~*Heather Lynn*~ wants you to check out a photo on MySpace in the My Photos album

~*Heather Lynn*~ wants you to check out a photo on MySpace in the My Photos album

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17 Days to the move

17 days...and I have every day planned down to the letter of what needs to get packed in order to eat this elephant bite by bite. So, today I am having an MS flare. I KNOW that  means "rest" but then I just worry about what is NOT getting done that needs to be done. Part two of strategy to prevent/relapse MS flare: no stress. Yeah, I am trying. 

So, the Attic is scheduled to be dealt with today AND tomorrow. I am not going to be able to get into that hot attic and mess with that. I cannot afford to throw myself into a full on attack. So, I will just have to rest and fold laundry and do school plans (things that ALSO need to be done) today and pray the attic isn't as big of a job as I had thought. :D

Been MIA again, sorry

 We are getting ready to move to  Cleburne. All is good. I am okay now with not getting the house in Aubrey, because this one worked out so much better for us.

Michaela starts he homeschooling on the 24th, I start back on the 31st, and Troy starts pre-school in September.

Sorry, not much more to update right now. But wanted to check in.

Another Monday Morning

I really don't have much to say. We should get the new puppy today or tomorrow, not sure when yet. I am waiting on the people who have her to get back with me. 

I am really tired. We tried out a new church yesterday, and we went to eat afterwards. Met someone from the church at lunch who invited us to small groups at their home that night. So, we drove home, took an hour nap, and turned around and went back to town (45 minute drive). We stayed at small groups until 10 pm and then came home. By the time we got to sleep, it was around midnight. Then Chris got called out at 5 to fix something out in the field.  That being said, when he got called into work, I got woke up and then was wide awake. So here I sit, yawning and sleepy, but wide awake. Waiting on an email or phone call about the puppy.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Illness

I hate being sick :( I have a really bad UTI that started Saturday and I am waiting to see if I can see the doctor today. This is miserable. Plus, being sick zaps my energy and I have things to do. Michaela has an orthodontist appointment today, and we have some house and yard work to get done. 

So, great way to kick off a new week. Hope it gets better from here. Take care everyone. PEACE!

Happy Birthday

Today, 13 years ago, my son Tucker came into this world. He was an early baby, having a couple more weeks to cook, but still weighed 9lbs3oz. He was the sweetest baby. Now he is a teenager. I cannot believe it. It seems like just yesterday. So, for now, my two oldest are the same age. Tucker enjoys this time, while it makes Wyatt crazy. That is just how it goes when you are 11 months apart in age. 

Anyhow, happy birthday Tucker!

Well, news was not good

The underwriters didn't sign off on the loan, so we will remain where we are. It is okay, everything happens for a reason, right? I am okay today. Yesterday I was a blibbering idiot. LOL I had to go through a mini grieving. I guess this is happening with all kind of folks left and right. We are not alone. It is not our last chance to buy a house, and maybe there is something better out there awaiting us. Always is when something happens like this.

Wordless Wednesday

Ugh, no answer today.

I guess the holiday postponed action on the part of the underwriters. Should hear tomorrow. I am sick at my stomach. I was doing well, now I am just trying not to worry.

Oh, I found an old Jr. High friend on FaceBook last night and then found her on MySpace also. I noticed she had not been on in quite awhile so after I wrote to her, I wrote to her a couple of her friend also asking them to ask her to check her messages. A little bit stalkerish, I know, but she was such a good friend. She lives close. She kept Wyatt for me when I had Tucker, but through my divorce to Dewayne, I lost contact with her. I have been looking for her for a long time and I am so excited to have found her.

SO, another week begins

Had a good weekend. Didn't get a lick of anything done around the house this weekend, so I have to get busy today. I was laying on my belly yesterday on the bed reading and Troy thought it would be funny to jump and land on his knees in the middle of my back. Well, it hurt. It still hurts. My muscles are all knotted up. He said he was sorry, I know he did not mean to hurt me. Then, later he jumped onto the couch and his knee landed on my foot where I have the pins. ***OUCH!*** I keep scolding him about jumping around but yet he gets excited and forgets. I think it is time to step up the reminders. If he keeps going, I'll be bed bound!

We get our for sure answer on the house from the underwriters today. I am anxious. The banker said she sees no problems at all and everything should be fine, but that nothing is 100% until they come back with their signature. So, we wait. I'll keep you updated.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Not much adoing today...except my anger with PayPal/Ebay

Did you know that Ebay and PayPal are the same company? I did not know that. I sold some stuff on ebay this past week, and was shocked to see I do not have access to that money! They are holding it because I have not sold anything in over a year (but have bought MANY items). I have been an ebay member since 2004 and have a 100% positive rating! It could be anywhere from 5-21 days before I have access to money for goods I SOLD. The items have to be delivered first and no disputes filed or they may refund it to the buyer. I understand the concept, and would have been glad for it when a seller never sent my stuff once before, but there has to be a medium here. I bid on stuff knowing I was going to have money available, and now I have to delay my payment until mine are available. Thank goodness those sellers were understanding of the situation. 

Our landlord here is really upset that we are moving. He did bring others to see the house today though, and it was a WRECK, I wish I had advance warning.

Oh well, such is life.

Okay now darnit

I was getting sleepy again and was going to lay down with the kids (who moved to my bed when Chris went to work) when Troy pops out of bed and says "Momma, I need a bath now". I know darn well this ONLY means one thing. He wet the bed. Only the 4th time since October when he was potty trained, so not too bad. BUT, he was in MY bed so now I cannot lay back down. ***whine***

Took a little time...

I got up super early today and didn't want to wake the kids, so I got on here and redid my blog background. It is way more work than doing the background on myspace, but I finally got it to a point where I could live with it. I tried for two hours to do things that just weren't working. I was getting so frustrated. Maybe I will try again some other day.

I guess you see my pic from "Wordless Wednesday" this past week? Well, her name is *Shelby* and she is only 6 weeks old. She cannot come home until she is 8 weeks old, so we still have a wait. Chris has wanted an English Bulldog since highschool, and now he has one. The puppy stage is NOT exciting me, but I am certain she will bring us lots of joy. The kids are beyond excited. Her name is actually "Millie" right now, but Chris renamed her. Picking out a new name was a  rodeo too. I REALLY wanted her to be named Thelma, but it was vetoed multiple times. 

Anyhow...as far as my MS, I do realize the doc told me absolutely not to get fatigued.  However, I am Super Woman, right? WRONG! So, I guess I have a complex that makes me feel like I am Super Woman and I signed up for 17 extra shifts this schedule. Not just any shifts, these are late night shifts. 7pm-1am. Factor into that my 1.5 hour drive each way and the fact that I am up with kids all day. I get up somewhere between 7 and 9 am (or days like today, 4:30) and if I am working one of my extra shifts, I am up until 4ish again. Did a few of these shifts and even one where I stayed late and didn't get home until 6am. Threw my sleep schedule off, got to where I was having a major fit of insomnia for over a week. Then, after only 2 hours of sleep Friday night, I tried to work Saturday. I was stumbling and slurring and having the beginnings of an obvious flare. It was horrible. I can only blame myself. I know better. So, I left work early. Praise the ladies I work with for realizing that I was off and allowing me to go home, while they picked up the extra therapy I had left for the day. I slept from the time I got home until about 7, then again from about 11 to 11 Sunday. I finally feel rested. However, I am scheduled for another shift tonight. I am about to email my boss and let him know who these are effecting me, and see if they have another option (someone else to work them).

Everything is looking good on our house. The lender says she sees no reason for the underwriters to kick the loan back, but nothing is 100%. I am just so scared something will go wrong. At this point I am just being cautiously optimistic.

I guess that is all for now...take care and I hope everyone has a GREAT week!

Wordless Wednesday

Our offer was accepted...

And we are getting the house for much less than the original asking price ($50,000 less). I do not know if I have ever been this excited about anything! This is great. I have so many ideas and plans, however, it all takes money so it will be slow. No more renting or leasing...no more throwing away our money. Life is good I tell ya!

So, I picked up extra shifts to help pay for the move. They are late shifts (7pm to 1-3am) and I do not like it at all! I live an hour and half from, so I leave at 5:00pm (must be there by 6:30) and get home at 2:30 (if I leave at 1, which has not happened yet!). Then I sleep until the kids wake me up. Last night I got to be at 4:30am, and at 9 I was awake. After staying up 20 hours, it is not enough sleep. Oh well, it's only a few days.

I have already started packing. I tell you, this is the first time I have had joy in my heart about moving.

I have been MIA again, sorry

I am excited to share with you that we are buying a home! It is a brand new build, and has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a study, formal dining (which I will use for play room), game room (again, will use for a second living area), and a covered porch. The backyard is of decent size for the neighborhood. HUGE kitchen and lots of storage space. I am so utterly excited!!

The one thing we want changed is the color. Neither of us like the baby blue with the stone. It looks funny (we think). So, we put in the offer that they would repaint the exterior of the home.  I need to work hard on the landscaping too, but that is okay. Easy enough. 

Wordless Wednesday

And we're off...

Today, we will leave on our way to Bandera to take Michaela to hunting & fishing camp. We will stay in a hotel *somewhere* tonight. Then tomorrow, get to Bandera where we have a house rented for the night. We will play in Bandera Friday and Saturday, until time to take Michaela to camp at noon on Saturday. They are having Bandera Market Saturday, so I am excited! Then, after we drop her off, we are going to my parent's in La Porte until Tuesday. So, I am sure we'll have fun.

Wordless Wednesday

Brody's Birthday

Four years ago we said goodbye to our little man. When you say goodbye before you even get to say hello, it robs you of memories that never got to be. You forever wonder what kind of person they would be, who would they be more like, what made them happy, what made them sad. You grieve for all the firsts you never got to be a part of. 

Four years have passed and we still grieve losing him. I have been told by other loss parents that you never get over losing your baby. I believe that. I know it changed the very fabric of my being. The world will never be the same place it was before May 28, 2005. I will never look at things the same again. I'm part of an elite group I never wanted a membership of. 

When you read pregnancy books you never read a chapter on "what to do if your baby is stillborn". In fact, it was represented as such a rarity that I didn't even consider the possibility. I look back and there are so many things I wish I would have known so I could have implemented them at the time. But I was in such shock, I didn't even know where to find the things I would later wish for.

So, Brody, we miss you little man. We look froward to seeing you when we get to Heaven. Love always, your Momma and Daddy.

Wordless Wednesday

Busy Busy

Chris has an interview again with Houston at 8:30 in the morning. I so pray this is "it".

I have to go officially withdraw Michaela from school today too. My Expedition is ready at the body shop and I have to turn over that wonderful truck I have been driving (see the tears?). 

So, not much going on today, but a lot to do. How does that work?

Happy Memorial Day

Taking a little bit of time to say "Happy Memorial Day" and give pause for those who made the greatest of sacrifices for our country. God bless and thank you so much.

Went to the lake yesterday

We had a really good time!

Just wanted to share a picture or two.

Also...

I spent an hour and forty five minutes straightening Michaela's hair this morning.

:D Her hair is so thick and curly. Takes forever.

Troy makes me smile!

Just today he has said these things:

• Upon waking and find the boat and Daddy are both gone without him: "Why did my Daddy take that boat and what was he thinking going fishing without me?"
• While I was dressing him: "Will you please be my Mommy forever and always?"
• Aunt Karen came in crying and upset and after she left he told me: "I don't like it when she cries. It makes me angry at what made her cry. I like happy, not crying."
• He was SUPPOSED to be on the porch but instead he decided he would surprise Mommy and wash his muddy shoes with the hose. Well, he got SOAKED to the bone and when I brought him in and changed him he said "Aren't you going to spank my bottom for not obeying?" I told him "No, I  don't have any reason to spank you, just please listen to Mommy." and he said "Yeah, but, I think I need a spanking."

And then yesterday:

• I picked him up from the babysitter and he was being hateful telling me "no" when I told him to do things. I had told him earlier we would get ice cream if he was nice. When he told me no, I reminded him that we don't speak ugly and that ugly little boys did not get rewards. So, 15 minutes into our journey home, he said "Are we going to get ice cream now?". I reminded him of how he told me "no" and how he didn't deserve any ice cream. He was quiet the other 20-30 minutes of the ride home. We pulled into the driveway and he said "Momma, could you forgive me for being ugly to you? I promise I won't tell you 'no' anymore." Of course I forgave him.

These years are going to pass too quickly I love him and cherish every day at home with him so much.

Wordless Wednesday

Woo-hoo! Great trip to the mailbox!

I was on a book ordering spree last week. Today, I received these 5 books:

Family Matters, Why Homeschooling Makes Sense by David Guterson

The Well-Trained Mind, A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise

Weapons of Mass Instruction & Dumbing Us Down  by John Taylor Gatto

The Duggars: 20 and Counting by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Now, which one to read first???

I am going to be doing some organizing and packing today. Standing on faith that either Houston will call back, or something will come through. We have decided that we will give Houston another 2 or 3 weeks. If they don't make another move, we are going to take the house across town and Chris will just stay here for now. 

It is a pain to move, but this house is just not big enough. We don't even have a table to eat at and it drives me BONKERS. I think Troy would eat much better if we had our table again. Eating at the bar he gets too distracted and it is not interactive. Don't like it at all.

Anyhow, hope everyone is having an awesome week.

4 years this month...

It is been 4 years this month since my little Brody grew his angel wings and went to be with Jesus. I thought after 4 years this would get easier, and for the most part it is. Not a day goes by I don't think of him, wonder what he'd be like, and miss him with a feeling beyond measure. He should be here with us playing with his brother Troy. Two 3 year olds would be a hand-full, but I'd rather have my hands full that part of my heart missing. 

Most days now I don't cry. Most days I can smile when I think of him. Today is not one of those days and I think it has been building. I can't stop thinking about him and missing him. Every day we get closer to his "birth" day, I feel it so much more. Memorial weekend. The weekend we had to say goodbye before we even got to say hello. I still remember it like it was yesterday. His tiny little feet, his broad shoulders, he's cute little turned up nose (like Daddy's). It's all so fresh and yet so distant. 

So...no one remembers his day. No one mentions him. No one honors his life, even as brief as it was. Well, not "no one", but very few. I do. My husband does. My best friend ALWAYS does and acknowledges it. That is it. I just wish people knew how important it is to us to acknowledge our son. There are certain family members who NEVER have mentioned him. Mostly they are Chris' family, save his Cousin Linda and her crew (praise God for their involvement in our lives).  My family was very much there when we lost him, but even now I think they don't so much remember anymore. They know we lost him, but I don;t know if anyone even remembers *when* anymore. For them, life went on. For me, it will never be the same. The day the doctor said the words "I am so sorry Mrs. Brown, but your baby has died" are burned into my memory. Losing him changed the fabric of my being. Some people may not remember but I will never forget.

Brody, we love you and miss you every day. We look forward to the day we see you again in Heaven little man.

Let off steam

So, what do you do with crazy people? The woman who harrassed my daughter is now calling MY phone trying to apologize. I do not answer blocked numbers, and that is what she does, so I let it go to voice mail. She is saying things like "I am so sorry, I know I was wrong" and in the same breath "You have to have heard rumors about me that aren't true" and then saying "I have heard rumors about you too, but I don't believe them". Okay, I have lived here for 7 months. I know 4 people in this town. Rumors? Really? If there are rumors about e I am HIGHLY amused as there is nothing to base them on. Up at the school I talk to NO ONE. This town is not friendly, no one wants to know you here. Then, she goes on to say "I am a Christian and I must ask for forgiveness. I thought you were a Christian too and Christian's forgive others".

Okay, here; Misty you are forgiven. Please do not call me, my daughter, or anyone else associated with me. I am a Christian, and I won't pass any judgements on you and your relationship with the Lord. What I will do is say that you have exhibited signs of serious issues and I prefer not to involve myself in them. I wish you the best in life. I am so sorry for the losses you have suffered. 

ENOUGH OF THAT

Still no word back from Houston. They keep saying they want him ASAP, but then turn around and wait 3 weeks to call back. So, do we wait another 3 weeks now? Chris says he is about through waiting and that he'll just make the best of things here and ride it out. Ugh. Makes me insane. I want some sort of contentment and stability. I hate feeling like we are sitting on "go". Really I do.

WIN the *all new* version 3 Rosetta Stone Homeschool LATIN program

Rosetta Stone is the fastest way to learn a language and has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while — and you can WIN the *all new* version 3 Rosetta Stone Homeschool LATIN program… FOR FREE! This is the first year you can get Latin in the brand new Version III update.

This is a $259 program (and believe me it’s worth every penny!)
This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever! Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress- I love that!), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.

To win this most excellent Latin program copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR link to the contest from your facebook page and/OR email the information to your homeschool support group – Then go to the original page http://Jeneralities.com and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post. And good luck!

Wordless Wednesday

10 reasons NOT to homeschool

I got these from this site (written by Jim Muncy). I know that we are making the right move pulling Michaela out to homeschool, and even more, keeping Troy out from day one. The more I research and the more I learn, the more I fear for my children's futures if their education is left to the government .

Ten Reasons Not to Homeschool

January 12, 1995

Why send your kids to public schools rather than homeschool. Here are ten good reasons

10. Skill development: Public schools do a great job of teaching children to sit down and shut up while the teacher engages in crowd control and mindless administrative duties. The ability to put one's mind on hold, sit there and do nothing is a skill that will be in high demand in the competitive marketplace of the future.

9. Lack of ability: I couldn't teach my own child--I don't know how. After all, anything meaningful in life can only be taught by those properly trained and certified to do so.

8. Financial aspects: We can't financially afford to homeschool. Without the school based health clinics, how could we afford to keep our children supplied with condoms and birth control.

7. Goals 2000: I want my children to learn all the correct stuff. Given how fast history changes, I want to be sure they are up on the most recent version.

6. Scheduling benefits: Staying on the same schedule as everybody else has its benefits. That way, when we go to Orlando, we can make sure that we spend our time waiting in lines rather than wasting it on all those rides and attractions.

5. Close friendships: I like the fact that my children are spending so much of their time with people not in their family. I would much rather my children's closest friendships be outside the family rather than within.

4. Separation of church and state: As long as we keep church and state separate, then the more time I can keep my kids under the control of the state, the less time they can possible be under the harmful influence of the church.

3. Socialization: What possible better way could there be to give your children the social skills they will need as adults than to stick them with children their own age all day. Besides, the best influence on your child is the one randomly assigned to the seat behind him or her in home room.

2. Class size: Learning can't occur in groups of less than twenty students. There is nothing quite like being lock-stepped through material with thirty other students to really develop within a person that true love for learning.

1. Class pace: I want my child to know how to learn at the proper pace. If a child can't keep up with the class, then it serves that child right to be left behind in the dust. If the child is learning too fast, then he or she needs to learn to slow down. And besides, what gives any child the right to assume that he or she can learn things he or she wants to learn rather than what the board of education decides should be taught for any given grade level. Anything learned at the wrong time might just as well be left unlearned.

Glad to be home

Got a Nissan Titan instead of a Tundra...no biggie, it's nice

Chris did well with his phone interview, so we wait now for his formal interview. They were really adamant about needing him soon, discussing pay and when he could start. One bad thing: They do not help with relocation. That makes it harder on us, but it's okay. We'll do it somehow. I just want them to call and get this show on the road. We are READY!!!

What a weekend, sad it is over

I enjoyed having the older two boys here with the rest of us this week. I sure miss them when they are gone. Had little to no sibling rivalry going on, and that is always nice. One thing I wonder is why do teenage boys feel the need to roughhouse constantly? I mean, what part of "keep your body parts to yourself" do they not get? They don't start out intending to fight, but usually one of them hurts the other on accident and it's *on*. LOL, boys!

I am taking the Exped to the body shop today and I will get a Toyota Tundra in it's place for a few days. Works for me.

I had nightmares all night last night. I think it was from drinking too much tea at supper. So, I feel like I got NO sleep, even though I was in bed 5 hours.

I have to go to the Sheriff's department and file a harassment complaint about an almost 40 year old woman harassing my daughter. She has spent 3 days calling her phone multiple times, the last voice mail was posing as an officer saying that my daughter would be taken to jail for making prank calls. Now, my daughter DID make a prank call to her son on his phone once (I checked the call log, it was just once). Then he pranked her back. All is well, right? No. Then the Mom jumps on board and it got ugly quick. She has called over 50 times. She was dumb enough to leave voice mails. She blocked her # but it still shows on the call log online. Dumb. So, I'll update after I go to let you know what they say.

So, Happy Monday to you. May it be a great one.

Boys are coming

The boys are coming home for Mother's day weekend. I am so excited. Trying to figure out what to plan with them. Hmmmmmm........

I have missed them greatly. Now that I have a camera that works, I can get pics of all 4 hopefully. I am going to try my best.

Michaela has a birthday part from 3-10 today, and she is stoked. I am happy for her. This little girl is the "most popular" and only invited 6 kids. Her other friends got left out, but she got invited. Sadly it is usually the other way around.

So, that is about it.

Okay okay, I'm back

Life has been so crazy. How about I just run this down by topic headings?

Chris and his job

Chris has been searching for another job for 5 months. His pay has been cut by 58% and that doesn't include the benefits, truck allowance, and bonuses taken away. This was all to save his job. Otherwise, he would be unemployed, and we prefer that he remain there as the pay is better than unemployment which maxes out at under $400/week. That wouldn't pay our bills and feed us.

He is qualified for all of these jobs that he applies for, in many cases overqualified. He gets a  lot of "thanks but no thanks" type emails and has had several "you fit the qualifications, we will be in touch with you" that never call. He has had calls that offer things not yet seen. The company that begged him to work for them last year said they "had an office with his name on it" and told him they'd call back within a week to make an offer. That was 3 weeks ago, and Chris checked in with them after a week. Now he refuses saying the ball in their court. I don;t care, he needs to call back.

He is willing to move anywhere in the country (or even overseas) to work and he is getting little to no bites. Really none, because there are no interviews. I just want him to get into a new job with stability and where he will be happy. He is a HARD worker and very thorough and committed. Any employer would be lucky to have him. 

Homeschool

Still getting ready to homeschool the kiddos. I am obsessed with curriculum searching but I think I am ALMOST done. I am excited about it though, and know this is the right thing for our family. Tested Michaela yesterday in math because the state test reflected her slightly above average in math which calls for remediation. She tested at a 7th grade starting level. She is in 5th grade. This furthers my opinion that the schools are not out to truly teach, just to inform and test. Not to mention the lack of morals. 

Michaela plans to start out in mixed 6/7th grade classes and to graduate at 16. She wants to start college classes from home at 16 and have a degree at 18, to build on. I think these are great goals and will try to help her accomplish them. Of course, I realize that even if they sound good to her now in two years they may not and she may not graduate until 18. I support her either way.

Cats

We now have nine kittens between our two momma cats. Spot's are three weeks old, and Ginger's three days. Ginger had one we believe to be bobcat hybrid. She even has a raspy meow and such. They are so cute all of them, but we are looking forward to them all going to their new homes. Then we'll get the girls fixed so we won't go through this again. Mooster is lonely without his girls (he is neutered). We have them in the house until their kittens go to new homes.

Vehicle

My expedition was hit in the parking lot at the orthodontists office yesterday, so it must be put into the shop for body work. I wanted to rent a Ford Flex, but no one has any, so I went with a Toyota Tundra instead. That works, right?

Multiple Sclerosis

I fell a couple of weeks ago and got badly bruised from my left shoulder to my left ankle. My hip and buttock got the worst of it. I have been doing pretty much okay otherwise, just fatigued. Still awaiting my lumbar puncture results.

My Work

I am now only working Saturdays twice a month, and one weekday a month. Chris does not like me working at all, as it makes everything harder on him (because of childcare, and his schedule is unpredictable and having to pick kids up by 5 or 6 is hard). However, we have to have the income, so I must do it. I still LOVE the hospital where I work and the people I work with. I love my patients too. :D

College

I am in my 6th class working towards my Bachelors in Entertainment business. In the first 3 I made 4.0 which is a 95% or better, 90-95% is a 3.5 GPA. Well, I think in my last two classes I sunk to 93-94% which will drop my GPA and that makes me SO SAD. I wanted to keep a 4.0 throughout school. However, I had an MS flare up, my lumbar puncture, work, and life and I just didn't do as well as usual. I know it's not bad, but I am still upset with myself.

That is it...I think I am finished. :D Until next time.

Wordless Wednesday

Tales...

Well, I had to recert for CPR this morning and do my ACLS in May. I hate having to do this every 2 years. However, the instructor today made it rather painless. I am glad he is doing ACLS also. I love working in the health field, but sometimes I am counting the days until I am out. I was trying to count how many lives I have saved and found that I couldn't. Years ago when I was in clinicals before finishing my degree, I could tell you all their names. Now, I just don't know. I tend to remember the ones I can't save and that bothers me. I think I am on massive burn out. This is NOT what I was meant to do for life, even though other's praise me on how good I am at it. So, I'm thinking, when saving lives for a living gets boring...what then? Okay, so I am glad I can do it. I truly love my patients. I would help anyone if they needed it and I was there. So, why do I want to nix this and go into the entertainment industry? My guess is I am certifiable. :D

Good morning to you too

So, we woke up this morning to Troy saying "Daddy, I did NOT wet the bed". Well, Troy is in a stage where if he DID something, he comes and denies it immediately. So, you know if he says "I did not...", he really did. Needless to say we got out of bed quickly. Sure enough, he did. So, now I am washing sheets. Only his second accident since potty training, so it's not too bad. 

I made this choco-monkey oatmeal recipe yesterday, and let me tell you it was delicious! You take a microwave safe bowl and  put in it diet hot cocoa mix (25 calories), cinnamon, and artificial sweetener (I used Truvia...not artificial) and mix it with 1/4 cup hot water. Then you add another 1/4 cup of water after everything is mixed well. To that, you add 3/4 cup of oatmeal (regular, not instant) and 1/2 of a banana smashed up. Mix well. Cook in microwave for 2 minutes. Serve. I also made this for the kids using full calorie hot cocoa, and they loved it.

Here's to old friends

You know, sometimes someone will call you at *just* the right time and make your day so much better? I am so thankful to have friends with this power. They listen to God's voice so intently that they just "know" when to call. Thank you Steph!

Anyhow...today was a day to take Michaela to the dentist. Took a really good pic of Troy there, it is the one you see in this post. I am anxiously awaiting the results of my lumbar puncture, so let's keep praying about that. I still feel off kilter to an extent and I wonder how long it will take me to feel normal again?

I fell so much better!

Like a new woman today! YAY! I have so much to do today. Homework I fell way behind on, housework, laundry, and much more. I have to make a menu up and get to the grocery store. I have vowed to start eating better and get my family used to healthier foods. However, I have to get to the store first!

Megan's wedding rehearsal is tonight, and Troy has to be there to learn his job as the ring bearer. I also have to get his hair cut today. That should be a rodeo. He HATES getting his hair cut. Must be done though. He'll look silly in his tux with grungy hair. 

My husband left a tin can of "SNUS" on the dresser this morning. I wondered what was in his pocket yesterday. SNUS is Camel's version of snuff. Now, Chris quit dipping 7 years ago. But, when he gets stressed I noticed he'll buy some. So, this tells me he is stressed. I know he wants another job so badly. I just pray it comes his way soon.

Well, that's about it today. Take care everyone.

Got the yucks

So, I had my lumbar puncture Monday  to evaluate my MS. That HURT. When I say hurt, I mean it really did hurt. Then, it threw my body off and I vomited for 10 hours straight and I am STILL nauseated two days later. On top of that, I just feel bad. Drained. Like I have been hit by a truck. Is this my body trying to re-produce the cerebral-spinal fluid they took from me?

Enough of that...Ms. Spot Kitty had her kittens yesterday. Five total. They are so cute and sweet (of course, aren't they all?). I'll post a pic for your viewing pleasure.

Running...

Today is gonna be a busy one. Have to go get Troy's tux picked up for his part in Megan's wedding next week, gotta get Michaela some spring/summer clothes as she has outgrown her's from last year. Also, I have some other things I need to do on top of that list is having my wedding  ring sized so I am able to wear it like I should.

I am not looking forward to the crowds that are sure to be out in Ft. Worth today because of it being a holiday, but I must do what I must do.

maybe I'll survive it...I hope.

Howdy howdy

My goodness it is BEAUTIFUL outside. Things are going really great here in my camp. Singing "Life is Good" all the way to the bank. ;)

I just hadn't updated since Monday, so I figured it was about time to do that. 

I am so glad Chris and I worked things out back in October. Our separation and reconciliation was the best thing to happen to our marriage. Chris is now an amazing attentive hubby and I have grown and bettered myself as a wife. I hate that it took a separation to get us back on track, but I'm glad all was not lost. I take vows very seriously. Thank goodness I didn't let societies standards and prejudices guide me. We truly have our "Fireproof" marriage now.

Love ya Amy...thank you!

Just Blah

I love my children so very much, I really do. Michaela is home from school because she had some "stomach issues" yesterday afternoon/last night and I didn't want to risk her having them at school. Troy is home, of course. I don;t feel so hot either. So, we are all in fowl moods, and I just really don't feel like being Momma today. I just wanna be me to myself. I think as mothers we all have these days. I don't have them often, as my kids are my world, but today I just want to curl up with my school work and maybe a magazine or two, and let the world go away.

Back to reality, already today I have had to break up more spats between Michaela and Troy than I care to admit. What do a 3 year old and 11 year old have to argue about? A lot apparently. Add to this the fact that Troy thinks he is the ruler of all living things, and there is where the complications begin. We KNOW we spoiled him. We know this behavior is a direct result of that. So, now, I must live through it while we bring him back down to earth. Just in the last week he has become so bossy that no one can stand him. Actually, not that bad as others have noticed it but thought it was "funny" or a "stage". You bet it's a stage because I will not stand for it.

On the homefront, still no kittens. Both cats are getting fatter and fatter, but Spot...she appears to be stretched to her limit. I was guessing 5 or 6 kittens, but now I am up to 226-228. ;) I feel so bad for her. Her bags are dropping so I know it's soon. I take her temp daily  as it is said her temp will drop to 99 within 24 hours of delivery. We're still at 100.3 now...Down from 101.5. (Cats run that high body temp normally.) I have not tested Ginger for her temp, as she doesn't look as miserable, but my bet is since they are litter-mates they went into heat at the same time and should deliver close.

I guess if you don't know the story about how we came about two female cats, I'll share. When we moved here my old neighbors has DOZENS of cats. Well, we brought one load and while onloading out pops cat # 1 (Now known as Ginger) from a box of stuffed animals. She had loaded herself in the truck during the night. Then, the next day we brought another load and when getting the cat food (for our NEUTERED male cat Mooster), another cat popped out of the bag (now called Spot). They were just little kittens then, so we decided we'd let them be barn cats and get them spayed when they were old enough. Well, the week before I had planned to have them fixed, I realized Spot was expecting. I thought she was too young, apparently not. Also, we live on 850 acres with no other cats except our neutered male and bob cats. So, this had to be a traveling salesman or a bob cat. Anyhow, I thought she would deliver a MONTH ago. Still waiting. After discovering her pregnancy, I checked Ginger and sure enough, she is caught too. So, after they deliver, they will be fixed. Not irresponsible pet owners, just off on judgement. We didn't choose these cats and didn't know how old they were. The vet agreed with us, so we're covered. 

3 kittens already have homes. I pray the others get homes just as easily.

Little better

I am feeling a little bit better tonight. I am praying that it lightens up and it was just a mild flare. We shall see. The doc's office never got back with me. I will be on their tail's again in the morning.

So, I guess it is a flare up

I started having the "band pain" along with the fatigue today. They call it the "MS Hug".  It feels nothing like a hug. It is painful, like having child-birthing contractions in your ribs. Here is something a got to explain it:

What Causes the "MS Hug?"

It is caused by a lesion on the spinal cord and is technically classified as a neuropathic pain called a “paresthesia,” which refers to any abormal sensation. The sensation itself is the result of tiny muscles between each rib (intercostal muscles) going into spasm. These muscles have the job of holding our ribs together, as well as keeping them flexible and aiding in movement, like forced expiration.

What Does It Feel Like?

Like many MS symptoms, the “MS hug” feels different for different people – it also feels different in the same people on different days or at different times of day. It can be:

• As low as the waist or as high as the chest; rarely it can be felt as high as the shoulders and neck
• Focused in one small area (usually on one side or in the back) or go all the way around the torso
• Worse when fatigued or stressed
• Present in “waves” lasting seconds, minutes or hours or can be steady for longer periods of time
• Described as sharp pain, dull pain, burning pain, tickling, tingling, a crushing or constricting sensation or intense pressure

So, anyhow, that is what is going on with me. :(

Just tired and miss Chris

Chris is working 18 hour+ days again, 7 days a week. Now, this is saving us financially but killing Chris and we all miss him. Tonight I sat and held Troy for aprox 30 minutes while he cried for Daddy. Chris just needs a day or two off. I have to work this weekend, so he has to keep the kids. I know for a fact that keeping the kids is NOT time off.

That brings us to why I am so tired. I worked on the living room all day, did homework, cooked, played with Troy, laundry, etc. and I am just worn smooth out. No excuse, maybe it is my MS trying to flare up? I know it makes me extra tired sometimes, and stress makes it worse. I have been trying not to stress, but I worry so for Chris. 

Anyhow, I guess I'll go soak in the tub and read some more of my text books. 

So, I moved the pool table

It's for sale anyway, right? I was so sick of it taking up my living room floor! I hate the thing being in here. I understand Chris' need to have it, but I also understand we have no room for it. So, I pushed it sideways and scooted it to the back wall. Now I am shining the floors and bringing my area rug down to put in the middle of the living room. I love the look of the room so much better already. Now, when it sells I'm bringing the other couch down and possibly the table! 

Wooo-hooo!

(Chris is not going to be a happy camper, but he'll get over it...it get's used maybe once every two weeks by him.)

Houston, we have a vacation planned!!!

Here is how it is gonna go: we are leaving here on the 13th of May, and heading south to San Antonio. We are going to see the Natural Caverns on our way down. Then, on the 14th we're gonna do Sea World. Michaela is going to swim with the Beluga Whales and we're all going to eat lunch with Shamu. On the 15th we will do the San Antonio Zoo and after we are done, head south to South Padre Island. On the 16th, Chris will head out early on a guided fishing trip and when he returns, Michaela and I will go horseback riding on the beach. On the 17th we will go on a dolphin watching tour, and then on a Pirateship Cruise complete with Pirates, water gun fights, and the like. (It's a family cruise, meaning, it's geared towards kids.) On the 18th we'll head home. :D

I am so excited, I was on a very strict budget and came in below it. :D

Back that RV'ing down to PT again, lol

In light of the current RV drama, we have decided to stay in our home awhile longer and just RV when Chris is off. I am at peace with that decision and we'll just take it a little at a time.

On the hunt for another RV (that was quick, lol)

Well, not going into too much detail but the phrase "if it's too good to be true, it usually is" comes to mind. We had the 5th wheel here, and I had been cleaning on it big time. See, it was left in storage with 2 bags of shrimp, 2 cans OJ, one pkg hamburger, and two pkg steak in the freezer. Eggs and various other foods in the fridge. Let me tell you how nasty the stench in there was!!! I have scrubbed and bleached and scrubbed and cleaned and done everything possible and finally after a week of that, along with charcoal in there, it is smelling nice. I have scrubbed the tile back white again and vacuumed. I still need to steam clean the carpets as you can smell that a dog was there. I have cleaned it from top to bottom, including inside the cabinets.

So, we were amazed at our unbelievable deal on this RV. Yesterday he calls and says he decided he wants to sell it for more money. 

We went and picked it up out of storage for him, paid the back storage on it, took 3 days off to do it all, got it set up and CLEANED, and now he says he has another buyer and he'll give us $1,000 for all our trouble. (We are not gullible or dumb..this is someone we have known for years and never would have thought he'd squelch on a deal.)

That being said, we are on the hunt.  We are also on a tight budget, so that is another issue. We want to just pay cash, but are limited on that so much that what I am finding, I'm not willing to live in. I bet we'll end up putting a chunk down and making payments. We'll just see. 

I'm just hacked. Everything was all set (I thought) and this has put a snag in my chain. 

The joys of being a mother...

Are sometimes more than I can stand...see this cute little face? Yeah, that one. Remember those beautiful blue eyes as I tell this story...

I was sitting here at the computer as he walks by and I smell the distinct smell of poo. Yeah, repulsive stinch known by many different things, but we'll just call it "poo" to keep this G rated.

I asked him "Troy, did you poop your pants" he kept walking and told me "no". I said "Troy, I smell poop, what did you do". He was standing looking at me like a deer in the headlights with his little sweet innocent eyelashes batting at me. So, he turns to go back on his way into the bathroom and I see it...his hands are full of, well, poo. I guess he took it literally when he overheard Daddy tell Sissy "put want in one hand and poo in the other and see which one fills up first". Seriously. Gaggarific. I asked him WHAT happened, and he couldn't answer me. I mean, DUH MOM!!! Obviously he didn't make it to the potty and decided to bring it himself. So, he had an impromptu shower and scrub down. GROSS!

What possesses a 3 year old to do half the things they do I'll never know. He kept telling me "I'm so sorry Momma, I am so sorry". How can I be angry?

He was so funny earlier too..he told me "Momma, you're in a heap of trouble missy!". 

RV anyone?

Not going into too much detail, because if you know me, you know the details already. Due to changes in the economy (most notably our pocketbook), we will be downsizing to RV living come May. You already know if you read this daily (yes, I know you are out there...the ones who don't follow...ahem, family!) that I already have decided to homeschool Michaela again, as the public school thing has surely not worked in our favor. We are so excited. We will be staying at a beautiful RV Resort and I think we will all love it. Since Chris is still working (THANK YOU JESUS) we will not be able to travel except for weekends, vacations, and holidays. 

I think we'll love it. I know some of you have expressed concerns of our sanity, but I assure you we are fine. Yes, I also know of the bet on how long it takes us to crack and get into a house again. I'll see you on that and even raise the bet!!!

So, that is my update. I have so much to do in the month of April. I have TWO classes I am taking, I will return to work every other weekend, all that along with preparing this journey to begin. 

Goodbye Blue

We lost our precious Blue last night. She was snake bitten (multiple times the vet thinks) and had to be put down. We are all very sad. She was a good dog, and so very beautiful. So, we still have Gus, 2 pregnant cats (Ginger and Spot), and one cranky male cat (he's fixed, wasn't him). Blue is so sorely missed and will be. She was our doll baby. 

It is so pretty outside!

I got up this morning with thoughts of taking the kids to the park and getting lots of stuff done around the house first. Well...after brunch (we slept in, so it was too late for breakfast, too early for lunch) I cleaned out the fridge and then I re-organized the pantry (scary what was lost in there!). I switched out the laundry (threw the clean on my bed) and fed/watered the animals. Well, I was on my way to the laundry room to do more, and I decided it was to pretty outside to sit inside. So, I grabbed the kids and we hopped on the four wheeler. We rode all over, all the way to the tall hills at the back of the property. We checked all the stock tanks and even found a new baby calf. We rode for over two hours and it felt great. It smells like sun tan lotion out in the trees back there. It was so nice and rejuvenating.

Have I told you how much I love spring? It's an amazing time of year that just makes me smile from the inside out!

That up there is our latest addition. You can't tell by the picture, but he was still wet. :D

It's Sunday

And we had planned on going to church today ALL WEEK. So, last night, we're deciding which one to try this time, and we both realize, we don't have church appropriate clothing. Very sad realization that we have both gained so much weight that we can't find semi dressy clothes to wear. Sad but true. So, we will look this week and find some so we can try out a new church NEXT weekend.

Michaela had a little friend spend the night last night. She is really sweet and well behaved. That is nice.

I hope this finds everyone well.

God Bless!

It is cold and wet

This weather is not something that  impresses me. Yeah, we NEED the rain. Lots more as a matter of fact, but come on now, we did NOT need the cold. It was getting so pretty and I already planted my seeds to start my growings for my garden. Now they are sprouting (inside) and I can't put them out until it gets warmer again. Then let's not talk about the ones I sat outside that now I am afraid are not going to sprout!

So, I have errands to run that have to be run. Pretty much an all day affair (with Troy in tow). Oh well, such is the breaks. It can't always be lollipops and gum drops, right?

Have I mentioned that one of my tires is EXTREMELY low? So, I have to put air in the muddy things and probably go by discount tire and get it fixed. Fun fun. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday. Mine is just gonna be...yuck.

I am sleepy

I feel really good, but just sleepy. I think I'll nap with Troy today. 

Michaela is at Science camp with the school. It is a 3-day sleepover camp. She is having a blast. She gets to call home every night. Troy is upset with her for not coming home from school. LOL

I am reading a book called "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. It is about following God's plan for romantic life and not dating. We have decided that we are going to teach our children "courtship" in lieu of dating and this book makes me even feel stronger on the subject. Not only for following God, but for our children's personal life. I feel it is much better mentally and I wish I would have been taught this and practiced it.

Will

Will I ever adjust to this new time change? It's killing my energy. Took my Acai berry today and it helped some, but I am still so tired.

Oh well, I'll live. Last night we planted 216 seeds in our little starter pots for our garden. In those we planted: Cucumbers, Jalepenos, Okra, Lettuce, Sunflowers, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, and Tomatoes. Last week we planted strawberries and several herbs. I have never been known to have a "green thumb", but I am certainly trying to develop one.

Anyhow, where is all this rain we are supposed to get? UGH! I want (and we NEED) rain.

Allis well with the kids and the family. My tailbone is killing me, I need to go see my lovely mother in law who is the only one who can make it go away. She is the best massage therapist in the universe!!! I hate having periformis syndrome. 

I am so truly happy

It is hard to explain it and my "confessions" post may have you thinking otherwise. See, I am so happy in life right now that I am not craving anything else to "complete" me. Sometimes (like the day I posted that) i think deeply and reflect over things way too much. 

I have a real sense of contentment that is so grounding. 

I just wanted to share. :D

The time change

I HATE when the time changes, but I love this one once I get adjusted. However, can we just leave it please? I hate the adjustment period.

I worked all weekend and I am overly tired today. Seriously. Feel like I could sleep another few hours, but I won't. 

Troy's little friend Ghavin is in the hospital with pneumonia. They just decided to transfer him out to Cooks. That is not good. That means he is getting worse. Poor little guy, and poor his parents. That is so scary. We need to pray for him. If you have seen my MySpace pictures, you see many of Ghavin there, all the way from when they were 1 until now. Actually, before they were one. Ghavin's dad calls them "Poncho & Lefty" because Ghavin's Dad is hispanic and Troy is white. It's so cute. He's really the only friend Troy has his age.

Well, I have homework to get done and things to sell on Ebay. Talk at y'all later. :D

Today my baby girl is ELEVEN

I can't believe it has been 11 years already. She is gonna be grown before I know it. I am so blessed to have her. She is such a joy (if a challenge sometimes). 

Happy Birthday baby girl, you are loved more than you know!!!

So, not much to update you on

But I'll write anyhow. Michaela took the TAKS yesterday and feels really good about it. I hate how that is ALL the school worries about. They teach them to pass this test, not for the love or potential of their learning. 

Still no news on the job in Longview, I am about to give up too. Chris already gave up, but me being the optimist, I tend to hold out longer on everything.

So, now he is looking back in West Texas where he grew up. Found out the oil field is there too. His buddy called last night and told us he knows of TWO houses out on ranches that the owners want lived in (for free) so they don't deteriorate. That would be cool. 

I am just knowing that wherever God wants us, he'll take us, when he is ready for us to be there. My gut tells me "this" is not the place.

Confessions:

• I am a food stasher. I stash food so my family will leave it alone and it will be 'there" when I want it.
• I have become a home-body. I don't really enjoy going places very much unless it is with Chris. I find myself dreading a trip to the store, to the school, or anything else of the sort. Especially at night. I just wanna relax and get ready to sleep.
• I have become a light music lover. I mean instrumental music. I can listen to it while I study and anything else. I downloaded the piano version of "Bella's Lullabye" yesterday and have listened to it 19 times (iTunes keeps count).
• However, I still love my Texas country the most and still listen to it 99% of the time.
• I find myself cold all the time lately. I am getting sick of it, and Chris is getting sick of our heating bill.
• I am procrastinating getting my lumbar puncture because I know it will hurt and I am just not up for it.
• I ate shrimp the other night and broke into hives...this after already knowing I reacted like that before. It was only ONE shrimp. Guess I need to leave them suckers alone.
• I still listen to my 80's hard rock hair bands I was so fond of as a teenager.
• I think I am like that Nadia Sulman chick, I am addicted to having kids. However, that is where my brain kicks in and knows when enough is enough. Sure, I'd LOVE to have 13 kids, but I can't afford them nor could I care for them (or have enough patience for them).
• That being said, I am holding out for grandbabies WAY down the road (though I wouldn't turn down another adoption if it came out way).
• I would love to do an internship with the Duggars and learn how the heck they do it. If they can do it with so many, surely I could learn a better way to do it with so few.
• I will stay in my jammies all day if I have no where to go. Then, at bedtime I bathe and change into a clean pair. LOL
• I miss my Poppa Lloyd so much that everytime I think of him I cry. It seems to be more often lately. I just wish I could have said goodbye.
• I miss my Brody too and still cry over losing him. I think of him so many times daily. It seems like I just lost him yesterday, but feels like it was ages ago at the same time.
• The older I get the more I realize family means. I find myself wanting to get to know ALL my family and be in close contact with them. I wonder about siblings out there my bio father claimed to have fathered...are they out there? Who are they? Do they wonder if I am out there?
• I have an addiction to the internet, and spend way too much time on here daily.
• I love the outdoors but do not want to be out there if it's cold. Give me heat please.
• Spring is my favorite time of year and I always feel a renewed energy at that time.

I guess that is all for now...hasta la vista

Monday Morning, no moaning

I am actually in a really good mood today. I think weekdays are different for me as I don't work during the week, I work weekends. So, I am on the countdown to my working weekend, weekdays don't bother me too much. I relish them. Michaela is at school, Troy calm because it's just he and I (no stimulation), and the house is clean. I finished one class last night, waiting on my final grade. Started a new one today. Let me tell you, this month will be one of pure torture because this class does not interest me in the LEAST! It is "How computers (and the internet) work. Ugh...I got the basics in my last class and that is all I really want to know. I guess I'll be better for the learning, but one more time *ugh*.

Still no news on the job. Waiting ever so un-patiently!

I think T and I will take us a nice nap in a bit. :D

The dinner last night

Was disappointing to say the least. We got there to be told "we are not taking any more names for our wait list tonight, sorry". I realized soon that it was a tactic to get people to go somewhere else. So, I just stood there. And stood there. 45 minutes of standing there looking at the door keeper and he says "oh, I didn't realize you had a baby (Troy), go ahead and come in. Once we were in, we got on the wait list. Another 30 minutes and we got a table. It was on the patio (it's 32 degrees outside) and although they had canvas walls & heat,  the walls ended about an inch from the floor and the air blew in...it was still COLD. But that is okay, at least we were in there. So, our waitress comes over and she throws out a few insults, but that was it, took our drink order and gone. We saw her 3 times. That was it. She brought Mac a hat towards the end of dinner. We had to hunt her down for our check. 

Michaela said she enjoyed it, but I think we could have done something a lot more fun for less. I am going to write the head dogs a letter telling them what we thought, and see if we can right the wrong.

I am so excited...

Michaela's birthday is next week, but I have to work. So we are taking her out tonight in Dallas. She does not know, it's a total surprise. I'll take photos/video.

I called ahead to make sure it was okay for an 11 year old, and the said "Ma'am, we keep teh shtick age appropriate"...LOL

It is a CRAZY place (food fights, wet napkin fights, making fun of people all in jest, teasing, dancing, etc.) and we think she will have a BLAST!!!

I'm going crazy waiting

I hate waiting for someone to call that holds your future in their hands. It's like everything is on hold! I can't plant a garden because I don't know of we'll be here. I can't plant flowers, same reason. I can't pack if we're staying, I can't make arrangements, I CAN'T do anything but the everyday mundane and wait. I am so impatient. Well, I was patient but it's been 3 weeks already, come on!!! If it's no, just say so and let us move on! Chris won't call. He says they'll call when they're ready. *sigh*

Life and changes

Sorry I haven't written a couple of days. Everything is okay here. 

We are back to contemplating and praying about homeschooling Michaela. I think she may prosper more and bloom more. She can get socializing through homeschool groups, so don't worry about that. This is a rough point in her life and the things she is learning at school aren't necessarily the things a 10 year old needs to know. You know? Like on the bus a high schooler was educating the younger ones on Viagra and it's function. Michaela came home and told us all about this "Niagra" pill. I am tired of interceding and explaining the stuff she doesn't need to know.  That is just a part of it though, she is being bullied and though her academics are good, her spirit is not. Frankly, academics could be better. Not grade wise, but learning wise. They teach these kids to pass tests, not to actually learn. Sure, they studied the civil war, but can she tell me any details about it 2 months later? Nope... that's because she didn't learn it, she memorized it and forgot it. True learning means material recall.

Anyhow...

Here is the story with the new job since I haven't posted about it:

Chris got wind that he was going to be laid off, so he started looking for another job. Well, he found one that he was really interested in and they had a mutual interest in him. So, he goes for the 1st and 2nd interview and all went really well. When he went in for his paperwork and background check and to talk money, they informed him they had another applicant they were going to interview on Monday (this was last Friday). They asked him a few questions, and basicly it came down to there were two positions, one in AR and one in TX and one of them would go to each pace,just didn't know which to which. Told him they'd let him know Tuesday. Tuesday, they let him know that they were holding off on the AR position, and that they district manager had to decided on which guy had the job and they'd let him know Wednesday (yesterday). Well, they never called so the assumption is it wasn't Chris who got it. It makes him really sad but he does have relatively little experience in this field and with so many of these companies laying off, there are guys out there looking for jobs with 10 fold Chris experience. So, Chris went to his boss and told him he'd do whatever to save his job, and it came to a pay-cut. At least it's a job for now. I'll let you know if something changes with the *other* one.

I hit the porch on the head...

That is what Troy said the other day when he fell and hit HIS head on the porch. Now, when people ask him where he got the big bruise, he tells them "I hit the porch on the head"...cracks me up.

Anyhow, please pray for us as we have big decisions on the horizon...do we move, do we stay, which job should Chris accept, etc. 

The boys are in NY with their Dad. They arrived safely Sunday. However, they cannot start school until they have a phsyical because they moved from out of state. WHY? Isn't that crazy? It's not like they moved from another country, though I wish Texas were (then we could have our own president and not that sorry excuse that lives in the Whitehouse now).

What I'm For

This is Pat Green's new song and I really like the message of the song...

See video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bsj_mwQrpA

Pat Green: "What I'm For"

I'm for wildflowers in the window, 
Mechanics you can trust 
I'm for crackers in my chili 
And leaving grudges in the dust 

I'm for drive-thru order takers 
Who can muster up a smile 
I'm for taking in that stray dog 
That's been hangin 'round a while 

I'm for turning off the TV, 
And getting off the internet 
I'm for learning all the words to the Gettysburg Address 

I'm for dusty Pawn Shop guitars 
And Boxers past their prime 
I'm for soaking up the wisdom 
When an old man speaks his mind 

I'm for laid off factory workers 
When the wolf is at the door 
You don't have to guess what I'm against 
If you know what I'm for 

I'm for Texas margaritas 
And getting of debt 
I'm for having faith in something 
That hasn't happened yet 

I'm for the shy kid in the corner 
'Fraid to ask the girl to dance 
I'm for the ex-con outta prison 
Who just wants a second chance 

I'm for the inner-city teacher 
With a heart stuck in her throat 
Who can still see God in every child 
Who never gives up hope 

I'm for dusty Pawn Shop guitars 
And Boxers past their prime 
I'm for soaking up the wisdom 
When an old man speaks his mind 

I'm for Detroit factory workers
When the wolf is at the door 
You don't have to guess what I'm against 
If you know what I'm for 

I'm a-counting all my blessings 
When the wolf is at my door
You don't have to ask what I'm against 

YEAH 

You don't have to guess what I'm against 
If you know what I'm for...

Bad day

Michaela got suspended from school, Wyatt and Tucker are going back with their Dad, and found out a friend of W&T's was killed. They'll find out today. I am sad for them.

One of my assignments doesn't want to upload, so I've been fighting it all week. Forgot to turn in an assignment on time last night, so it was late. I lost track of my days.

Ugh, I have to work this weekend. I am so ready for a new week.

Hunting anyone?

Micha​ela goes to a hunti​ng camp every​ summe​r.​​ She is able to raise​ money​ to go to this camp by selli​ng raffl​e ticke​ts.​ Every​ dime of the sale of ticke​ts goes to her camp tuiti​on!​ Pleas​e buy some raffl​e ticke​ts for your s​elf or someo​ne you love.​ Pass the word on to anyon​e you know who might​ be inter​ested​.​ We accep​t paypa​l,​ check​,​ money​ order​,​ or cash.​ Ticke​ts are $​10/​each

PRIZE​S:​

Grand​ prize​~​ White​tail Buck Hunt (​Guide​d,​ 2 white​tail bucks​,​ 2 cull bucks​,​ 4 does,​ lodgi​ng,​ meals​,​ and 1 yr membe​rship​ to Texas​ Troph​y Hunte​rs Associatio​n)​

1st Place​~​ Guide​d Combo​ Hog Hunt/​Fresh​water​ Fishi​ng Trip (​lodgi​ng,​ meals​)​

2nd Place​~​ Guide​d Combo​ Turke​y Hunt/​Fresh​water​ Fishi​ng Trip (​lodgi​ng,​ meals​)​

3rd Place​~​ Guide​d Day-​Trip Gulf Coast​ Bay Fishi​ng

Drawi​ng to be held in Septe​mber 2009,​ need not be prese​nt to win.

My kids are CRAZY!

They got suspended from the bus this morning. Just shoot me now. Why do they act like this? W&T do this a lot, more T than W but M never does stuff like this. This is her first offense but it was a bad one. Good gravy what am I gonna do with these hoodlums? 

Here's to cleaning house!

I think cleaning is what I'll be doing all day today. I got behind on things when I was sick last week, then we went out of town this past weekend. I need to get all the boys laundry done because their Dad is coming to get them Thursday. I have about 4 loads to do, probably 6 including sheets.  I've already done 2 loads and cleaned Troy's room.

I thought I was good on laundry, but the older three all cleaned their rooms yesterday and got me 3 more loads...thanks guys!

It's a gloomy day outside, but makes for good cleaning weather (& napping weather, but I must resist). 

Belle goes to live with her new rancher daddy today. Then we'll be down to just Gus and Blue. We are upset though, because Blue taught Gus to chase the cats. He would let them crawl on him before, but now he is behaving like Blue. Yuck, poor kitties.

I think I'm going to start a daily song review since I love my music so much. I'll do that later.

I was SO not in trouble!

Chris loves "Gus" too. He is a doll, so sweet. 

Weekend was crazy, have some stuff to update y'all on soon. Can't spill the beans yet though.

Wyatt and Tucker are going with their dad to NY Thursday, so I am getting ready for that.

Kids all three got written up on the bus today, and I am not having it. My kids were wrong in retaliating, but they had enough of being picked on and beat up on. Michaela has a scratch from her eye to her chin from another kid, but she moved seats to get away from Satan's spawn, and she's in trouble? So, the boys go to her rescue and they get written up too. UGH

I am so dead meat...

Let's see if I can make a long story short. We live way out in the country, and our school is down 2 dirt roads, pre-K through 12th grade. SMALL. Anyhow, I went to take Michaela her valentines stuff and there is this beautiful white puppy in the playground fence (locked in). The principal was outside and I asked him what was up with THIS one. (There are always dogs all over the school and those roads down there, but not fenced in.) He told me that someone dumped them (4, obviously same litter) last week, and the big dogs in town had killed the rest of them. They kept trying to get someone to take them home, but they didn't. They put this one on the playground and they were going to take him to the pound today after school (the principal was).  

So, I scooped him up and brought him home. We have a lot of ranches out here, and a great many of them have Great Pyrenees because of the predator problems (the dogs protect livestock). There seems to be an overabundance of them that are strays, at the shelters, and in the paper around here. Why don't they FIX their dogs? Anyhow, I am sure that is what he is. His fur is awful thin for a GP, but his tail is bushy. He may be a mix, it will take awhile to get him the right nutrition to see what he will really look like. He is so cute. I'm guessing he's about 3 to 4 months old. He is bigger than our other puppies, but I think he is younger by watching his actions. You can kinda see on his nose where he is healing from bites on his nose, there are more in his fur you can't see. :( Chris said NO more pets, but I couldn't stop myself. I love him already.  

Him He and Blue

Another day in the life of me...

I am finally feeling somewhat normal now. YAY! I have to take Troy to school and then come back and do homework and take a nap (I didn't get much sleep again last night because the storm kept me up). Then, get Troy and take him and Michaela to the doctor. Troy has a cold that is setting up in his chest and Michaela has been throwing up for 4 days, but doesn't feel bad. I think it's a surge in hormones (She sprouted little ta-ta's this week) but I'm taking her just to make sure she's okay.

Chris got me the sweetest card for valentines and wrote me the sweetest letter. I was very touched, he has never done that before. I also got my wedding ring back (long story). I am so grateful, I love my wedding ring set. I got chocolates too, and that is never a bad thing! You may be saying "but it's not Valentine's day yet?"...well, Chris doesn't like to sit on things, he gets antsy. LOL He gave Michaela a huge box of chocolates (36oz) and a cute card too. Troy got some hot wheels and a huge bag of assorted candy bars. Chris says he gave them to us early so we could enjoy them up to Valentines day. He cracks me up.

Well, I better put some clothes on, I'd look silly going into his school like this.

I'm so excited!

I got a 100 on my first project for school. I built a 3 page website composed of my biography, a fictional portfolio (as if I was already the accomplished professional I dream of being), and a resume. It sounds simple, I know, but it was not. It is graded as average if it contains all required aspects and design. (It also had to have a 30 second video of my making, an embedded sound file, at least 4 pictures, and a video from an outside source...I had 3 minute video of my own, 2 embedded sound files, 15 pictures, and two videos from outside sources.) This is the comment he left me for my feedback on grading; Heather, Super job – one of the best iWeb assignments I’ve seen in a long time!! 

On the road to recovery

I am by no means well today, but I feel much better. My fever is gone with the help from advil, and only got up to 101.7 last night! For two days before it got up to 104 a few times. With advil it would come down to 101ish. I am not in pain today, and for that I am thrilled. My kidneys finally feel normal, not like somebody had beat me in them. I keep sweating today though, like I am running a marathon. Gross...but I guess it means I'm healing.

Trying to catch up on classwork because although it's only Tuesday, I am 2 assignments behind. These classes are fast paced. I say I am behind, but really by standards you wouldn't call it that. Everything has been turned in on time, but I have a schedule on which I do everything and I am behind on it. The schedule keeps me from being behind or having to work hard to get it all done. 

Well, I'll be back to post soon.

Short & sweet

still sick, I'll be back to posting as soon as i feel better

The defination of miserable:

Having a UTI and passing a kidney stone, but still having to be at work. Wait, let me add...less than 2 hours fo sleep the night before because of your UTI and kidney stone. I feel like ca-ca, but I am still here. I will take off at 3 and head on home. I am trying to get someone to take my shift tomorrow so that I can get through this and get some rest.