The Ward Family

The Demise of Nintendogs

2009-12-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

My sweet girl just located her Nintendogs game today after months of not knowing where it was (because her room is usually a national disaster area). Her sweet doggie, Harley aka Trouble

did this to her game today:

This sort of thing brings weeping and gnashing of teeth at our house. Usually, I'm the one saying, "I'm gonna kill him!" whenever something gets chewed up. But today it was Harley's favorite human who wanted his hide.

I hugged her and then reminded her that she couldn't leave things out where "Jaws" can get to them. She laughed and forgot about her wrath toward the little fur ball.

Christmastime is Here!

2009-11-30T13:26:00.004-06:00

It was a beautiful day at church yesterday, so I took some photos with my new camera (It's 12 megapixels and I got it on Black Friday for $69. Aren't you jealous?!). I gave the kids our "old" camera...it's only three years old. It was a doorbuster deal in 2006; I got it for $49 at Target and it was 3 megapixels!! Oh, how the times have changed. Even though they have their own real camera now, they must use mine. The whole family got in on the picture-taking and everyone had to take some.

Michael and I love photography, so we fight over who gets the camera. We haven't turned it into a full-fledged hobby yet, but we're working on it. We are determined to have our own booth at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival one of these years.

In the above photo, I was experimenting with foreground shots. I've seen this technique on other blogs and just love 'em. This one turned out great. I love the kids in the background looking at the Christmas tree.

I am so excited about Christmas. It's my favorite time of year. I enjoy all the decorations, the lights and sparkle of it all. I love baking sweets for others to enjoy. I love the parties and the fellowship.

I also love the opportunity it brings to tell others about the true meaning of Christmas and the hope of Jesus. I pray you remember every day in December the real reason we celebrate this joyous holiday.

One of my favorite songs for Christmas and every day is by a group called Downhere. The song is How Many Kings. Below are the lyrics.

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only One did that for me

All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you

Watch the video here. I pray it speaks to your heart.

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!

2009-11-26T18:13:00.010-06:00

The turkey is smelling positively mouth-watering right now and there's not too much left for me to make. Actually, now that I think about it, there is quite a bit but it's all easy plus I have a willing and eager helper, Meg. She loves to cook and bake. In fact, she made the apple pie this morning. I helped with some instruction on the ingredients and assembly, but she did the rest.

Slicing the apples.

Pouring them into the crust.

Topping it with an oatmeal crumb mixture. Looking good!

Michael's parents drove up so there will be six of us. I love having Holiday dinners at our home. I wish more of our family could make it down from Indiana. *hint, hint*

Since you couldn't be here this year, enjoy these photos of our day. We love you all and miss you greatly!

Me preparing the veggies (in my pjs) to go under the turkey while roasting.

Ready to go!

BL took pictures while I put the food out buffet-style.

Homemade pumpkin pie...ummmm!

BL & Meg enjoying mashed potatoes.

Chocolate mousse in a small cup of chocolate.

BL about to enjoy his daddy's dessert!

Now begins the Thanksgiving Feast coma!

I have succumbed...

2009-11-17T20:31:00.005-06:00

Several months ago I stated that I would not be attending opening night of New Moon with all those "crazy fans." Famous last words.

Five of my girlfriends and I will be attending the 12:01 showing.

Not only am I going to see the movie that night, I am dressing up as Alice and decorating my car. We will also be meeting at The Goose's Acre for drinks and appetizers, then we'll go stand in line early to get the first pick of seats, hopefully.

I am prepared to hear talking, screaming and texting. Having imagined the worst, I hope I will be pleasantly surprised, but I will not hold my breath. I prefer people to be silent, except where appropriate exclamations are warranted, rather than chat with their friends throughout the film.

And I hate when movie-goers pay $9 to text incessantly on their cellphone, which shines incredibly bright in the dark theater. It hurts my eyes...*whining. I mean, seriously people, can't you go without texting or talking for a mere two hours?

Knowing these annoyances may occur, I already have a plan: I will be seeing the movie on the big screen three more times.

During the day the following week, while the teenagers are at school, you'll find me in the middle of the theater all by myself. This way I'm nearly certain to not have to battle with chatty teenagers. though, they may not be as bad as the Twilight moms on opening night. I hope to have the theater all to myself at 10:20 on a weekday morning (I'm not telling you when. I said I want to be alone!).

Then, my sweet hubby is going to take me out for a date night so we can see it together. He is actually looking forward to it because there is much more action in this one. Since Mom will be in town, we'll have a sitter...for free! Gotta love those grandmas!!

Last, if we decide there is no questionable material for the kids (11 & 13), then we'll make it a family event Thanksgiving weekend. They both get excited about the action sequences in the previews and have already expressed they "must see it!"

I have never seen a movie so many times at the theater. I can't wait to spoil myself!!

Back to Home School

2009-11-12T19:47:00.003-06:00

We kicked off another year of homeschooling a few months ago. We added Logic and God's Design for Heaven & Earth Science series to the basics plus Latin and Spanish. I am excited about this year since the kids are older and able to do more in-depth learning and studying. They're also learning more about personal responsibility, character and boundaries.

We attended the THSC State Convention for the second year and gained more insight into how to implement certain subjects and skills as well as what to let go for later years (like starting grammar in 7th grade rather than doing the same thing every year). Michael has really gotten into it this year and been more eager to participate in their studies, especially teaching citizenship and planning field trips.

He is a history buff which is a blessing because I am not. Some things about history I enjoy but all the battles and wars...boring! I prefer art history. We both enjoy science. So, he plans the history field trips; I plan the trips to the art museums. And we both plan the science trips, like to Space Center Houston or the George Observatory. We balance each other well.

Both kids are involved in groups for kids their age. This is great for getting them out to meet other homeschooled children with similar interests. It's great for me as well, to fellowship with other moms. We share ideas, encourage one another and, most importantly, eat chocolate and Rice Krispy treats.

Michael is coaching soccer again. He was an assistant a few times when the kids were little but this organization is much more thorough in how they run their soccer club. He and B are really enjoying it. One of the soccer dads asked Michael to join a men's league, so he plays with them twice a week.

Our weeks are full until the weekend before Thanksgiving! We'll be ready for a break.

Our New (Sort of) Puppy

2009-07-13T14:29:00.008-05:00

We added a new pet to our home several months ago. In February, Baby Girl saw a puppy running along the fence on the main road in our neighborhood. He had no tags and we had no idea to whom he belonged. He was so cute but we already had a dog, though he was a breed we said we'd always get some day: a Shih Tzu. We were having a hard time resisting the idea to keep him, but we wanted to be responsible about our decision.

Feeling sorry for whoever lost him, the next day we went to the house near where we found him to see if they could help. Sure enough, it was their puppy. However, she had five more; she was trying to sell them. I told her I would have to discuss it with my husband even though her offer was more than reasonable ($100!!).

As I walked back to my car to retrieve the puppy, I could see Baby Girl crying and saying "No!" while clutching the puppy. It broke my heart. I took the puppy from her and turned around, startled, because the owner had followed me out. She saw my sweet girl crying and asked if she wanted to keep the puppy. Of course, she nodded her head. This sweet woman then told my daughter she could keep him and to take good care of him, then gave her a hug and kissed her on the head. She gave him to us. For FREE!!

Piper checking out this new pup, Harley.

While he is very cute, he's still not my favorite pet. Rocket holds that position in my heart. I'm more of a cat person; I love how self-sufficient they are.

My favorite pet: Rocket.

Dogs are just so much work, especially puppies. House training nearly drove me insane. This one still goes in the house though not as often as when we first got him. We've cleaned the carpet twice.

He's not like most dogs who go to the door when they need to go out. Sometimes he does that. Other times he just goes on the floor. We have to be very diligent about taking him out regularly. We wised up to him a couple months ago when we realized he only goes upstairs to potty or find a stuffed animal to chew on. We have since blocked his access to the second floor.

Here he is full grown at 7 months, according to the vet.

Piper, the dog in the first picture, went to a new home. We were considering giving her away when we found Harley. She needed more room to run and a more active family. She was so sweet but just too high energy for us and our lifestyle. We were able to adopt her out through the local humane society. She now lives with a wonderful family that has three little girls who adore her. Oh, her new name is Lady. I hope you're happy and loved, Lady.

A New "Addiction"

2009-07-11T15:02:00.009-05:00

So, the Starbucks addiction has nearly disappeared. I don't need it every day or even once a week. Determined to save more money, I've been making coffee at home with my new French coffee press. It's the best way to drink coffee and enjoy the full flavor of the beans. I discovered some great local coffee shops too and, dare I say, better brands of coffee.

But enough about the java....

On a recent trip to Indiana, my sister was telling me about the movie, Twilight. I recall the hype surrounding this movie last year but having never read the books didn't get what was the big deal. While at the pool with a neighbor, she asked me if I'd read the Twilight saga. Of course, I hadn't. She told me to watch the movie before I read the books or I'd be confused.

On a date night with my hubby a few weeks ago, I saw a table devoted to all things Twilight. So, I picked up the first book and spent the next hour reading the first two chapters. I was hooked. I insisted we rent the movie that night. Oh my word...WOW!! That's all the description I can offer at this point except to say I loved it!

The next day was Friday; I bought the first two books, Twilight and New Moon, at the local used book store and proceeded to finish them over the weekend. I purchased Eclipse on Monday and finished it Tuesday night. Then my sweet hubby called four different Half Price Books around the city and found the only copy of Breaking Dawn available. By the next day I had read to page 612. I didn't finish it until Saturday because we had company; our best friends were down from Indiana. It probably would have been totally selfish and rude to ignore them and read my book. ;)

Now I understand why so many girls and women have gone crazy over this series. Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were made for those characters. I cannot picture anyone else in their roles. Rob also sings and two of his songs are in the movie, Never Think (playing in the background while they're at the restaurant) and Let Me Sign (while Edward sucks out the venom from Bella's wrist). He's quite soulful. The songs are perfectly arranged for those scenes.

As always, books are much better than the movie and that is certainly true here as well. Having read the books, I understand more of the unspoken moments in the movie. Particularly between Bella and Charlie. Their relationship comes across awkwardly in the film. But what you learn from the book is how alike they are and perfectly content most times to sit in companionable silence. This is hard to convey onscreen.

I also read Midnight Sun on Stephenie Meyer's website. This explains even better from Edward's perspective and when I watched the movie again, I understood even more behind his actions, facial expressions, etc. It is horrible that a friend betrayed her trust and leaked the manuscript. As of last summer, Stephenie had no plans to finish it. But I have faith she will, mostly because she is so loyal to her fans.

While I love these books and have found nothing offensive in them, I will not let my preteen daughter read them. The love story is so powerful and I am careful not to let my children view or read anything that would "awaken love before it's time" (Song of Songs 2:7). The society in which we live makes that hard enough. I am careful to guage their maturity before deciding what to allow them to listen to, read or watch. I do not always succeed but try my best.

That said, I am very pleased that Stephenie chose to keep Edward and Bella's relationship pure and have them wait until they are married. When they do consummate their love, it is not described. I have great respect for the author in choosing to avoid such "word pictures." It makes it even more appealing. I hope the subsequent movies will stay true to this important aspect of their character.

The next movie, New Moon, will be out in November. You can bet I won't miss it at the big screen this year. However, I do plan to avoid opening night (or weekend, for that matter) because of the crazy fans I'm certain will be there. I like to enjoy my movies without all the screaming and carrying on that happens. I experienced a little bit of that when New Moon was previewed while I waited for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen to start. Plus, I know my husband will be more likely to attend with me if I don't surround him with a bunch of hormonal teenagers and women.

Our Drive Up North

2009-02-26T13:57:00.009-06:00

We borrowed Kathy's van to make the trek to Indiana for Christmas. Airfare being what it was plus having two creatures (no, I don't mean the kids) that would cost hundreds of dollars to kennel, we decided to drive. Michael was not to thrilled with idea but in the end he said the trip went better than expected. Here are some photos from the drive to Indy.

Before...

After...

Notice the five black bags from the middle to the left side? That's my craft stuff I thought I would get to work on while away. HA! Better to plan ahead and take it than have to buy all new stuff while there, right?! Wait a minute, I just got an idea....

Ready to go?

* * * * *

This was the price of gas at a station outside our subdivision the day we left, December 27th.

We actually got gas for $1.14 at the Kroger's just a bit further down the road.

* * * * *

Rocket did not enjoy the trip. It was a traumatic experience for him. He shed like crazy and everything was covered in fur. Thank goodness for lint rollers. Every time we stopped he tried to bolt out; he even did it at drive-thrus when the window was down. His favorite place was on my lap while I drove. Otherwise, he slept on the luggage in back.

Piper slept here most of the trip--at the kids' feet.

Hope you enjoyed these; I'll post more later. We miss everyone back home. Y'all need to plan a trip to the South. We'll put you up at Chez Ward, chauffeur you around and take you to some of our favorite Tex-Mex and Barbeque joints around Houston. Make your reservation soon!

Bad Friend/Daughter/Sister, Etc!!

2009-02-25T22:09:00.003-06:00

I have been horrible at keeping y'all updated. Please forgive me!! It has been crazy and I have not made writing a priority. We're staying busy with homeschooling, and I recently started working out.

Michael and I are looking at university-model schools for the kids. We're planning ahead for the junior high/high school years and praying for what the Lord would have us do. Just taking the homeschooling thing one year at a time. It's enjoyable except when the kids are at each other's throats. Realizing....duh....they spend almost every waking moment together, we decided tonight to get them each into their own activity.

Bdawg played football last year but isn't involved in a sport for the Spring. We're going to get him a membership at the gym with us.

Baby Girl hasn't been involved in anything for a couple years now. She wants to learn karate; there just happens to be a mixed martial arts place down the road so we'll be checking that out this week. We also redesigned her room for her 11th birthday. It's tres chic!

Piper, the dog, is driving me crazy. She needs to learn some manners. We've had talks about appropriate affection but I don't think she gets it. She just loves to stomp on your feet or lick your toes to get attention, so we'll be taking her to obedience school soon.

Rocket, the cat, still rules the house. He lays around like he's the king, which is as it should be for cats, right?!

Last, and yes least, is Spike, the Beta. He's still alive because he doesn't get overfed...quite the opposite. Sometimes Spike goes a few days without freeze-dried worm bits. He sits on top of the fridge because Rocket tries to eat him--stuck his face right in the bowl. When we get busy, he gets neglected. Poor fish!

Oh...I almost forgot the rats. We have rats living in our backyard under the green electrical box. Our neighbor put out poison since they keep showing up in his yard to eat his dogs' food. They go through our yard to get home to die. They never make it. We've found six dead ones in the last week. How many has dear sweet hubby/dad disposed of? That' right...zero!! I've disposed of two and the kids disposed of three. (2 + 3 = 5...okay, make that five rats not six. I was just seeing if y'all were paying attention.) No, I didn't make them do it. They did this without my permission but they did use plastic bags. Good kids!

I'll have pictures to share soon.

Better Homes and Gardens Recipe Saver

2009-01-12T15:53:00.002-06:00

In this post you will find some of my new favorite sites that are helping me keep one of my resolutions for the New Year: to reduce clutter and stay organized. The clutter has been taking over certain areas of my home for far too long. I am determined to procrastinate no longer and get in gear.

Thanks to some enterprising and ingenious folks, I am on my way to keeping this yearly resolution with the following widgets, sites, etc. (I found these in the January issues of Real Simple and Better Homes & Gardens.)

Better Homes & Gardens Recipe Widget

This widget helps you find recipes, plan meals for one day or one week, creates a shopping list based on the recipes you choose and even finds coupons for you to use at your local grocery store.

You can also visit BHG.com/cozi for an awesome calendar that helps busy families keep up with all the appointments, extracurricular activities, to-do lists, even photos and more.

Jott.com

This website is great if you seem to only remember things to do while doing something else. I suffer from this almost constantly. It's why I keep a notebook with me everywhere it seems but then I have a gazillion "lists" in several notebooks. Not conducive to reducing clutter and staying organized.

Anyway, my favorite feature about Jott.com is that it turns your voicemail into text that it then sends to you when you tell it. So if I remember a long grocery list while driving (which always seems to happen), I don't have to hope and pray for a red light to type it into my phone. I simply call the toll free number, leave my list then it transcribes my words into a text and sends it to me when I need it. How cool is that! Are you as excited as I am right now?!

Evernote.com

I have all kinds of piles...mostly stacked in my office/craft/school room. I usually know what's in them but am overwhelmed by the clutter. I have a condition that causes me to keep magazines, even from two, three, dare I say four years ago because I am sure I will forget some idea I saw or moving article I read that must be immortalized.

I have given away many to various people because I cannot just throw them away. I have to know they're going to a good home. And when I do give or throw (gasp!!!) them away, I keep a record of my favorite ideas in a separate notebook so there is still paper to stack, file, save....

With Evernote, I can stop being so OCD and let the paper go because it will store it for me online: recipes, articles, etc. No more print outs because I might not remember it later. Similar to Jott.com, it will create checklists for me. It will even store "clips" with its Webclipper.

I am sure there are many more wonderful sites like these out there. I have offered just a few of my faves. I hope they encourage, inspire and motivate you to reduce clutter and stay organized.

By the way, I will be offering a weekly post about keeping resolutions so look for it every Monday on my other blog, Crafty Texan. My goal is to keep myself accountable (no more procrastination), learn from and possibly inspire some of you. Please share your New Year's Resolutions and what you are doing to keep them.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2008-12-02T08:34:00.008-06:00

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

2008-11-20T20:57:00.009-06:00

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!

2008-11-05T10:08:00.006-06:00

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?

2008-10-29T21:24:00.005-05:00

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

2008-10-27T21:06:00.005-05:00

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

2008-10-14T15:30:00.008-05:00

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!

2008-09-19T12:06:00.003-05:00

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?

2008-09-04T20:36:00.005-05:00

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

2008-08-30T12:31:00.004-05:00

"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

2008-08-30T12:01:00.002-05:00

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!!!

2008-07-31T21:56:00.004-05:00

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!!

2008-06-12T16:50:00.003-05:00

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

2008-06-12T16:38:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-20T13:22:00.003-05:00

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?

2008-05-14T16:18:00.008-05:00

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?

2008-05-13T09:00:00.003-05:00

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

2008-05-06T20:08:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-05-05T20:05:00.003-05:00

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

2008-04-22T08:44:00.003-05:00

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

2008-04-17T15:41:00.003-05:00

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

Warning...Blogging Can Be Good for You!

2008-04-16T22:55:00.005-05:00

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

2008-04-14T11:26:00.007-05:00

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!

2008-04-14T11:01:00.004-05:00

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

My poor boys...

2008-04-09T21:58:00.005-05:00

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

2008-04-05T15:28:00.005-05:00

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

2008-04-04T17:18:00.002-05:00

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

2008-04-04T16:58:00.002-05:00

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

2008-04-03T17:24:00.001-05:00

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....