Baby, It's Cold Outside

I love this part in Elf and it's one of my favorite Christmas songs.



This morning when I took the dog out, the grass was white and frozen. We don't get too much of that down here in Texas. I love it because it feels like Christmas to this Hoosier. Michael disagrees; he likes to wear shorts almost year-round. He's determined to get us all to Hawaii one year. I told him we'll go to Hawaii one year, if we can go to Colorado another year. He's has yet to accept my deal. He's probably hoping I'll forget.

The kids and I can't wait to get to Indiana in three and a half weeks and are praying for snow! We haven't seen a white Christmas in three years...that's a long time for a yankee. ;)

But Houstonians have gone even longer to see a white Christmas and there's a song to prove it. Hope you like this. Just click here and enjoy a video shot by a local family. The fountain the little girl plays in is one of our frequent haunts, as you'll see below. Our sweet girl played in it last year in December. Take a look.

It was quite warm but the breeze made her cold.

The boys were enjoying ice cream from Cold Stone while she played in the fountains.

Just Pictures

I'm too tired to write anything so I thought you'd enjoy some pics from Halloween.

Hope y'all enjoy the photos.

Beauty & the Geek

The kids' neighborhood friends.

Mummy wrapping game at Halloween party.

The aftermath!

Hey, look! It's me!

While looking for homeschooling handbooks online...I am writing one for our family...I went to the Texas Home School Coalition's website. As I scrolled down, I found this photo.

I am so glad it was a good hair day! And...you can't tell I'm about twenty pounds overweight. Thank goodness!!

It was taken in August when Michael and I attended the local homeschool convention. Too bad he wasn't sitting next to me; we could look studious together.

The convention was a great resource for us to learn many things. The workshops were quite informative. One of those led us to choose a classical-based unit study from a Christian worldview. I am looking forward to attending next year's convention. It was held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Beautiful hotel!

We enjoy The Woodlands immensely. We often go on a date night or as a family to walk around Market Street, see a movie at Tinsel Town and get some dessert at Chocolata. We occasionally enjoy a free concert on the lawn at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

If you live in Texas and homeschool (or are considering it), attend the 2009 THSC state convention. You can find more information here. Plan to make it a family event or a weekend getaway for you and your spouse.

Perfectionist (read: Control Freak) Lets Go...Or Does She?

I have been beating myself up for weeks now because our homeschooling year has just not gone the way I want. Mind you, I didn't actually plan it out completely on paper. But in my head it looked good!

We started our school year the first week of September and it wasn't too bad really since we didn't have all our necessary curriculum. I focused on the three Rs--reading, 'riting, 'rithmetic. BTW, that has always annoyed me...saying it that way! I picture some back hills redneck yucking like Goofy. Got that stuck in your head now? Good!

Moving on...we received our long awaited curriculum the next week and boy, was I overwhelmed trying to figure it out. Two days later I was packing up myself, the kids, the cat and luggage into my '98 Honda Accord fleeing to DFW because of Hurricane Ike. We stayed there for a week then came home to no power and didn't get it back til September 26.

The cool weather didn't stick around long so we hung out at my in-laws doing laundry and staying cool. It's so hard to do school when visiting at grandma's. I enjoy my mother-in-law's company and needed to talk; the kids enjoy Grandma's TVs so they don't have to share remotes, plus we had a few breakfasts and lunches at McDonald's which was totally organic and fat free! Really!

Then I tried to get in a routine that never really got started. Every day I dealt with a groaning, sometimes screaming child: "I DON'T WANNA DO SCHOOL!" So I focused on the basics for her while trying to figure out our new curriculum...still. Meanwhile, I'm trying to fit this in to all my other Wifely/Motherly duties, run a home business, fit in football practices and games, find time for myself to stamp, watch House, check my Facebook page obsessively, etc. You know, the essentials.

I have been totally overwhelmed and not taking care of myself. And what happens when I don't take care of myself??!! Besides being quite moody and irritable?! My body says, Time to make you slow down because I need a break. How about a sore throat, severe sinus infection with a side of coughing? That happened a week and a half ago and I still have a cough...though I'm getting better everyday.

I think I had my epiphany today when I got a headache after trying for over an hour to find answers about maps at an online community for a particular curriculum I'm using. I wanted to scream and cry but couldn't. My dh called and rescued me from part of my misery by agreeing to pick up dinner. I love him!

So, I decided to not worry that we are a whole Unit behind in our curriculum and that I can't check off my list...the one in my head...as I'd like. We're going to focus on Bible/church history the next two days along with the basics and start a new Unit next week like we never skipped a beat. I am giving myself permission to not have it all done. It will be okay. Really. There are no curriculum police out there...they're all in my head.

I know what will make me feel better...I'll go watch some House and drink Starbucks.

Manic Monday

The Bangles had it right, didn't they? I wish it was Sunday, that's usually my funday, but not lately. My Sundays are more like Mondays so they're not my funday either so...oh, nevermind! My brain's starting to hurt. Doesn't take much, I know.

Mondays have become my "crockpot" day...actually, come to think of it, so have Tuesdays, Wednesdays, okay, so almost everyday. With my son in football, practicing three days a week, getting dinner done by 4:30 can be challenging after a long day of homeschooling. I want my family to eat a relatively healthy meal every night so the crockpot has become my friend.

I recently discovered a great, easy, quick recipe (adapted from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food). I have made this with slight variations for the last three weeks. My family doesn't appear to have noticed yet. And they actually rave about it every time. Tonight, my sweet girl told me they were better than a restaurant. (We love Mexican food and eat it out at least once a week so she is a true connoisseur.)

Shredded Chicken Tacos (or Enchiladas or Burritos or ....)

2 lbs. organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 of an onion, chopped (any color as long as it's not moldy)
1 small can chiles, chopped
1 cup of your favorite salsa
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. cumin

Combine the onion, chiles and spices in a crockpot. Add the chicken; be sure to coat with the mixture. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. When done, shred the chicken. Then use in tacos or enchiladas.

For enchiladas, I use white corn tortillas. Fill with the chicken, top with a store-bought enchilada sauce, or more salsa, and shredded cheese. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy it and find it to be a life saver on your "Manic" Mondays.

Long Time No Post

I am so sorry for not being more diligent to update my loyal readers...I mean, reader. Please forgive. Just thought I'd let you know we survived Ike. No damage to our home just 15 days without power. Thank God for generators.

We were able to do important things like play on the Wii...

...and watch episode after episode of House. We also got to dry clothes the old fashioned way.

(Note to self: always use fabric softener on towels or they will dry stiff as a board.)

Our sweet girl rescued a stray (a Chocolate Pomeranian named Piper).

And the cat stayed cool sleeping in the dark bathroom or in my curio cabinet with my breakables (One of the glass doors was broken when we moved and it hasn't been replaced).

We're back to relative normalcy. The kids only had a week and a half of school when the hurricane hit so that threw us off our schedule. We're starting over. We bought planners for the kids to get themselves in the habit of writing out their daily tasks and checking them off.

I'm focusing on the basics with our youngest (a 5th grader) who's having a difficult time mastering the...well, the basics, like adding, subtracting, multiplying. Just one of many reasons why we chose to homeschool. I've got some great ideas from friends, books and online resources and I'm hopeful she'll learn while having fun.

I must go make dinner before my son heads off to football practice with Dad and Sis while I enjoy a night out stamping with my friends. Aaahhh, Stampin' Up, take me away!

Suffering?? Not really!

How little we realize the great luxuries of life, that are necessities in our minds, until they come to an abrupt halt and jolt us from our self-absorbed lives! Thank God I was born in America and not a third world country. Though if I was born in a third-world country I wouldn't know what I was missing and therefore have nothing to blog about.

I am typing as quickly as I can to share this outlet and therefore internet access with some other "poor unfortunate soul" [used quite loosely here] since we have no power and no internet access. So far no fights have broke out.

We complain about missing our TV shows, not being able to access the internet in the convenience of our own home, the laundry piling up since we can't use our washer and dryer...blah, blah, blah.

What have we become?! Quite used to our convenient lives, thank you very much, and let's just keep it that way.

But seriously, it could be worse and I'm so thankful it's not.

At least we have a home, TV, computer, clothes.... Many in Galveston and elsewhere have come home to complete destruction.

Our home has no damage; our gas tanks are full; my husband can still work. We have plenty to do when the sun's up and even a generator so we can watch movies with the kids before bed. The humidity is gone and the temperature is near perfect so we can open the windows to keep cool. We can play games and talk and truly enjoy one another without all the technological distractions.

Now, if only I can remember that when I miss the premier of all my shows next week.

Donde esta el restaurante?

Home schooling is challenging and rewarding, and sometimes downright funny.

So, yesterday my daughter asks, "Why are we learning Latin?" She genuinely wanted to know, and I was pleasantly surprised to not hear it in a whiny why-do-we-have-to-do-this voice.

I answered, "It will help you as you learn other languages like Spanish, French, Italian..."

She says, "I told my friends I'm learning Spanish. I asked them if they knew Spanish. Then I asked them if they knew what Donde esta el restaurante? means and they said no. And then I said, 'See, I told you I know Spanish'."

As if asking one question in Spanish qualifies as knowing it. I pictured these little girls staring in awe at my little progeny and her beaming with pride.

We won't tell them that's probably all she remembers for now.

55 Things About Me

"Stole" this idea from a friend. Hope you enjoy!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:30

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds and pearls.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Mummy: Tomb of The Dragon Emperor

4. What is your favorite TV show? NCIS and The Closer

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Greek yogurt w/frozen berries and muesli

6. What is your middle name? Nicole

7. What food do you dislike? Liver and onions

8. What is on your Ipod at the moment? I don't have one...sniff, sniff.

9. What kind of car do you drive? '98 Honda Accord that's paid off...woohoo!!

10. Favorite sandwich? Guacamole Bacon Burger @ Red Robin

11. What characteristic do you despise? Condescension

12.Favorite item of clothing? Bermuda shorts (do shoes count?)

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Italy and Hawaii

14. Favorite brand of clothing? Ann Taylor Loft, NY&Co. and White House Black Market

15. Where would you retire? Hill country near Austin or South Padre Island

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? My 30th when my husband surprised me with a trip back home to Indiana to visit my family and my best friends who threw me a party!! And then took me to San Antonio and Fredricksburg where we picked our own lavendar, walked the shops and ate authentic German food with real German beer.

17.Favorite sport to watch? Football...Go Colts!

18. Farthermost places others are viewing this? Indiana? Nebraska? California?

20.When is your birthday? June 12

22.What is your shoe size? 7 1/2

23.Pets? One cat, one Beta, a few million dust bunnies...

24.Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? We might be packing up to avoid Hurricane Gustav! There will be no room in the car for the family but at least I'll have my scrapbooks!! (Just kidding....slightly)

25. What did you want to be when you were little? Everything, but I most envisioned myself as a wife and mom: married with a boy and a girl. I got my dream!

26. How are you today? Pretty happy, which surprises me because life's been chaotic lately.

27. What is your favorite candy? Good chocolate.

28. What is your favorite flower? Roses

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? November 27th and December 25th...I love the holidays to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, cook and eat great food, visit with those I love, call those I can't be with, generally make wonderful memories!! (And open presents...I'm such a little kid!!) Oh...also my anniversary December 10. It'll be 14 years.

30. What is your full name? Guess!

31. What are you listening to right now? My husband return w/lunch from McDonald's (shhhh!!...don't tell...really, it's organic!!), my son telling me about his giant bubblegum bubble and Hype Man by TobyMac.

32. What was the last thing you ate? I plead the fifth! Alright, alright...a raspberry jelly donut and a kolache. You have to be bad sometimes. Besides, it's our Saturday morning routine with the kids.

33. Do you wish on stars? Only shooting

35 How is the weather right now? Sunny and humid

36 Favorite Restaurants? Chuys, Brio, Cheesecake Factory, Ya Ya Mary's, Red Robin, Taqueria Arandas, Pappadeaux, Jasper's, Tommy Bahamas Cafe, Sweet Tomatoes, Palomino, pretty much any place with good food.

37. Favorite soft drink? Dr. Pepper....just give it to me intravenously

39. Real hair color? Brown...I've never had it professionally colored.

40. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbies

41. Summer or winter? Fall.

42. Hugs or kisses? Kisses.

43. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate.

44. Coffee or tea? Coffee

46. When was the last time you cried? Last Saturday

47. What is under your bed? A shelf from our armoire that won't fit with the TV in it.

48. What did you do last night? Went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner w/the family; went to the mall--got some new unmentionables at Victoria's Secret (my DH spoils me sometimes) and a great deal on a tunic and 2 skirts at NY&Co. ($100 for $15) and watched DD build a bear; checked email; went to bed at 1:00am.

49. What are you afraid of? Spiders. The Dark. Pedophiles. Enclosed spaces.

50. Salty or sweet? bitter or hot? That would be all of the above.

51. How many keys on your key ring? Two key rings; three keys---one for the car, one for the house, one for the mailbox.

52. How many years at your current job? Almost 12 years...though it feels like a job sometimes, it's far more of an all too brief privilege.

53. Favorite day of the week? Friday

54. How many towns have you lived? 15

55. Do you make friends easily? I think so.

Soap Box

This is my blog and I'll rant if I want to!!

Since this is my blog, I'm going to get out something on my mind. I am passionate about a great many things especially injustices I see occurring in our world, community, even families and friendships.

A friend emailed me about a family she knows who lost their precious three-year-old son in a tragic accident. It breaks my heart this sweet family is suffering so much. And the parents are probably asking all the "what-ifs" of themselves and each other. I can only imagine the horrendous grief they are bearing.

As I researched this story online, I found the news report. There were many comments from family and friends, even strangers, offering their prayers for them. But among those were the typical judgments of those "perfect people". They probably aren't even parents.

I remember being that way when I was first married. Michael and I would go out to a restaurant and inevitably there would be a screaming child somewhere. On one such occasion, I remarked to my husband that [say it with me] "our child would not do that." Oh, to be young and know it all again!

Well, just a couple years later I had a screaming toddler who I could not control and my absurd judgment quickly returned to me. How foolish was I! A couple more years later there was another screaming toddler in tow. This one knew it all at the age of 2, and you could not convince said dear child otherwise. Not much has changed today, eight years later. However, I am glad that persistence is part of this one's character even if it is a bit annoying and infuriating at times.

We all have those moments when we think, I would never do that. And then we eat our words when we threaten to pulverize our children if they don't stop fighting. As difficult as those humbling moments are, I will take them. They remind me I'm human and therefore prone to screw up. They also reveal character traits I don't like but can change. Most importantly, I apologize to my children and they forgive me.

We must be slow to judge and quick to show compassion but our society is backwards. Every day I experience, and pass, judgment in a variety of circumstances, but hardly ever receive, or give, compassion. Lord, forgive me for being so haughty and reserving my love for those I deem worthy.

For those of you who think you know it all and would do it all exactly right, be careful what you say or share anonymously online. Your words will come back to bite you in the derriere.

Happy Belated Birthday Montreece!!!

How bad am I for not writing in almost two months? A lot has happened since my last post and it's too much to write now. I want to focus on one of my best friends.

As I write, I'm currently visiting her in Indiana...we're drinking my favorite Riesling (Columbia Winery Cellermasters Riesling), and watching an emotionally charged movie (Why Did I Get Married?---don't we all ask that question at some point). This is our usual routine since we live so far away from one another now.

We always have amazing "God-soaring moments" as she calls it. I expect nothing less when with her. She is an amazing woman who has grown in the Lord so much in a short amount of time. I feel like a baby Christian sometimes when I'm with her; she has such wisdom. She inspires, challenges and loves unconditionally. I love that about her.

Montreece...I am so blessed to know you. Thank you for being you.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I turned 33 today...yes, I know, I don't look a day over 21! My sweet husband got these adorable "Pink" pajamas for me from Victoria's Secret. And don't you just love the kitty's scratching post in the corner.

It was a challenging day as babysitter but got much better once they went home and we went to dinner at Carrabba's. It's one of my favorite Italian restaurants. My sweet mother-in-law got there early and told the server it was birthday and to bring me whatever dessert I wanted when I was finished with dinner. I usually order Tiramisu; I love the combination of espresso-soaked lady fingers with the liqueur. But this time I ordered their buttercream cake filled with fresh fruit. OM...it was great!

After that we went to Market Street and walked around. It was a beautiful night with a wonderful breeze. You would never have known it was so hot just a few hours earlier. We shopped at Bath & Body Works...they are having a fabulous summer clearance sale!! I will be back to spend my birthday money.

We ended with a trip to Cold Stone for the kids and Starbucks for me and the hubby. I got an iced green tea. I'm doing much better with my addiction. I make coffee at home instead of buying it out everyday and I'm only treating myself occasionally with a fat free hazelnut latte topped with whipped cream! It was a wonderful end to a hair-raising day!

Thanks to my dear husband, beautiful children and wonderful mother-in-law!! Thanks also to my family and friends who sent text messages, ecards and called to wish me a happy day! I love you all so much!!

Coffeeholic Returns

It was not to be.

With so many irons in the fire right now, truly working on eliminating unhealthy things from my diet and beginning to exercise more, I decided I was allowed one vice: coffee. And especially since I started caring for my neighbors' daughters. No sleeping in for me this summer, but that's okay. It gives me more time to watch the Today show. Though I haven't actually done that this week.

For those of you tsk, tsk, tsking my relapse: just think of something you can't live without and imagine giving it up cold turkey.

For the rest of you who are in love with the bean like me: grab a cup of Joe and raise your mug to Starbucks!

Addict Revealed

I did it. It was hard, but I did it. I gave up coffee. Starbucks, to be exact. I have been addicted for years.

Hi, my name is Melanie and I'm a Starbucks-aholic.

Coffee and I have shared a love affair since I was eight or nine years old when I would visit my grandparents and they'd let me have a cup or two or three. I felt grown up and besides, it tasted good all loaded with sugar. They drank it all day long, even with dinner. Michael's grandparents were the same way.

They also used the powdered non-dairy creamer. I loved it until I discovered half & half. The powdered stuff has never satisfied me since. When I got married and Michael would make me a cup, I wondered how to get him to make it just right, with the correct amount of cream. Then I had an epiphany! "Make it beige,"I told him. Perfect! He got it right every time with that technical instruction.

At this point, I was just drinking any old brand: Folgers, Maxwell House, John Conti. My first encounter with Starbucks left me turning up my nose. We went to Atlanta, Georgia to visit our best friends. This was a yearly trek we made for seven years until they moved back home. On one visit, we went to the mall and there was a Starbucks. People were lined up for miles for this coffee. I had to have some to see what the big deal was. I was not impressed; it was too strong!

I continued to drink my usual brands when a woman at MOPS told us about the business she and her husband started; it was a little coffee stand where you could get your fix while sitting in your car. Drive-thru coffee? Who knew?! That's when I discovered lattes.

With a big company like Starbucks, they didn't last long. And just my luck, one opened up right in front of my neighborhood. I am not kidding. It was literally 90 seconds from my house. My heart pounds as I type. I would go by occasionally, then frequently, then daily.

Michael soon put me on a budget. "Here's a card for you to use. I will fill it every two weeks. When you're out, you have to wait til then to get more or use your own money." This was in addition to my weekly allowance and I was in heaven, plus now I had more than him! ;) It still wasn't enough. So we started buying it to brew at home so it would reduce my daily trips. I even got a grinder so it would be fresh. My obsession quickly grew.

Having two children (one with ADHD, anxiety, etc.), moving across the country, moving across the state, homeschooling, etc. suddenly took me from "I love Starbucks" to "I NEED STARBUCKS!!"

So, after four Java Chip frappuccinos in one week and my weight not budging, I was snapped out of my caffeinated stupor. Also, if I had a cup of coffee I must have something to go with it: scone, muffin, Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. I realized I was sabotaging my efforts at weight loss with my obsession for Starbucks and sweets. I decided to go cold turkey.

It has been a week and a half, and yes, my family is still alive. I drink Black tea in the morning because I MUST have caffeine. I drink water and green tea the rest of the time. I actually crave less sweets now. I also started exercising....working up to a hundred crunches a day (currently at 65), climbing the stairs in my house, and walking with the family (which will soon have to happen at 3:00am because of the Houston humidity). I feel much better.

I will only drink coffee with dessert when we go out for special occasions or Sundays at church before serving in the nursery or when it's that time of the month or....

Have You Heard "I Hate You" Yet Today?

Today has been particularly trying and though I feel quite vulnerable, I need to share. What else is mommy blogging for, if not the preservation of my sanity? I also fear my child may hate me when the teen years arrive (I'm almost there!) for exploiting these issues. But, I am already hated plenty; so, what have I got to lose?!

I have an explosive child who suffers from ADHD and ODD. In the last few months, I have heard "I hate you" more times than I care to remember. This can be sparked by a negative response to a request or a consequence doled out for poor choices. If I don't do what said child wants, I will also hear this wonderful phrase. At first, I wanted to pound this child. Of course, that's not a wise option. Nor legal.

Then I tried reasoning:

Wise Mother: "Would you want mommy or daddy to say that to you?"

Child (now remorseful): "No."

Wise Mother: "You know it's wrong to say that, right?"

Child (now bored): "Yes."

Duped Mother: "You won't say it anymore?"

Wise Child: "No."

Duped Mother and Wise Child hug and all is right in the world. At least for five minutes, anyway.

We must have had that conversation fifty million times to no avail...obviously, because logic isn't present in the mind of a child in the heat of the moment or any other time. I hear a collective "Duh!" from the rest of you. Hey, I knew it; I was just hoping....

Now, I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm going to hear it at least once during the day and decided I would no longer react to this diatribe. I've been known to say, "You know, I haven't heard 'I hate you' enough today," when the little urchin spews those words at me upwards of ten or fifteen times, usually one right after the other while also throwing things and pounding on the walls.

So, today was another weary day (and it's not even over) of hearing the words I love so much. I took another approach, one that may not matter for a while (read: years) but it's important to me. I remembered a Scripture about sin being present where words are many. (The poor child gets it honestly) I opened my Bible right to the spot....ooohhh...scary! I copied it down feeling all wise and motherly, then shared it with my child. The timing may not have been right because I heard, "I know Mo-om!" accompanied by the eye roll when discussing what it meant.

I will not give up, though. I will keep reading it because I believe against all the odds, it will make a difference in this intelligent though moody child's heart and mind in the years to come.

That and not reacting with violence when the inner ugly child rears it's stubborn head.

P.S. Despite the issues we face, this child is actually quite intuitive, encouraging, tenderhearted, and champions the underdog. I can't wait to see what becomes of this beautiful gift from God!

What's In a Name?

Most of my posts have been humorous thus far, but I am a deep, serious person by nature. I tend toward the moody side, often brooding about life (Read: artist.) Even my name means "deep, dark." I was doomed from birth! However, my middle name means "victorious overcomer." Can you say oxymoron?

That said, I actually love my name. I don't run into too many Melanies, so I get to be unique. I have recently made a new friend and we have so much in common including our names, which I actually enjoy. It's like we have an instant connection because of it.

I adore unique names. One of my friends is named Montreece, and another, Samikarla. I met someone a few weeks ago named Maritza. And I love "Ziva" on NCIS. Those are great names! Definitely not on the top ten list of baby names. Even my son's name is unique, though I am hearing it more often. I won't be sharing his name; it's a security issue for this paranoid mommy.

So, how about you? Do you like your name? Is it unique or common? Does that drive you crazy or do you even care?

Laughter IS the Best Medicine

Here's what has us rolling on the floor laughing at our house:

• Dear daughter wants a drink so she gets a cup out of the dishwasher with freshly washed dishes which means some of the cups are filled with water so she decides to dump it out right there rather than in the sink. She doesn't realize the cat is standing on the open door as she pours out the water so it lands on his back. He promptly jumps a foot into the air and now looks like his fur has been spiked with gel. This is one of those stories you try to tell as you laugh and feel like you're going to hyperventilate before you get it out.
  
• Rocket jacked-up on catnip racing back and forth across the furniture then sliding across the end table and falling off.
• Rocket...again...realizing we're leaving the house runs toward the door then slides to a stop only when he hits it.

Apparently, most of the comedy at our home revolves around the kitty.

I know I have many funny stories about my kids but I can't think of any right now. Probably because they're on my last nerve today. Screaming "NO!" about doing school, bossing each other about ridiculous things, lamenting "I hate my life" when grounded...makes Mommy very crabby.

All I want for Mother's Day is for my kids to not fight (sung to the tune of "All I Want For Christmas").

Pain in the...

So much has happened in the last week or so and I am exhausted.

Michael had a severe muscle spasm in his back while we were in DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) last weekend visiting friends. His doctor prescribed him a muscle relaxer but it didn't help for long so we ended up in the ER late Wednesday night. The doctor gave him a couple shots of something, a prescription for Vicodin and sent him home. He was concerned about taking it so he only took one plus he had to work. Driving and Vicodin...not a good combination.

He was supposed to go to North Carolina for four days for a business trip so he took Friday off so we could take the kids to the zoo and then have a date night. It was a fun day and promised to be an equally fun evening. We went to Tommy Bahamas restaurant in Market Street. We've lived here over two years and have never been there. It was fabulous!! As well it should have been. Tommy thinks as highly of his food as he does his clothing. ;) We also planned to see Baby Mama.

I was looking forward to savoring my meal and talking to my dear husband without breaking up fights or playing 20 questions. Instead, I had to inhale my maple brined grilled pork tenderloin with dried cherry merlot chutney, sweet potatoes and grilled fresh asparagus because my dear husband was getting worse by the minute and squirming in his chair. So much for romance!

He took two of his pain pills when we got home and proceeded to wait for it to kick in. Mind you, he had already taken his muscle relaxer and Advil within the last two hours. When 90 minutes went by and he was still writhing in pain he decided to try out our neighbor's inversion table. It's a piece of equipment where you strap your feet in and hang upside down to stretch out your back. That offered no relief so his doctor said to get to the hospital, that he needed to have an MRI done.

A kind doctor passing by heard him cry out in pain, took pity, and got him a different pain med. This brought his pain level from a 10 to a 5. I teased him that he now had some idea of how painful childbirth is. By 12:30 in the morning, he was admitted to observation. I got home at 1:30 and couldn't get to sleep until 3:30...because I hate to be alone and because the cat wanted to play. The next night...morning...wasn't much better. That furball is down to eight lives.

All the tests were normal and he was able to come home yesterday late afternoon. His doctor said it must be muscular. I'm glad it's nothing requiring surgery but it's frustrating to not have answers for debilitating pain. We're going to consult a chiropractor.

Today has been hard for him because the pain is not gone. And now he has a fever. He just wants to be waited on hand and foot. They go to such extremes to get our attention, don't they?!

Foiled Again

It has been several days since my last post. I had several things I was ruminating over to share but simply had no energy because I got a cold last week that still has not gone away. My dear husband picked up Zicam for me because a friend of mine swears by it. Then another friend told me Zicam had been sued because their product has caused anosmia (loss of smell and taste). You can read about it here. I immediately stopped using it because hey, I love food too much!! Although, if I couldn't taste or smell it, I may not be tempted to eat so much since it would bring me no pleasure....

The kids and I do school four days a week and use the other day to go to the library, on field trips, etc. Last Friday was the first one since the holidays that we did not have to be somewhere early in the morning. So, I decided to use it as a catch-up day for me. You may recall I'm working on organizing my "multipurpose" room. I planned to get up early and get busy, and let the kids have a free day. But when I woke up I could barely swallow or breathe. I spent much of the day in bed. Boo hoo!

Saturday wasn't much better until I started using the Zicam, though I gave that up the next day. Yesterday, I felt like a truck hit me and thank God the kids were relatively good so I could rest.
Needless to say, I've been chasing zinc with orange juice, and drinking hot tea at every opportunity. Plus I'm guzzling water by the buckets which sends me running to the little girls' room every five minutes!

Anybody have any safe homeopathic remedies for the common cold? I'd love to hear your ideas.

Lurkers...You Know Who You Are

I know you're there. I'm keeping count.

Warning...Blogging Can Be Good for You!

I am addicted to blogging and have only been at it for a week or so. I have found it to be a therapeutic outlet. Michael must appreciate it also because I'm talking his ear off less.

Words cannot describe how I have changed...for the better...in a matter of days. I'm suddenly happier. I have always been a writer, if only for myself, journaling life's up and downs. Yet, lately I have been unable to stick with it. Blogging has reawakened me. Each day brings potential stories for my blog. I even have a notebook to write down all the ideas coming to mind. My husband thinks I'm crazy...but that's nothing new. I'm like this with my scrapbooking too. "Honey, I have this great idea for a scrapbook page so we need to create the scene for it." He laughs. I know you fellow "croppers" can relate.

Anyway...back to my newfound self...I find myself reacting to my children with even more silliness and less hair pulling...mine, not theirs, although some days....

For example, I give voices to animals. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I still love cartoons. Are there any without talking animals? BTW, my current favorites are Kim Possible and Phineas and Ferb. I have been known to plop on the couch with the kids to watch them while my husband...yep, you guessed it...laughs at me.

We have an adorable albeit ornery kitten, Rocket. He provides a lot of the comic relief at our house. When the kids pick him up to kiss him, he puts his paws out and pushes on their face. I cannot resist saying, "Stop! Please, no more. I said Stop! I'm gonna bite you. See...I warned you." Anytime he's terrorizing the place and bouncing off the walls I provide dialog for Rocket.

Michael, of course, thinks I'm crazy. Maybe I should start a list: Things Michael Thinks I'm Crazy For...no, About...no, Why Michael Thinks I'm Crazy Yet Loves Me Anyway. Yes, perfect!

So, my daughter thinks this is hilarious. Now she asks me to "talk" for the kitty. She has started doing this too. I got the warm fuzzies today imagining her doing the same thing with her children some day. Far better than the cold chills fearing she, or her brother, will repeat my many mistakes. I can only pray God strikes the undesirable ones from their memories.

...then again, they could write best sellers with all the material I've provided and take care of me in my old age.

And...I'll Have a Side of Cholesterol

Michael and I got some much needed quality time last evening while the kids hung out with Grandpa. And where did we spend it? Doing what else...grocery shopping sans kids.

As all good grocery shoppers know, you never go to the store hungry or you end up purchasing things you never would otherwise (i.e. Cheetos, Twinkies, etc.), so we stopped off at Champps before we headed to Central Market. Which is my favorite...absolute favorite...grocery store ever. We eat almost all organic food and it is the best with the most variety at a decent price.

Now back to our regularly scheduled blogging....

We usually share a meal and so we ordered a salad and peppercorn bacon burger. Hubby wanted the salad; I wanted the burger. I ate healthy at lunch and felt like indulging a bit. When our food arrived, the runner assumed I had ordered the salad...go figure! Why was he surprised? One look at my husband's face clued me in. He was staring at the monstrosity on my platter. Before me was a double-decker burger with all the fixings and queso waffle fries!

I assumed a burger was a burger and did not read the description. It had to weigh half a pound...probably more. I had actually ordered the Peppercorn Bacon Stack Burger. Had I noticed that key word I would have made a different selection. I could only eat a quarter of it and a few fries. Yes, I had some salad also.

I laughed when I recalled the look on the guy's face as he set it before me. No wonder he looked like I had two heads. I must have been the first woman to order that thing. I imagined him going back to the kitchen and yelling, "Guys, you gotta see this!" Too embarrassed to see if they were indeed staring at me through the glass, I forged ahead. It was fabulous...all juicy and dripping with greasy goodness.

Let's just say I'll be reading the "fine" print next time.

Cat...it's What's for Dinner!

Rocket has claimed his bed...my new wok.

My poor boys...

All the boys at our house aren't well....

My dear husband went to the cardiologist yesterday for problems with extra heart beats. He's had high blood pressure and now this. I actually saw him worried...which is my job. He usually acts so strong. It broke my heart to realize he's been burdened with the "what-ifs" regarding his health. So, I said, "That's it; we are definitely changing the way we eat. Japanese-style food it is." But what did we eat for dinner tonight as we scurried to make our house presentable for our small group? Little Caesar's pizza and crazy bread...I'm so ashamed.

Now onto my son. He has a fever again...some strange fever virus going around. He had it for a few days last week, got well, then it returned yesterday. All he's been able to do is lay around watching TV and playing on the PS3...wait a minute...how's that different from any other day?

And last but not least...our precious little kitty, Rocket, got neutered today. He's been a pitiful sight. He wants to sit but doesn't. He follows us around like he wants to be held but then growls when we do. And do you know how hard it is to convince your children to not touch him because he needs his rest, after they've been worrying about him all day?

Then I'm left to explain why he got surgery..."they cut his private parts so he couldn't make babies." Realizing that probably sounds incredibly horrific I elaborate, "You know the part that holds the stuff...um...you know...the sperm...that makes the babies. They cut that part and fixed it so if he gets out of the house he won't...." You get the idea! We have not had "the Talk" with the kids yet but I imagine them recalling this conversation and suddenly all will be clear.

Then I realize they may ask, "So is that what you did to daddy so you can't have anymore babies?"

Beautiful Day

It's a beautiful day here in Houston and I'm inside organizing the office/craft room/
school room. It's been a work in progress over the last two weeks. With two sick kids, one sick kitten and the never-ending daily tasks it has been quite difficult to get much done.

Today, however, everyone appears well so I got up early to get to work. I needed a few things so my sweet hubby went to Home Depot and Walmart. He's so sweet that way....getting me things when I ask without a complaint. I am not so gracious; I'm convinced it stems from being the gopher for my mom when I was growing up. I am learning from him. Anyway....

When he returned home, he told me not to come outside because he was working on a surprise. That's another thing he does that I love...little surprises just because.

Since we are leasing our home, we don't want to do much digging in the yard so we decided containers would be easiest. We eat mostly organic food and I thought it would be great if we could grow some things at home to cut our produce costs at the grocery store. Over half of our food budget is spent on produce and it gets expensive purchasing organic foods.

A little while later I was allowed to see what he had done. He created this container garden for me with some of my favorite vegetables and herbs. He even used organic soil. I'm so proud. What a great surprise!

Easter

Easter Sunday before the Egg Free-for-All (as my husband and I call it) at Fellowship of The Woodlands.

Hurry up! We can't keep our eyes open any longer!

This is Rocket...or Rocket Man as the kids like to call him.
He was exhausted after a day of terrorizing the house
and this was how he fell asleep!

To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool....Part II

There was such a passion in my heart to do this but my dear husband was not on board. I began researching and prepping my "case" to present to the "jury." I knew I would need to have all my information ready if this was to go well. I also prayed and prayed and prayed....and my friends prayed as well.

I told God He knew my heart and I believed He was speaking this to me but my husband was not budging, so for this to happen...if it was truly His will...He would have to help my husband change his mind. After many discussions that seemed to go nowhere I began to doubt. I finally asked my husband what his concern was with the whole thing. I feared he didn't trust my abilities.

He was concerned about how I would handle being home with them all day...mostly because they argue so much. He also wanted me to work to bring in extra income. I told him it would be hard being home with them 24/7 again but it was no reason to not follow my heart, my passion and most importantly, what I believed to be right for them. And as far as money goes, I believed the Lord would bless us for following His leading. He agreed to try it and here we are...eight months later counting the days until school ends! Just kidding...

I'm told the first year is the hardest because you don't know what to expect. It has been a learning experience. But is rewarding to be the teacher to my children...they'll only be here for a little while longer. I am so blessed to be able to stay home and educate my children the way I believe. I am thankful for the state we live in that doesn't put restrictions on how we do it. I appreciate others who've gone before us and share all their wisdom and experience.

By the way...if you homeschool or are thinking of homeschooling I believe the following book is a must-read: 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy. My friend Lanell told me about it. It's great! You should also read So, You're Thinking of Homeschooling by Lisa Whelchel (yes, Blair from the Facts of Life).

That was longer than I intended it to be but I couldn't stop the words from flowing. Blessings!

To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool....Part I

The last few weeks...no, make that months...have been crazy and our kids aren't even in any sports, dance, music classes right now...though they will be soon. The craziness is because this year we decided to homeschool both of our children. Before I reveal the present, let me take you back in time.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness....what...Oh, sorry. I was having an out of century experience.

Where was I...oh yes...My first attempt at homeschooling was when my sweet boy started kindergarten. After the newness wore off for him...about a month...he decided doing school at home was not fun. He proceeded to make life difficult for mommy. He had to be disciplined just to do school...and we're talking two hours maximum of school per day, really not a big deal. Try telling that to a five year old with VeggieTales to watch and Lego airplanes to build. So, it was off to public school he went. He loved it and truly looked adorable in his new backpack that was almost as big as he was!

Fast forward four years, after we moved from Indiana to Grapevine, Texas our sweet girl began to have severe anxiety about school in second grade. I quit my part-time job that I loved at Fish City Grill (my favorite seafood place in Southlake, TX) to homeschool her that year. We survived even after another move which brought us to Houston. I decided I wanted to continue to homeschool but her doctor was against it; my husband agreed with her, not me....yes, he's still alive.... ;)

So, both were back in school the following year and I was enjoying my freedom. But the desire never went away. Several of our friends and acquaintances homeschool and it seemed we had a built-in support system if we ever decided to do this.

to be continued....