My Sweet Girl

little miss makenna is getting bigger and bigger - so grown up lately -- wants to wear clear lipgloss and her GAP shades --

caught her singing Hannah Montana while standing on the couch looking in the mirror yesterday -- Where did my little girl go??

If you spot her somewhere let me know ;)

5-19-2007 Double Whammy

We had a combined birthday party for the kids this weekend. Everyone seemed to have fun. Heath was even pleased with the party, which I was a little concerned about.

This was the first year we have ever had a party outside of our home. I usually make everything for the kids parties - goodie bags - decor etc. and my mother in law usually makes the cakes. All in all I usually spend a little over $100 bucks for everything and then I of course have to clean the house before and after the party. So we figured that if they doubled up(their birthdays are only 2 months apart) we could afford to do one birthday party for them both. We had it at Monkey Bizness (which is similar to Pump it Up)but it has a rock wall and was $50 cheaper :D BONUS!!! So I think we broke even in the $$$ department.

However, we learned a HUGE LESSON. We will not be combining the kids birthdays EVER AGAIN. Let me start by saying we had the party in the morning so I knew some people wouldn't be able to make it. I let the children invite 26 people each just for this reason (I was guessing about half would show). But NEVER in my wildest dreams did I think that Noah would only have ONE CHILD attend his party -- out of 26 invites -- this isn't including his cousin and his neighborhood friend which were shoe ins. There were 26 others invited outside of these two. Honestly I was concerned that TOO MANY kids would come and that I would be paying for them all individually. Makenna had about half of her friends show up, which I think made Noah feel even worse. He didn't pout at the party but I could tell he was disappointed. WHO WOULDN'T BE. Personally I was CRUSHED for him. He really was a trooper about it.

He is so FRIENDLY to EVERYONE -- and I really mean that -- I am not just saying that because he is my child. He is an awesome KIND HEARTED kid. I know that sometimes children don't receive him as well as he (and I) would like. They don't understand his tics. They think he is weird and often tell him this to his face. He tries to explain Tourette Syndrome to them but all they see is that it makes him different. Different from THEM and at the ripe old age of 8 different doesn't mean cool or unique in their eyes. Maybe as Parents we should try and change that.

So today I am sharing his picture. A picture of a handsome young boy who has the whole world ahead of him. We are all different and we should CELEBRATE that. It makes us who we are. We are, after all, FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY MADE.

No closer to an answer....

No closer to an answer but feeling good non the less

we have ruled out Colorado -- the cost of living is higher

there and the relocation package wouldn't be as nice

So will we Stay (in houston) or will we go (back to OK perhaps) ??

Who really knows -- and today I am totally ok with that --

this doesn't mean tomorrow I won't feel overwhelmed and

anxious and want an answer ;)

........ but today I am good

Had to get a swimsuit today --- UGGH!

I hate having to shop for a swimsuit -- especially since

i am overweight -- Have lost 11 pounds so far but no where

near where I would like to be -- hopefully once school is out

for the kids and I, I will be able to get more disciplined about

working out --

and lastly a photo of my hottie hubby -- who is at work --

who I wish was home cuddled up on the couch with me

Happy NSD :D

So today is National Scrapbooking Day

YEAH!!! a special day to celebrate a very fun and rewarding hobby

WHOOOO RAYYY

Life lesson (one that I should have mastered by now)

It is almost Summer

that can't be right --
did we even celebrate Christmas yet??

Ever have those moments where you sit back
and realize MONTHS have just flown by
That was me today - Sitting outside enjoying
the lovely weather and then it hit me --

I only have 3 weeks of work left -- OMgoodness
Whatever shall I do -- Where did the time go

You would think I would have gotten a hint when
(for the 3rd time this week) one of my bosses asked
"Have you found out anything yet?" refering to our
possible move - I just smiled and so "No we haven't made
any decisions yet" all the while thinking -- Man WHAT is UP
why do they keep asking -- I will surely tell them as
soon as I find out something --

Then I realized THEY haven't had us sign our contracts for the
upcoming year yet - they have been trying to politely ask if I would
be there next year or not --

insert the part where i feel like a total BOOB

then that realization gets the ball rolling
WILL I BE COMING BACK
WILL WE EVEN STILL BE IN HOUSTON
ARE WE MOVING

-- then insues the sudden sense of ERGENCY to
find out - WHAT THE HECK we are doing -- going
to do

So for a good three hours today I was consumed
with anxiety - doubt - confusion -

all to find out ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single
cubit to his life's span?" Matthew 6:27

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness;
and all these things whall be added to you. Therefore
do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will
care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:33-34

Seriously -- this should be tattoed on my hand as a reminder
(those of you who know me well know that i constantly write
notes to myself on my hand - which I might add drives my
husband INSANE)

answered PRAYERS

Isn't it GREAT when God answers our PRAYERS

Last night I was working on this weeks Preschool stuff

and I was so tired and overwhelmed with all that is/was on

my plate - I had been telling Heath that there really wasn't

anything that I could say NO to -- It all had to be done - and

it all HAS to be DONE by TODAY -- SCARY --

Laundry

checkbook

groceries

Preschool Stuff

Challenge for TSR

tons of Forms and stuff for FOSTER CARE

Bills

make Dentist appointments (these are WAY overdue)

take ebay pictures

then all of a sudden I just decided to pray and I asked God to bring Linda

back soon -- I was thinking maybe after this week ????

and GUESS WHAT

I get a call this morning from the Asst. Director saying that

Linda is coming back tomorrow -- YEAH!!!!!

so really it didn't lighten my workload for yesterday or today

but it was some light at the end of the tunnel that i desperately needed :D

Here is a layout I did a couple of weeks ago for a challenge on TSR

inspiration for the tree came from this card

http://www.papercraftsmag.com/projects/pro...e_=2&cat_idx=63

Happy Birthday NOAH!!!

Happy Birthday SON
I love you - every single thing about you
You bring so much JOY to my life :D
I can't believe that you are 8
WOW - were did the time go


hoping to have a mini photo shot with you and your
new mo hawk -- Hopefully you will cooperate with the
camera - even though you aren't big on pictures :D
just one or two good ones would make my week

Continued BUSY - NESS

So much going on in our Family right now -

We are Taking classes to become FOSTER PARENTS
Heath has a few Job opportunities that could possibly move our family OUT OF STATE
I am planning a joint BIRTHDAY PARTY for the kids
and I am still taking care of the PRESCHOOL CLASS

THAT ALL feels like a LOT right now -- but in the big scheme of things I know these things/decisions are TINY --

GOD has got everything UNDER CONTROL!!!
and I am trying to enjoy the ride
(sometimes with teeth clinched - but never the less - I am trying) ;)

Always BE Happy Beautiful Girl

sharing a layout :D :D made with stuff that was pulled out on my workspace -- lots of it is from the March kit at the scrap room -- www.scrap-room.com

LOVE TRIANGLE

ok so i went to READ to Makenna's class today
and the teacher tells me she is involved in a LOVE TRIANGLE


WHATTT???
How did that HAPPEN

apparently she has two boys in class fighting over her
and it was a big enough issue that the teacher brought
it up today -- OMGOSH -- She is 6 -- what the heck
i didn't start liking boys until i was much older .... um...
like 12 or 13

anyway - she has been informed that she is not ALLOWED
to have a boyfriend - she is only 6
but somehow i think that makes her only like them MORE
i could see that little twinkle in her eye

REBELLION

Pray for us --

SUPER BUSY

Super Busy at work
stepping in for a teacher
that had a family emergency
and can i just say that reading
another teachers lesson plans is
like trying to read CHINESE

lots of cutting to do for school tomorrow
JUNGLE/RAINFOREST WEEK and I have
some FUN STUFF UP MY SLEEVE for the
students -- :D :D

Wednesday March 21

Took a little drive out to Brenham
took some pics in the BLUEBONNETS
:D :D
got home and put the kids to bed long
after BEDTIME but we had FUN :D
;) :D

SPRING BREAK -- thus far

Friday - 3-9-07 Ran errands ALL DAY and looked for a bathing suit (to no avail) that night we hung out at KandD's with Melissa and her kids then Noah and Makenna decided they wanted to sleepover too :D
Saturday 3-10 We had two back to back birthday parties one was a friend of Noah's (PUMP it UP) and the other a friend of Makenna's (Chuck E Cheese) that night at had the ONLINE CROP at TSR www.scrap-room.com
Sunday 3-11 Ken took us all out to Double Dave's and we hung out at Melissa's house :D
Monday and Tuesday the kids and I tackled some things around the house (it RAINED)
Wednesday 3-14 Heath and I took the kids to CHUCK E CHEESE it was RAINING with SEVERE T-STORMS -- that night Melissa and kids came to sleep over
Thursday - Hung out with Melissa and kids
Friday 3-16 HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE with Molly and kids - SUPER FUN - pictures to come -- this was the first time i have taken the kids so they were so excited - they loved it all - especially the dinosaurs :D
Saturday / Sunday - My Brothers are coming for a visit (Johnny and Jeremy) :D

IT's ME ... IT'S ME

remember the Spartan skit from SNL
that was all I could think about when I decided to
come forth with my BIG NEWS .... :D

I just became the newest addition to the MOD SQUAD at TSR www.scrap-room.com
I am SOOOO FREAKIN EXCITED -- I feel in love with this site as soon as I joined and
I am THRILLED to be apart of the TEAM -- Thanks :D :D :D

SPRING BREAK PLANS

to do's for SPRING BREAK:

SCRAPBOOK -- EVERY SINGLE DAY - at least a little ;)

Family Day at the BEACH

Have NEPHEW over to spend the night

YARD work with my buddy MOLLY

PICNIC at the Park

LIST STUFF ON EBAY

maybe MOVIE and MUSEUM with Molly

-------------------------------------------------
other not so HUGE things but equally important
plan a menu so we don't eat out
get groceries
bills
planner
check on bluebonnets

tomorrow I am going to purchase a swimsuit -- YUCK --
Lord HELP me find one that looks DECENT


ok so that is it -- i feel like that is a good mix of FUN with a DASH of PROGRESS ??? don't you

in other news

I am gearing up for Spring Break
I can't decide if I want to do a SPRING CLEANING
or if I want to RELAX and SCRAP????

WHAT DO YOU THINK???

NEWS.....

Ok so about my secret news
I am hoping to know something before the weekend
but I will FOR SURE be posting by MONDAY --
I AM SO FREAKIN EXCITED

Birthdays = Memories

Today my son would have been 11
wow that is a big number - never fails to sneak up and surprise me
with a massive dose of RAW EMOTION
even after all these years -

Tried to stay busy today - got caught in I-10 traffic
started to panic - really wanted to get through ONE
birthday without tears and focus on the good memories
I feel like I am doing "better" compared to birthdays in the
past - no UGLY crying yet - (patting myself on the back)
but several moments with tears welling up

Just Praising God for holding my hand (sometimes even
dragging me ;) - through the really rough spots in my life
I find that sometimes I want to camp there - in my sorrow
- but HE doesn't let me - HE continually shows me that
there is still plenty of LIFE to LIVE

so with tear filled eyes toward heaven --
HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY AASIN
Mommy LOVES You

RODEO -

Tonight we took the kids to the RODEO -
this was the FIRST time the kids have gone -
the Houston Rodeo is a HUGE thing for Texans
(and others as well) we had the pleasure of seeing
Clay Walker tonight in concert

and I must admit I really had my heart set on
seeing Rascal Flatts (and the kids wanted to see
Hannah Montana and the Cheetah Girls) but I
had a great time (so did they) -- Mr. Walker put on a GREAT
show

other things to remember about tonight include
fishing for prizes
pink cowgirl hat
wooden toad
pickles ;)
funnel cake
dippin dots
nachos

here is to FUN Family MEMORIES :D

3/2/07 YESTERDAY

ok I have a secret ;)
I can't tell this secret
for several more days
keeping it under wraps
is gonna be HARD
but i can say I am THRILLED
- TICKLED PINK even

can't wait to share ;)

2-24-07 Saturday

took the kids to see Bridge to Terabithia at the dinner and a movie joint
we had been there before but had only gotten popcorn - we ate this time
and though it was pricey $$$ it was GOOD - i was pretty impressed

as for the movie - we loved it - I read it to the kids last summer and it
was VERY SIMILAR to the book - they LOVED it :D

Fun times

love having hubby home for some VACATION time :D

BABIES???

While Makenna was on the potty last night she suddenly yells out -- "Mommy, if I push really hard will a BABY come out?" --

now let me explain - Makenna is only 6 and she and Noah were both delivered by c-section - so all I have told her was that the DOCTOR takes the BABY out of the MOMMY's TUMMY -- Their TV shows are pretty restricted and I am fairly certain they don't teach this in school - so my question is - HOW IN THE HECK did she find out the baby has to be PUSHED out -- and were does she think it comes out at????

I am guessing now is the time to start discussing the subject a little further with her --

Hair DO

took some time for me today and got my hair done
LOVE it - Tasha did a FAB job -- Love HER - :D
Miss my friend Ashlee -but I am so glad I found
someone here to do my hair for me :D :D :D
will post some pics soon

Who has the most ROMANTIC husband ever

well, as of today - I do
will post more later ;)

Mission Accomplished

or at least the main mission for today
ALL TAXES ARE DONE - had to finish
the OK one since we lived there some too
this year -- stinks that i couldn't e-file that
along with my federal - something to do with
partial year residency - I think it is that they
just want to keep my $$ a few days longer :D

this is actually the latest I have EVER filed
I am normally one of those obnoxious Feb 1 filers ;)

Post

also about Noah's conversation with Heath at lunch yesterday

Post

reminder to self -need to blog about Makenna's purchases this weekend :D

another day at home

ok this makes 3 days off from work

and while i am getting a few extra

things done - I SO need to get out

of the house for a bit -

The kids are doing much better

both have some congestion now

(not sure where that came from)

but they are still taking their meds

like little troopers --

Makenna was really missing school

today :( I assured her she will be going

back on Monday. Noah hasn't really said

much about it though he did declare the

following last night

"I don't need to go back to Public School.

You should just Homeschool me - All the

kids keep making me SICK"

it was quite funny - he is the type that

would be cool just hangin out with his

Momma all day - I am sure that philosophy

will be long gone in no time (he almost 8) but

I will hold on to it for as long as I can ;)

sharing another layout

this one is of my cutie pie nephew

(he is 2 now )

SICKY ICKIES

So - Guess what -- WE are all sick --
STREP THROAT is in the house again

really how many times can one family
get this ????

Heath and I were both able to get shots
yesterday so today I feel like a brand new
person -- ALMOST HUMAN ;)
and the kids are on the liquid - so far
they aren't really whinning about taking it
but they will be on it for 10 days so ask me
about this later

Sharing another layout - hope you like it :D

Sharing a layout

Not much going on here --

had a little stomach bug

or bad mexican food

(not sure which)

but thought it would be

a great time to share some

of my art/layouts with you

:D :D :D