bath!

After their bath, they were left alone to settle a little...

We still had some jalapeno-peach goodness in the blender, but not quite enough to fill the remainder of our jars... so we thought a new friend might liven the party. Meet red pepper!

This group got a little messy and required separation, bath, and settling time, as well...

How did it turn out you ask? Well, we had to wait a full 24 hours before we could introduce the jalapeno-red pepper-peach jam to our good friend cream cheese. And, after waiting that long with watering mouths and enormous amounts of anticipation, I didn't get any snapshots of their meeting. As a matter of fact, their party was a fairly quick one as they got along so incredibly well they became one and left the scene on a flying carpet of crunchy goodness that took them to a place where we believe heaven was tasted for a short period of time.

All Over Again...

While Bill and I actually celebrated our 13th anniversary on the 2nd of this month, we weren't able to really do anything together until this past weekend. We are so blessed in having all of the kids' grandparents living in the same town, and the two sets that were available were kind enough to take our three precious Cs for the weekend so Bill and I could get away. And get away I needed to do! Life has been chaotic and stressful lately, and getting away to do a whole lot of nothing was high on my list!

We went to our old standby - Fredericksburg. An easy 2+ hour trip with lots of shops and wineries; it's always a good time. But this time, I didn't even want to do that! I wanted to relax. And, unfortunately, relaxing is VERY difficult for me to do. Very. Difficult. I can't seem to just be still - physically or mentally. Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who knew how to help me relax! (Even though he was stressing me out with the surprise of what he had planned to help me relax!!)

I found this adorable little lodge called Angels Lodge Above the Creek. (I didn't even want to do the usual Bed & Breakfast! I wanted a big, fat, fluffy, cozy bed and a pool!) We booked ourselves a room, and off we went! As I mentioned, Bill told me that he had a surprise planned for us for Saturday. While I have to admit that I DID have an idea that it may include a message, I had no idea what all he had put together! We went to a little hole-in-the-wall day spa called Tranquil Pastures Day Spa, and - together the entire time - we got facials, quasi-pedicures, hot tub time, sauna time, lunch, champagne & roses body wrap, and a full hour message.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

We enjoyed mimosas throughout the morning, and the lunch was incredible! A Greek-type salad, pan-seared tilapia that I ate every bite of (you're going O.O right now if you know me!), pasta, and a yogurt parfait. Oh - it was amazing. The whole day - simply amazing! We laughed at how silly we looked - especially when we couldn't move our face because of the "beneficial mask." We talked about our lives - where we started, where we are now, and where we'd like to go. We enjoyed one another... immensely.

Afterward, we oozed out of the spa and headed back to the lodge where we took a dip in the nice salt water pool. Perfect in 103* heat! Then we got cleaned up and headed down to the main street for a little window shopping and dinner at our favorite grill. Dinner, however, was interrupted when we found Fromage du Monde. We couldn't help ourselves - we HAD to get a cheese plate to share! It was AWESOME!
Then we happily visited Water 2 Wine next door - our first visit, but (already) not our last! We found the most amazing wines there! Let's just say we ended up with the 10% discount! ;) I loved the White Cranberry Pinot Gris.

And I loved spending time with my best friend and the love of my life even more!

And... we FINALLY made it to Bejas Grill - our FAVORITE place to eat in Fredericksburg! We got started on the prickly pear margarita, triple sampler, and quesadillas far too quickly, and I failed to snap pics. I know how disappointed you are, but I assure you they were all picture-worthy! (Especially the very pretty pink prickly pear margarita!) But, I did snap a quick pic of the two of us before we left... not that it really looks that much different from the one before!

As for Sunday, we got out of the Lodge quicker than we anticipated, and the peach stands weren't open yet. Alas, Wild Seed Farms was open! We had never been there before. (That seems to be the theme of this F-burg trip!) I am so glad we stopped in for a visit! It was so beautiful! My thumbs are far from green, but I love to look at flowers and plants and dream about what my yard could look like if only... We walked around and enjoyed the plants, the flowers, the pottery, the critters (including a cat with one ear, a spider the size of my hand, and a butterfly house!), and the goodies that WSF makes and sells. It was a really nice way to spend a sunny summer Sunday morning.
This hibiscus was the size of my head!

By this time, the peach stands had opened, and we picked up a peck of peaches. (I love saying that! LOL!) *Check the next blog entry for what we plan on doing with said peaches. As we were making our way back through town toward home, I noticed Bill slowing down... hmmmm... what was he doing? I should've known... looking for Fromage du Monde again - this time for lunch! So we stopped in (after a quick run into W2W where they recognized us from the night before O.O) and ordered lunch. Bill went all out - a grilled cheese panini with turkey! I guess it makes sense to get a grilled cheese sammy in a cheese shoppe, no? Well, I hesitated, but couldn't resist trying the Hill Country Peach Salad. Oh. My. Gah. Baby spinach, toasted almonds, grilled peaches, feta cheese, rose petals, and a peach-strawberry vinaigrette. Wow is really the only word that came to mind... with... each... bite! And while we made memories that will last a lifetime and ate wonderful morsels that will forever be a part of our waistline, my heart is the part that is ultimately touched the most. As we settled down for a quiet, childless slumber our second night, Bill wrapped his arms around me and, just before drifting off to dreamland whispered, "Thanks for letting me fall in love with you all over again." My heart skipped a beat as I realized - in my absence of a reply - that indeed I had allowed that very thing to happen. And in allowing him to fall for me again, I tumbled head over heels once more myself.

Perfectly Anxious

missing
a perfectly
good day because
she's sure that
she should be
anxious about
something.


*By Brian Andreas (I swear, even though he has NO IDEA who I am, he had me in mind when he wrote this!)
*Found in "Some Kind of Ride"

Lunch On A Stick

Not that one would normally cheer for food on a stick, but when you're at the end of the summer and desperate to make it through one. more. lunch... you do what you have to do! And, for some reason, placing eatable items on a skewer somehow transforms it into something that is interesting, tasty, and craved by the likes of a 6 and 3 year old. Goal accomplished.

I know, it doesn't look like much, but they were THRILLED! And THEY ATE!

I give you... LUNCH KABOBS!





*Please excuse the attire. No - it wasn't a black tie affair, I was serving lunch kabobs to two very busy "super spies!"

This Is The Day!

This is the day!

This is the day!

That the Lord has made!

That the Lord has made!

I will rejoice!

I will rejoice!

And be glad in it!

And be glad in it!

That little chorus, based on Psalm 118:24, has been in my brain since I put it on my pillow to rest last night. Even after waking several times last night to very frightful and disturbing dreams, I would sing that in my head to push the ugliness out and welcome sweet slumber back in. Upon opening my eyes this morning, that was the first thought I had. And then I realized...

This IS the day that the Lord has made. Not unlike any other, but this day (in my life) holds a lot of possible change.

As many of you know, I am having to resign my position as Stay At Home Mom in exchange for a position that pays a little better. When Bill first approached me with this, I was crushed. The thought of leaving my children - especially the newest model - hurt my heart. Squeezed it so much that it leaked out of my eyes in the form of warm, salty tears. A LOT of warm, salty tears. Anyway, after a summer full of three kids, I got to thinking that maybe this back-to-work thing might not be so terrible! ;) Not even that thought, however, made me excited about entering the realm of the classroom. ::sigh::

Then... one of my dearest friends called me with a job she figured I wouldn't be interested in - because it was really more than I wanted. I have to say, it was the first time I felt a twinge of excitement about going back to working world. And I still feel that excitement. I want this job. And, today, I interview for it. I'm filled with nervous excitement... after all, I haven't interviewed for a job in 10 YEARS! (Oh, sheesh, I'm starting to shake at that thought... ) But so many have been praying for me, encouraging me, and supporting me that I think I can do this.

And then there's this morning... my sweet Carter Chance woke at 6:30. He needed a diaper change, a little of mommy's milk, and some cuddle time. He got all of those things and, in my arms with his cheek against mine, he began to breathe the sweet breaths of sleep once more. I kissed his cheek and stroked his oh-so-soft hands and arms... and then I thought, "This is what makes me love my unpaid position the most. This time that I can never ever get back once it is gone." And - for the first time - I was sad at having to interview today. It's hard to want two very different things so very much. But I do.

However, I know the best thing for our family right now is for me to have a paying job. And this job really seems to be the best of both worlds for me. I feel it is an answered prayer (to Bill's prayers, particularly *tee-hee*). I guess we'll see what the actual answer to the prayer is in the next couple of days. Right now, I need to go get ready for my interview!

Psalm 118:24 ~ This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We've Come A LONG Way, Baby!

We were just "kids" on the day we said, "I do." But we were kids in absolute LOVE! Nothing - our being in college, only working part time, having no money, being so young - NOTHING could keep us from walking down that isle to become husband and wife. A fire burned in the middle of our chest that no man could put out. That fire will burn eternally within both of us, and no matter where we go or what we do, that fire of love will keep us warm.

We were so quick to fall in love. We met in the drive-thru of a bank where we (reluctantly) worked together. Four months later, we were engaged. Eleven months later, we were married. And, here we are... 13 years later. While things have changed so much, I know they are all for the BEST. We've come from our 1 bedroom apartment with $5 garage sale avocado green couches to a home we designed and built for our family. We've gone from part-time jobs to full-time careers. And, most importantly, we have gone from "you and me" to US. We are a blessed and happy family of five. Without the love we share, there's no way we could be the family we are today. Just imagining that the two of us - falling in love so many years ago - turned into an amazing journey to parenthood that would include the three most amazing and beautiful boys I have ever seen! Blessed... we are truly blessed.

I thank God every day for you, my love... my best friend. I pray for your happiness and well-being. I pray for our love to continue to burn within and for it to never, ever be extinguished.

13 - considered a lucky number - has become so much more than luck. It's become 13 years of bliss and blessings. I look forward to the next "lucky" set of years ahead.


August 2, 1997 - I married my best friend.

Leila's Latest

J: Here am I! Send me!

Getting the Word Out

While I could probably spew a ton of venom in how I feel about this situation, I feel Leila - in all of her amazing grace - says it perfectly. And I'm not about to muddy it with my sinful nature and thoughts.

Please, if you can, spread the word. Help a family honor their lost loved one - a man who fought for our protection, safety, and right to call ourselves Americans.




And here's Leila's blog:

Writing for J.

The Fallen Deserve Honor!

The grave of fallen soldier? Unfortunately - YES - this is the grave of SPC Jason Dean Hunt who lost his life 11/5/09 in the Ft. Hood Shootings.

8 months later, his widow chooses to honor him this way. His family continues to beg and plead to have a headstone placed here for them to visit and bring flowers. So far, EVERYTHING they have brought (flowers, pictures, etc.) have been "discarded" (thrown away) because there is no vase/headstone - thanks to his widow. What a shame.JD has a family that continues to love and miss him daily. They long for a place of rest for him that shows honor to the man and soldier he was. They long for a place to visit where they can lay flowers and photos to help their hearts to heal. They long for a marker - a way to tell others where his body is buried so they may find him, sit with him, and be still. We all know JD is not there - he is in a much more beautiful place than we can fathom until we see him there. But, for now, for those left behind to mourn the loss of a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend... for now the need - no, they DESERVE to see honor brought to this soldier's grave because he was, indeed, a man of honor.

God bless you, Leila, and the rest of your family for not only having to live with the tragic loss of JD, but for having to fight so hard for the right to mourn him peacefully and respectfully.

I Have a ONE Year Old! ... for the 3rd time...

And man, oh MAN is it bitter-sweet! While it is so much fun seeing all of the things my Carter Chance can do and loving the smiles, babbles, and cuddles I am getting from my "chunky dunker," it's hard to realize that he's not that tiny baby I gave birth to a year ago... and... the toughest realization... that these are my last "firsts." It's so hard to give up and let go of this time in my life. I never knew I would love being a mommy so much that I would want to do it again, and again, and again...

At any rate, we had a lovely family get-together after church on Sunday to celebrate the 3rd ONE year old in my life. And it was a lot of fun! Good food, good family, and great memories.

Another great Nana creation: The 1 cake!
Mommy helped blow out the candles on Carter Chance's personal cake:
Carter Chance decided he needed to do a taste test before serving his guests:
How he spent most of the party: cloth diapie and cupcake hat!
Not sure about this taking steps thing... crawling is so much easier AND faster!

Eight Months of Making Me Smile!

And so many more smiles to come!