Because I serve my public.
Tell me if you HATE the google-ad thing that comes up first on my blog. I'm just trying it out to see what happens. Apparently, I can earn $$ by allowing google ads on my stuff. If it's too annoying, I think I'll pull it off.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
And the award for mother-of-the-year goes to...
Me, of course.
If it wasn't enough that we've just had Christmas and family time like crazy, Jake talked to his friend, S, on Christmas day and invited him to spend the night Friday night.
We were going to take Zac's friend, K, out to dinner with our family so he could give her his Christmas gift, but she had to go out of town with her grandmother. Since the girlfriend plans were cancelled, and Jake was having S over, Zac asked if S's brother K could come stay with him. I, still being drunk on egg nog, apparently, added S and K's brother J to the mix. I didn't think it would be very nice to invite their #1 and #3 boys without having #2 also. All the boys are good friends anyway, and S, K, and J are SUPER GOOD boys, so it wasn't any trouble.
The boys' mom and dad went in to Baton Rouge to look at some furniture and dropped the boys off on the way. We had a great night. Everyone played outside until way past dark, played the Wii, played on the computer, and ate hot dogs and gingerbread house. The little boys slept in the living room on sleeping bags and the big boys slept in the bedroom. I finally fell completely asleep around 1:00 am and could still hear Zac and K giggling.
We had pancakes for breakfast, then everyone loaded up the rip sticks, skate boards, roller blades, and scooters to spend a couple of hours at the skate park.
Jackie came to pick up the boys from the skate park around noon. We came home and had lunch and did some house work and nap. Zac left later that evening to spend the night with another friend.
Unfortunately, the voting academy will not remember this award and the hard work it has taken to get here. They will only remember the demands for baths, tooth-brushing, room-cleaning, homework-doing and all the other things it takes to get to be mother-of-the-year. I'll bask in it for these few fleeting moments.
It was a beautiful day, incidentally. About 78 degrees.
The boys were wiped out. Zac slept for about an hour and Jake almost got another night's sleep with his 3-hour nap!
P.S. They (we) love their snuggies. We're cheesy like that! Maybe I'll remember to bring them to football games for extra warmth! Like that, Billy?
If it wasn't enough that we've just had Christmas and family time like crazy, Jake talked to his friend, S, on Christmas day and invited him to spend the night Friday night.
We were going to take Zac's friend, K, out to dinner with our family so he could give her his Christmas gift, but she had to go out of town with her grandmother. Since the girlfriend plans were cancelled, and Jake was having S over, Zac asked if S's brother K could come stay with him. I, still being drunk on egg nog, apparently, added S and K's brother J to the mix. I didn't think it would be very nice to invite their #1 and #3 boys without having #2 also. All the boys are good friends anyway, and S, K, and J are SUPER GOOD boys, so it wasn't any trouble.
The boys' mom and dad went in to Baton Rouge to look at some furniture and dropped the boys off on the way. We had a great night. Everyone played outside until way past dark, played the Wii, played on the computer, and ate hot dogs and gingerbread house. The little boys slept in the living room on sleeping bags and the big boys slept in the bedroom. I finally fell completely asleep around 1:00 am and could still hear Zac and K giggling.
We had pancakes for breakfast, then everyone loaded up the rip sticks, skate boards, roller blades, and scooters to spend a couple of hours at the skate park.
Jackie came to pick up the boys from the skate park around noon. We came home and had lunch and did some house work and nap. Zac left later that evening to spend the night with another friend.
Unfortunately, the voting academy will not remember this award and the hard work it has taken to get here. They will only remember the demands for baths, tooth-brushing, room-cleaning, homework-doing and all the other things it takes to get to be mother-of-the-year. I'll bask in it for these few fleeting moments.
It was a beautiful day, incidentally. About 78 degrees.
The boys were wiped out. Zac slept for about an hour and Jake almost got another night's sleep with his 3-hour nap!
P.S. They (we) love their snuggies. We're cheesy like that! Maybe I'll remember to bring them to football games for extra warmth! Like that, Billy?
Friday, December 26, 2008
Having a Wonderful Christmas Time
That would be the reason for the lack of posts lately.
By the way, I hate that song I used as my post title. It's one of those tunes that, at first, seems happy and benign, but then wraps itself completely around your brain and chokes it to death, much in the same way a wisteria plant can kill a 100-year old oak tree.
The festivities always begin, for me, with Thanksgiving. I've already told you that this year's Thanksgiving was the best ever. Part of the reason for that was the planning the girls in my family did for our annual trip to Salado, which we ditched, incidentally, for something much, much better. Usually, we go to Salado, in central Texas, north of Austin, for shopping, visiting, dinner at neat restaurants, crazy gift exchanges, game playing, movie watching, Christmas card addressing, shopping and more visiting, always with a few adult beverages mixed in for good measure and extra good visiting.
We wound up going to my aunt's lake house in Marble Falls instead. We did sneak in a little side trip on Thursday to Salado. It was really sad. The stores had hardly anything in them, there were only a few people, the great Mansion restaurant was closed up, and worst of all, the candy store was gone!!!!! They had the coolest candy store, called Sweet Nut Things, with all kinds of old-fashioned and interesting candies like candy cigarettes, bubble gum that looks like pebbles, gummy rats, individually colored m&ms, and lots of neat little toys and doo dads. I think that was the saddest of all for me, that the candy store was gone. We decided we would not go back.
In order to completely change the weekend so as to not compare to Salado, we did some completely different things.The weekend at the lake was almost like a dream. We had snacks, beverages, movies, a gift exchange, a hot tub, lake scenery, MASSAGES, manicures, dinner. Friday night was the official kick-off dinner at a restaurant in MF, Russo's. It was fantastic, I had the pepper-crusted salmon, which was a special of the day. After dinner we went back to the house, not to leave again until Sunday! Long story short, the massage was spectacular, the food/snacks/beverages prodigious, and most-importantly, the company beyond compare. You know, I have lots of girlfriends, but none, anymore, who I'd like to spend the entire weekend with except the girls in my family. Alas, I forgot my camera, so there is no photographic evidence of the revelry! However, Jake did lose his first tooth on Wednesday night after I'd left.
When I left the lake on Sunday, I brought my mom home with me. We had a great trip home. We listened to talk radio and the 70's channel on XM. When we got home, the Christmas lights were decorating the yard and George and the boys had cleaned up the joint. All of the laundry was done--not folded and put away--but done. They'd worked hard for me while I was relaxing all weekend.
George and I, both, worked Monday and Tuesday, so Mom stayed with the kids. We ramped it up into high gear getting ready for Christmas. Mom kept the kids Monday night so George and I could get some shopping done. We were going to get a bunch done on the 11th, but if you've been reading lately, that was Sneaux Day. We got everything finished that night.
The next couple of days were pretty low key. We went grocery shopping Tuesday, went to Christmas Eve services at church Wednesday, had lunch at Piccadilly after church, the boys worked on a gingerbread house kit (well, mostly Jake; Zac got in the picture just to irritate Jake), sent George back to church for the 5:00 service (he had to help serve Communion), and prepared our traditional Christmas Eve buffet.
The buffet came about several years ago, even before Jake was born, I think. We lived in Longview at the time and my mom was with us for Christmas. I was going to fix something nice for Christmas Eve dinner and asked Zac what we should have. He said, "Just make me a buffet of everything that I like." Zac has always been a good eater, so that was a tall order. I pared it down to appetizers: cocktail weenies, chips and salsa, guacamole, tamales, taquitos, veggies and dip, and cheese and crackers. Pair that with sparkling cider for the boys and wine for the adults, and you've got yourself a traditional Christmas Eve feast.
The rest of the night was the usual. The boys went to bed around 9:00, Mom went to bed around 10:00, George and I stayed up all night wrapping presents. At one point, both Zac and Jake wandered into the living room for water. Luckily, Santa hadn't come yet, so nothing was spoiled. When we finally went to bed, we took Zac with us. He was having a hard time sleeping. He tossed and turned and cried all night. He was so anxious that he couldn't sleep and was afraid he would ruin Christmas for Jake because Santa wouldn't come until he fell asleep. All was saved when he finally fell asleep around 3:30! Nice. Three and a half hours of restful sleep. Everyone was up about 7:00.
The rest of the day went as usual. The boys played with the Wii Santa brought, tried on almost all the new clothes they got, and cracked open the new art supplies. George made a delicious lunch of stacked green chile chicken enchiladas-New Mexico style. I took a nap.
Here is a quick picture wrap-up:
Santa calls the boys on Christmas Eve. Yes, Zac believes. As long as you believe, Santa still brings you gifts.
We had been threatening coal for some time with this one.
Zac finally got some American Eagle clothes. We got him that. Santa was NOT taking this credit!
Jake is quite an artist and loves all kinds of art supplies. He also loves his new Old Navy clothes. Santa didn't get to take that credit either.
By the way, I hate that song I used as my post title. It's one of those tunes that, at first, seems happy and benign, but then wraps itself completely around your brain and chokes it to death, much in the same way a wisteria plant can kill a 100-year old oak tree.
The festivities always begin, for me, with Thanksgiving. I've already told you that this year's Thanksgiving was the best ever. Part of the reason for that was the planning the girls in my family did for our annual trip to Salado, which we ditched, incidentally, for something much, much better. Usually, we go to Salado, in central Texas, north of Austin, for shopping, visiting, dinner at neat restaurants, crazy gift exchanges, game playing, movie watching, Christmas card addressing, shopping and more visiting, always with a few adult beverages mixed in for good measure and extra good visiting.
We wound up going to my aunt's lake house in Marble Falls instead. We did sneak in a little side trip on Thursday to Salado. It was really sad. The stores had hardly anything in them, there were only a few people, the great Mansion restaurant was closed up, and worst of all, the candy store was gone!!!!! They had the coolest candy store, called Sweet Nut Things, with all kinds of old-fashioned and interesting candies like candy cigarettes, bubble gum that looks like pebbles, gummy rats, individually colored m&ms, and lots of neat little toys and doo dads. I think that was the saddest of all for me, that the candy store was gone. We decided we would not go back.
In order to completely change the weekend so as to not compare to Salado, we did some completely different things.The weekend at the lake was almost like a dream. We had snacks, beverages, movies, a gift exchange, a hot tub, lake scenery, MASSAGES, manicures, dinner. Friday night was the official kick-off dinner at a restaurant in MF, Russo's. It was fantastic, I had the pepper-crusted salmon, which was a special of the day. After dinner we went back to the house, not to leave again until Sunday! Long story short, the massage was spectacular, the food/snacks/beverages prodigious, and most-importantly, the company beyond compare. You know, I have lots of girlfriends, but none, anymore, who I'd like to spend the entire weekend with except the girls in my family. Alas, I forgot my camera, so there is no photographic evidence of the revelry! However, Jake did lose his first tooth on Wednesday night after I'd left.
When I left the lake on Sunday, I brought my mom home with me. We had a great trip home. We listened to talk radio and the 70's channel on XM. When we got home, the Christmas lights were decorating the yard and George and the boys had cleaned up the joint. All of the laundry was done--not folded and put away--but done. They'd worked hard for me while I was relaxing all weekend.
George and I, both, worked Monday and Tuesday, so Mom stayed with the kids. We ramped it up into high gear getting ready for Christmas. Mom kept the kids Monday night so George and I could get some shopping done. We were going to get a bunch done on the 11th, but if you've been reading lately, that was Sneaux Day. We got everything finished that night.
The next couple of days were pretty low key. We went grocery shopping Tuesday, went to Christmas Eve services at church Wednesday, had lunch at Piccadilly after church, the boys worked on a gingerbread house kit (well, mostly Jake; Zac got in the picture just to irritate Jake), sent George back to church for the 5:00 service (he had to help serve Communion), and prepared our traditional Christmas Eve buffet.
The buffet came about several years ago, even before Jake was born, I think. We lived in Longview at the time and my mom was with us for Christmas. I was going to fix something nice for Christmas Eve dinner and asked Zac what we should have. He said, "Just make me a buffet of everything that I like." Zac has always been a good eater, so that was a tall order. I pared it down to appetizers: cocktail weenies, chips and salsa, guacamole, tamales, taquitos, veggies and dip, and cheese and crackers. Pair that with sparkling cider for the boys and wine for the adults, and you've got yourself a traditional Christmas Eve feast.
The rest of the night was the usual. The boys went to bed around 9:00, Mom went to bed around 10:00, George and I stayed up all night wrapping presents. At one point, both Zac and Jake wandered into the living room for water. Luckily, Santa hadn't come yet, so nothing was spoiled. When we finally went to bed, we took Zac with us. He was having a hard time sleeping. He tossed and turned and cried all night. He was so anxious that he couldn't sleep and was afraid he would ruin Christmas for Jake because Santa wouldn't come until he fell asleep. All was saved when he finally fell asleep around 3:30! Nice. Three and a half hours of restful sleep. Everyone was up about 7:00.
The rest of the day went as usual. The boys played with the Wii Santa brought, tried on almost all the new clothes they got, and cracked open the new art supplies. George made a delicious lunch of stacked green chile chicken enchiladas-New Mexico style. I took a nap.
Here is a quick picture wrap-up:
Santa calls the boys on Christmas Eve. Yes, Zac believes. As long as you believe, Santa still brings you gifts.
We had been threatening coal for some time with this one.
Zac finally got some American Eagle clothes. We got him that. Santa was NOT taking this credit!
Jake is quite an artist and loves all kinds of art supplies. He also loves his new Old Navy clothes. Santa didn't get to take that credit either.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A dinner-time prayer
This was the actual prayer given by Jacob before dinner last night.
God is great,
God is good,
Let us thank Him for our food.
By our hands,
We are fed,
Give us Lord our daily bread.
Thank you, Jesus, for Christmas.
And thank you for Santa.
I love Santa.
Good night, Santa.
Amen.
God is great,
God is good,
Let us thank Him for our food.
By our hands,
We are fed,
Give us Lord our daily bread.
Thank you, Jesus, for Christmas.
And thank you for Santa.
I love Santa.
Good night, Santa.
Amen.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Let It Snow!!!!!!!!!!!
How 'bout that?
How many times have you gone to bed with the weather man saying that there may be snow overnight and you make big plans to sleep in, play in the snow, watch TV, and drink hot chocolate only to be disappointed with a cold rain?
Not so here in south Louisiana!!! Mother Nature must've allowed the Snow Miser to have some fun for the day down here. I'm not sure where the Heat Miser was today.
This is what we woke up to this morning.
After breakfast, we got dressed to go outside and play since snow doesn't last very long down here. The forecast was already changing the snow to sleet, then freezing rain, then rain. Our window was short, but we optimized all of the time!
Snow Angels, of course.
Zac and Jake with the girls next door.
Just general playing.
I leave you with a few pictures that I think are pretty.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Snow, Maybe
There's a good chance that it may snow or ice over tonight.
The children are nestled all snug in their beds, while hopes of a snow day dance in their heads.
I'll let you know.
The children are nestled all snug in their beds, while hopes of a snow day dance in their heads.
I'll let you know.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Update
The mom came to pick up the kids right when I finished the last post. We left for church right away...and made it there on time.
Then there was a message on my cell phone apologizing for the kids staying there. She didn't realize that I didn't know they were going to their storage to pick up a sofa.
I think she felt bad for not talking to me personally.
Now I feel bad that I got into a wad over it...Knowing what I know about her boyfriend, I'm a little afraid of how everything will hash out. He's a jackass and will probably treat her badly.
Then there was a message on my cell phone apologizing for the kids staying there. She didn't realize that I didn't know they were going to their storage to pick up a sofa.
I think she felt bad for not talking to me personally.
Now I feel bad that I got into a wad over it...Knowing what I know about her boyfriend, I'm a little afraid of how everything will hash out. He's a jackass and will probably treat her badly.
What in the world am I supposed to do?
The kids were at the back door neighbor's house playing (yes, that one) when Zac called to see if it was okay if they all came over to play here. I said sure. What I didn't know was that I was baby sitting.
They have two girls (hers) and a boy (HIS). The girls are really sweet, but that boy totally makes me appreciate my two boys. I don't really think he fully computes when you speak to him.
At any rate, the mom and dad went to Home Depot, I think. I'm supposed to leave at 4:00 for church and they're not home yet!
They've been here about an hour and a half and have eaten all of my bread. I made PB&J because everyone was hungry (the boy demanded something to eat). Oh yeah, the dog, Ginger, is also in my back yard (Buddy is in his kennel in my room) because she kept getting out of their yard. She was going out of her mind with the kids over here playing.
Another day in paradise. Four minutes and counting.
**EDIT**Oh, one more thing. Neither parent is answering their phone.
They have two girls (hers) and a boy (HIS). The girls are really sweet, but that boy totally makes me appreciate my two boys. I don't really think he fully computes when you speak to him.
At any rate, the mom and dad went to Home Depot, I think. I'm supposed to leave at 4:00 for church and they're not home yet!
They've been here about an hour and a half and have eaten all of my bread. I made PB&J because everyone was hungry (the boy demanded something to eat). Oh yeah, the dog, Ginger, is also in my back yard (Buddy is in his kennel in my room) because she kept getting out of their yard. She was going out of her mind with the kids over here playing.
Another day in paradise. Four minutes and counting.
**EDIT**Oh, one more thing. Neither parent is answering their phone.
The Ragsland Exchange
When the kids and I got home from church, they turned to YouTube to settle an argument about a song they were singing. It's a song called "Whatever You Like," by T.I. It's some dumb rap/hip-hop song they like. They settled their disagreement, then started looking up other videos--Red Hot Chili Peppers, Puddle of Mudd, Jimi Hendrix, Fall Out Boy, The Jonas Brothers--then went back to one of their standards "Tell 'Em-Crank That Soulja Boy," by, who else, but Soulja Boy. Zac was doing the dance and Jake was telling him not to. Then Jake got up to go get his jacket to play outside.
Me: He can dance if he wants to.
Jake: Yeah, but he doesn't look right.
Me: Y'all were doing so good with the videos until you started with the rap. Why do y'all like that music anyway?
Jake: Because you hate it.
Out of the mouth of babes.
Me: He can dance if he wants to.
Jake: Yeah, but he doesn't look right.
Me: Y'all were doing so good with the videos until you started with the rap. Why do y'all like that music anyway?
Jake: Because you hate it.
Out of the mouth of babes.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Just one more reason I'm glad my mom is spending Christmas with us
I turned on the heater tonight. We have a sort of Mexican stand-off with the heater around here. I always lose since I live with the human heater. We don't usually turn on the heater until my mom comes for Christmas, but I was so cold tonight and couldn't warm up...I turned on the heater...just to cut the chill. George is not home; don't tell him. It's just plain cold!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I don't even know how to title this
I don't care who you think you are, but the man IS the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES for cryin' out loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Put on your government-issued big girl panties, stand with him and be nice!!!!!!!!! .
Stupid, Stupid, Stupid.
Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SybaqYOwzxc&eurl=http://wjbo.com/pages/mattkennedy1.html
You probably have to cut and paste the link into your address bar.
Stupid, Stupid, Stupid.
Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SybaqYOwzxc&eurl=http://wjbo.com/pages/mattkennedy1.html
You probably have to cut and paste the link into your address bar.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
UpdatePalooza
Since we last spoke, Internet, we've had a lot going on. Lessee, where to begin...
The day after Zac's cross-country meet, George had some surgery on his leg. He had a laser ablation and phlebectomy. Those links only really show pictures of the procedure. I got to watch! Woo Hoo! George didn't mind that I was in there (neither did the doctor). I reminded George that he got to be in on both of my c-sections. George said that he HAD to be there; he had a very important job to do (cutting the cord). Well, in the middle of the laser ablation, the doctor turned to me and asked me to turn up the power on the laser. Good thing I was there.
It really was cool watching. They used these tiny, bent crochet needles to pull out the lower veins. It wasn't bloody or gross. What was funny, though, was about mid-way through, they had to use more anesthetic on the lower leg, after they had already poked a bunch of holes to pull out the vein, and the anesthetic started shooting out of the holes like a fountain.
Anyway, that all went off without a hitch and they were able to do more than they thought.
The kids rode the bus home with their friends. I wasn't so worried about Jake making it to the bus since the teachers make sure the kids get where they're supposed to be, but Zac was different; they just dismiss the kids and they get to their bus. Well, Zac's friend rides bus 30-something, but it's been out of service for about a month, so they've been on a substitute bus. Naturally, when Zac went out to get on with his friend, who is in 8th grade, so they don't see each other when school lets out the regular bus was back and Zac couldn't find it. I got a call from a FRANTIC boy around 2:35. George's procedure had just completed and we were still in Baton Rouge. I called my friend, Tammy, to see if she could go get him, but she was at the gym and didn't have her phone with her. Her father-in-law was at her house, but he was just leaving for a doctor's appointment. I called my co-worker, April, and asked her to close up the office, go get Zac, and take him out to Tammy's house. Of course she did, but while April was on her way, Tammy got the message off her phone, and from her father-in-law and met April at the school to get Zac. April went back to work and Tammy made it home with Zac. He was devastated; he thought he was in trouble for missing the bus. We had to talk him down a bit (I don't know where he gets it), but all was well.
Since the kids were taken care of for a little while, and George and I were in BR, we went down to this industrial supply place to pick up a 55-gallon barrel for the trash can dinner we were doing with our friends on Saturday.
**Side Bar** The trash can dinner was planned right after George scheduled his surgery. The doctor's office said he could resume normal activities the next day after the procedure, so we took it literally. **Close Side Bar**
We got out to Tammy's to pick up the kids and visited for a little bit, then went home. Luckily, Tammy gave us a gallon of gumbo to have for dinner, because right when we drove up, the people who were buying George's jeep pulled up in our drive way. They weren't supposed to be there until Friday, so we didn't have any paper work or anything ready yet. I put the gumbo on to warm up and got to work on the bill of sale. After all of that was finished, we finally sat down to eat at 8:00! I was grateful for the gumbo, otherwise we would've had PB&J for dinner.
I'd like to say that we took it easy on Friday so George could recover a little, but he had some stuff to do at work, so I drove him down there to do that. Then we went to Academy to see about some athletic pants for him to be able to wear more easily than jeans while he has to wear the compression stocking on his leg and also to get some new uniform pants for Jake. There were no pants for Jake, but George got a couple of pair. We had lunch at a seafood place in BR which was pretty good, except the cocktail sauce was too vinegary. I had to work that afternoon, so I dropped George at home so he could relax a little. But only a little.
Okay...I'm back to this and it's now Dec. 2.
Here are the pictures from the trash can dinner.
Resting...but only for a minute.
Who woulda thought eating out of a trash can could be so good???
It was a blast. We got to Chris and Tammy's house around 3:00 and stayed until around 10:00 that night. The food was great and the company was even better!
Next was Thanksgiving. I think it was the best ever. As usual the food was great. My family did not enjoy the chocolate green chile pecan pie, though. I take that back; my cousin Rhett, who just graduated from culinary school, liked it. I'll post some pictures of Thanksgiving at the end.
The best part of that long weekend was all the visiting, planning and fun we all had. Naturally, I'm really only speaking for myself and my family, but it really seemed like everyone had a great time. My brother, his wife, and their brand new not-so-little boy stayed until Friday, as did my sister, her husband, and their not-so-brand-new little boy.
I realized that my grandpa turned 88 this year. I really thought he was only 84 or so. Both ages are really old, but 88 is dangerously close to 90. I'm so grateful for every day that I have with my grandpa. He is THE SWEETEST MAN ON THE PLANET. That is no exaggeration.
When we left the lake from Thanksgiving, we went over to George's brother's house in Kyle. His nephew is a football coach in Mason and their team played in a playoff game Friday night in Kyle. They lost the game, unfortunately. Luckily, his wife is no longer a football widow. I guess they'll gear up for baseball now, but I don't think the practice schedule is quite as intense. It was good to see most of that side of our family. Zac and Jake had an absolute blast playing with their cousins. Actually, I think they're all 2nd cousins. George's nieces and nephews are almost as old as he is, so all of their kids are the same age as ours.
Things have settled back into a routine around here. I've got TONS of laundry to get folded and put away and the house to get cleaned up. I'd like to put up our Christmas decorations this weekend. I'm not doing anything until this house is clean.
Pictures from Thanksgiving:
The newest additions to the family. We seem to grow exponentially each year!
Someone's always got an opinion about something.
Always more than we can eat...and these are just the LEFTOVERS!!
The day after Zac's cross-country meet, George had some surgery on his leg. He had a laser ablation and phlebectomy. Those links only really show pictures of the procedure. I got to watch! Woo Hoo! George didn't mind that I was in there (neither did the doctor). I reminded George that he got to be in on both of my c-sections. George said that he HAD to be there; he had a very important job to do (cutting the cord). Well, in the middle of the laser ablation, the doctor turned to me and asked me to turn up the power on the laser. Good thing I was there.
It really was cool watching. They used these tiny, bent crochet needles to pull out the lower veins. It wasn't bloody or gross. What was funny, though, was about mid-way through, they had to use more anesthetic on the lower leg, after they had already poked a bunch of holes to pull out the vein, and the anesthetic started shooting out of the holes like a fountain.
Anyway, that all went off without a hitch and they were able to do more than they thought.
The kids rode the bus home with their friends. I wasn't so worried about Jake making it to the bus since the teachers make sure the kids get where they're supposed to be, but Zac was different; they just dismiss the kids and they get to their bus. Well, Zac's friend rides bus 30-something, but it's been out of service for about a month, so they've been on a substitute bus. Naturally, when Zac went out to get on with his friend, who is in 8th grade, so they don't see each other when school lets out the regular bus was back and Zac couldn't find it. I got a call from a FRANTIC boy around 2:35. George's procedure had just completed and we were still in Baton Rouge. I called my friend, Tammy, to see if she could go get him, but she was at the gym and didn't have her phone with her. Her father-in-law was at her house, but he was just leaving for a doctor's appointment. I called my co-worker, April, and asked her to close up the office, go get Zac, and take him out to Tammy's house. Of course she did, but while April was on her way, Tammy got the message off her phone, and from her father-in-law and met April at the school to get Zac. April went back to work and Tammy made it home with Zac. He was devastated; he thought he was in trouble for missing the bus. We had to talk him down a bit (I don't know where he gets it), but all was well.
Since the kids were taken care of for a little while, and George and I were in BR, we went down to this industrial supply place to pick up a 55-gallon barrel for the trash can dinner we were doing with our friends on Saturday.
**Side Bar** The trash can dinner was planned right after George scheduled his surgery. The doctor's office said he could resume normal activities the next day after the procedure, so we took it literally. **Close Side Bar**
We got out to Tammy's to pick up the kids and visited for a little bit, then went home. Luckily, Tammy gave us a gallon of gumbo to have for dinner, because right when we drove up, the people who were buying George's jeep pulled up in our drive way. They weren't supposed to be there until Friday, so we didn't have any paper work or anything ready yet. I put the gumbo on to warm up and got to work on the bill of sale. After all of that was finished, we finally sat down to eat at 8:00! I was grateful for the gumbo, otherwise we would've had PB&J for dinner.
I'd like to say that we took it easy on Friday so George could recover a little, but he had some stuff to do at work, so I drove him down there to do that. Then we went to Academy to see about some athletic pants for him to be able to wear more easily than jeans while he has to wear the compression stocking on his leg and also to get some new uniform pants for Jake. There were no pants for Jake, but George got a couple of pair. We had lunch at a seafood place in BR which was pretty good, except the cocktail sauce was too vinegary. I had to work that afternoon, so I dropped George at home so he could relax a little. But only a little.
Okay...I'm back to this and it's now Dec. 2.
Here are the pictures from the trash can dinner.
Resting...but only for a minute.
Who woulda thought eating out of a trash can could be so good???
It was a blast. We got to Chris and Tammy's house around 3:00 and stayed until around 10:00 that night. The food was great and the company was even better!
Next was Thanksgiving. I think it was the best ever. As usual the food was great. My family did not enjoy the chocolate green chile pecan pie, though. I take that back; my cousin Rhett, who just graduated from culinary school, liked it. I'll post some pictures of Thanksgiving at the end.
The best part of that long weekend was all the visiting, planning and fun we all had. Naturally, I'm really only speaking for myself and my family, but it really seemed like everyone had a great time. My brother, his wife, and their brand new not-so-little boy stayed until Friday, as did my sister, her husband, and their not-so-brand-new little boy.
I realized that my grandpa turned 88 this year. I really thought he was only 84 or so. Both ages are really old, but 88 is dangerously close to 90. I'm so grateful for every day that I have with my grandpa. He is THE SWEETEST MAN ON THE PLANET. That is no exaggeration.
When we left the lake from Thanksgiving, we went over to George's brother's house in Kyle. His nephew is a football coach in Mason and their team played in a playoff game Friday night in Kyle. They lost the game, unfortunately. Luckily, his wife is no longer a football widow. I guess they'll gear up for baseball now, but I don't think the practice schedule is quite as intense. It was good to see most of that side of our family. Zac and Jake had an absolute blast playing with their cousins. Actually, I think they're all 2nd cousins. George's nieces and nephews are almost as old as he is, so all of their kids are the same age as ours.
Things have settled back into a routine around here. I've got TONS of laundry to get folded and put away and the house to get cleaned up. I'd like to put up our Christmas decorations this weekend. I'm not doing anything until this house is clean.
Pictures from Thanksgiving:
The newest additions to the family. We seem to grow exponentially each year!
Someone's always got an opinion about something.
Always more than we can eat...and these are just the LEFTOVERS!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I was tagged
My sister tagged me and I've been agonizing over it since. It seems like a few funny things have happened lately, but my mind's been consumed with thinking about 7 things about myself. It is all about me, after all.
Zac ran in the Metro Meet yesterday. It's the final cross-country meet of the season. The middle school boys and girls all ran together. It was cool, wet and a little drizzly. In the high school girls' race before Zac's, there were lots of girls coming in without shoes and a couple had lost their socks too. Zac made it in with both of his shoes and socks with a time of 15:45. He did great. I maintain that no matter what his time was, he still ran 2 miles yesterday. What the hell did you or I do? (Bruce may not answer this question. No one wants to hear about eating twigs for breakfast, running the stands at the football stadium, lifting low weights with a ridiculous amount of reps, then running an hour on the treadmill, all before you head out to work! Just kidding, Bruce.)
So with all of this preoccupation thinking about myself, jotting down a note when something about me comes to mind, and mulling over all of my idiosyncrasies, I could only come up with 4. I'm sure those of you who know me well may add to my list, but I'm not in the habit of thinking about myself (I am a mom and wife, after all). Feel free to add to the comments if you think of something I missed. Don't be too mean, though, or I'll delete you. I will do it; don't test me.
"Seven" things:
1. I enjoy teen-angst television like Degrassi and Gossip Girl.
2. I refold towels after the family helps fold clothes.
3. I love grocery shopping.
4. Whenever possible, before I use toilet paper or paper towels, I change the roll so the end comes over the top instead of from under the roll.
Here's my sixth picture:
Appropriate. This is the starting line-up at one of Zac's cross-country meets a couple of weeks ago.
I don't think I'll tag anyone with this. I don't want to pass on the agony.
Zac ran in the Metro Meet yesterday. It's the final cross-country meet of the season. The middle school boys and girls all ran together. It was cool, wet and a little drizzly. In the high school girls' race before Zac's, there were lots of girls coming in without shoes and a couple had lost their socks too. Zac made it in with both of his shoes and socks with a time of 15:45. He did great. I maintain that no matter what his time was, he still ran 2 miles yesterday. What the hell did you or I do? (Bruce may not answer this question. No one wants to hear about eating twigs for breakfast, running the stands at the football stadium, lifting low weights with a ridiculous amount of reps, then running an hour on the treadmill, all before you head out to work! Just kidding, Bruce.)
So with all of this preoccupation thinking about myself, jotting down a note when something about me comes to mind, and mulling over all of my idiosyncrasies, I could only come up with 4. I'm sure those of you who know me well may add to my list, but I'm not in the habit of thinking about myself (I am a mom and wife, after all). Feel free to add to the comments if you think of something I missed. Don't be too mean, though, or I'll delete you. I will do it; don't test me.
"Seven" things:
1. I enjoy teen-angst television like Degrassi and Gossip Girl.
2. I refold towels after the family helps fold clothes.
3. I love grocery shopping.
4. Whenever possible, before I use toilet paper or paper towels, I change the roll so the end comes over the top instead of from under the roll.
Here's my sixth picture:
Appropriate. This is the starting line-up at one of Zac's cross-country meets a couple of weeks ago.
I don't think I'll tag anyone with this. I don't want to pass on the agony.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Hope
Quite a word to be bandied about lately.
Yesterday, Americans had a revolution. We don't complete revolutions with guns or intimidation. We own our revolutions at the voting booth. That alone gives me hope. I hope we can hold out for 4 years!
Yesterday, Americans had a revolution. We don't complete revolutions with guns or intimidation. We own our revolutions at the voting booth. That alone gives me hope. I hope we can hold out for 4 years!
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Ragsland Exchange
Zac: Mom, you know Jacob, Tyler's new little brother? Well, he was an accident.
Me: I'm not sure I'd call a baby an accident; more like unplanned.
Zac: Well, unplanned, or whatever, it could happen to you.
Me: Not so much really. Maybe only in the most bizarre of circumstances.
Zac: Why? Will you and Dad have to get a baby from Africa?
Me: No. When I had Jake, I had a procedure to prevent me from having anymore babies.
Zac: Oh, so have you gone through that phase (fanning himself while he talks) where you get all hot and sweaty?
Me: I'm not sure I'd call a baby an accident; more like unplanned.
Zac: Well, unplanned, or whatever, it could happen to you.
Me: Not so much really. Maybe only in the most bizarre of circumstances.
Zac: Why? Will you and Dad have to get a baby from Africa?
Me: No. When I had Jake, I had a procedure to prevent me from having anymore babies.
Zac: Oh, so have you gone through that phase (fanning himself while he talks) where you get all hot and sweaty?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
And now, another installment of...The Buddy Chronicles
I hope you used your best radio announcer's voice for that title. If you didn't, go back and read it again.
Thanks. Now your mood is set.
Yesterday, Zac didn't have after-school practice, so he road the bus home. He had a science project due for today that we immediately started working on. He had to make a 3D model of a plant or animal cell. We chose plant cell; mostly because we had an available shoe box to start the project.
So we're gathering up all of the supplies--tape, wrapping paper, play-doh, modeling clay--and I walked through the kitchen and glanced up at the clock on the microwave: 3:35. Like a woman possessed, I screamed, "Oh my gosh!!!!!! I have to go get Jake!!!" And I dashed out of the house.
Buddy, not missing his opportunity at an escape while I was in a crazed state, dashed out of the house. My last words to Zac were, "Don't worry about going after him, he'll be back."
I flew to the school, speeding the ENTIRE way, so as to avoid another incident with being late like before. Yes, I would rather pay an $80 speeding ticket than give the Principal the satisfaction of me being late. Twisted, I know, but that's how I roll.
At any rate, I was NOT the last person in line. In fact, there were at least 15 more cars behind me when I got to the front. AND there were WWWAAAYYY more than 15 kids still waiting. I digress.
We made it home and Buddy was back. Not only was he back, but he brought home a friend. A cute little dog that looked exactly like Buddy, but with black and brown hair and a long, curly tail. This dog was also wearing a fur-lined hoodie that said "Fly Dog" on the back. He was dressed to go visiting. Of course, he was not wearing a collar. (Why, oh why, don't people put a collar on their animals?)
I was about to get frantic at this point because Zac had this project to do, Jake had homework, and we had this dog to figure out now. On top of all of this, since Zac's in a bit of trouble with the phone situation, I couldn't just send him out walking with this new dog to find his people. I did what I usually do; I called Tech Support. That's what I call George when I'm frantic, computer-wise, or other-wise.
While I was on the phone with Tech Support, Buddy and his friend are running around the living room playing, the kids are chasing them and hollering, and I was trying to get some advise from "Kevin" (my tech guy from India). I went over to the dogs--Buddy was trying to get frisky with the new dog (he's so friendly), broke up the love, and the new dog hunched his back over and hunkered down to poop!
I started screaming, "No, no, no!" over and over. I picked up the dog and carried him, still hunched over, to the back door and put him out. George is laughing at the pandemonium, the kids are in hysterics and I'm cleaning up poop from the floor. Luckily, it wasn't messy.
I went back outside, but the dog was gone. I guess he made it home...
I guess that's the lesson with bringing home a friend. Make sure they're house-trained, or I'll put them out.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
One of the reasons I think the south (TEXAS) is GREAT
This weekend we took a whirlwind trip to Marble Falls, TX. My aunt had a retirement party for my mom and my other aunt. *Most* of the family made it. Actually, the usual suspects: Grandma, Grandpa, uncle, aunt, uncle, aunt, uncle, aunt, cousin, cousin's wife, cousin's boy, and US. My brother and his wife couldn't come because he's preoccupied with his newborn (and isn't ready to travel) and my sister and her family couldn't come because of a prior commitment.
We left about 1:00 on Friday and drove to Houston, where I had bought, on-line, tickets to High School Musical 3. MONTHS ago, we promised the boys we'd see the movie on opening night. At least that's what I keep telling myself. That Zac Efron is such a cutie, I don't need much of an excuse to watch him. The movie was great. Clean, sweet, and fun. It tied up all of the loose ends just exactly the way you'd want it. We headed on to MF and arrived around 1:00am, after a short detour to Fredricksburg (thanks, MapQuest).
I'll let the photos do the 'splainin' for why the south is great. Remember, this party was October 25th.
The Retirees
And finally, my sweet Grandma and Grandpa
We left about 1:00 on Friday and drove to Houston, where I had bought, on-line, tickets to High School Musical 3. MONTHS ago, we promised the boys we'd see the movie on opening night. At least that's what I keep telling myself. That Zac Efron is such a cutie, I don't need much of an excuse to watch him. The movie was great. Clean, sweet, and fun. It tied up all of the loose ends just exactly the way you'd want it. We headed on to MF and arrived around 1:00am, after a short detour to Fredricksburg (thanks, MapQuest).
I'll let the photos do the 'splainin' for why the south is great. Remember, this party was October 25th.
The Retirees
And finally, my sweet Grandma and Grandpa
My sister's going to kill me...
But this tattling is germane to what I'm about to tell you.
When my sister was about 7 or 8 years old, New Kids on the Block were at the pinnacle of their popularity. Marketing was rampant, pop-radio airplay was nauseating, and fan-love was rabid.
One of the marketing ploys they used was particularly insidious. During children's television programming, they advertised a 900 number that you could call and talk to your favorite NKOTB boy. Of course, a 7-year-old girl doesn't know about the $2.95 connection fee and the 99c/minute fee thereafter.
I think you can see where this is going...When my mom got the phone bill, it was about $800. It may have been more, or less, but you get the point. For a person whose phone bill has always hovered around $50, I can imagine the reaction.
I just lived it.
Skip forward 20 years to cell phones.
Zac has had a cell phone for about 3 years now. The first 2 years he had a Firefly phone. It only allowed the user to make and receive calls from those numbers the parents programmed into the phone. After he proved responsibility with the firefly for 2 years, Santa brought him a regular cell phone last year for Christmas.
He's been doing very well with it. He hasn't lost it, broken it, or gone crazy with minutes. Every now-and-then he'll have a $1-$2 charge for a ring-tone or accidentally activating the mobile internet.
Yesterday, Jake brought in the mail. Among the political fliers, insurance company EOB, and offers for $100,000 home-equity lines of credit was the cell phone bill. My bill usually runs between $175 and $200, depending on the number of times we call information for a number or accidental internet activations.
MY BILL YESTERDAY WAS $923.43.
I couldn't catch my breath for possibly a full 10 minutes. Zac immediately blamed a friend of his for watching YouTube videos on his phone. Upon further examination, the truth was finally told. Zac was the one watching YouTube videos on his phone.
We had the usual words about how much $1000 is: almost an entire house payment, groceries for the month, a trip to Roswell, Thanksgiving break. There was weeping and gnashing of teeth. He brought me his savings and forgave the $100 I owed him to help pay the bill.
Thinking about this after a night's sleep, (and with the perspective of knowing that George called Cingular and retroactively placed a media package on Zac's phone so all of the charges fall under the new plan) I think it's kind of sweet and funny.
He's been a different kid this morning. I woke him up and he dressed immediately, ate breakfast, brushed his teeth and took care of the dog without any prodding. I'm not so sure I want to tell him we fixed it.
When my sister was about 7 or 8 years old, New Kids on the Block were at the pinnacle of their popularity. Marketing was rampant, pop-radio airplay was nauseating, and fan-love was rabid.
One of the marketing ploys they used was particularly insidious. During children's television programming, they advertised a 900 number that you could call and talk to your favorite NKOTB boy. Of course, a 7-year-old girl doesn't know about the $2.95 connection fee and the 99c/minute fee thereafter.
I think you can see where this is going...When my mom got the phone bill, it was about $800. It may have been more, or less, but you get the point. For a person whose phone bill has always hovered around $50, I can imagine the reaction.
I just lived it.
Skip forward 20 years to cell phones.
Zac has had a cell phone for about 3 years now. The first 2 years he had a Firefly phone. It only allowed the user to make and receive calls from those numbers the parents programmed into the phone. After he proved responsibility with the firefly for 2 years, Santa brought him a regular cell phone last year for Christmas.
He's been doing very well with it. He hasn't lost it, broken it, or gone crazy with minutes. Every now-and-then he'll have a $1-$2 charge for a ring-tone or accidentally activating the mobile internet.
Yesterday, Jake brought in the mail. Among the political fliers, insurance company EOB, and offers for $100,000 home-equity lines of credit was the cell phone bill. My bill usually runs between $175 and $200, depending on the number of times we call information for a number or accidental internet activations.
MY BILL YESTERDAY WAS $923.43.
I couldn't catch my breath for possibly a full 10 minutes. Zac immediately blamed a friend of his for watching YouTube videos on his phone. Upon further examination, the truth was finally told. Zac was the one watching YouTube videos on his phone.
We had the usual words about how much $1000 is: almost an entire house payment, groceries for the month, a trip to Roswell, Thanksgiving break. There was weeping and gnashing of teeth. He brought me his savings and forgave the $100 I owed him to help pay the bill.
Thinking about this after a night's sleep, (and with the perspective of knowing that George called Cingular and retroactively placed a media package on Zac's phone so all of the charges fall under the new plan) I think it's kind of sweet and funny.
He's been a different kid this morning. I woke him up and he dressed immediately, ate breakfast, brushed his teeth and took care of the dog without any prodding. I'm not so sure I want to tell him we fixed it.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Another Day
Slipping into stockings,
Stepping into shoes,
Dipping in the pocket of her raincoat.
Ah, it's just another day.
That's one of my most favorite songs ever.
It was cold and rainy today which always brings that song to mind. Perfect house-work weather. When I got finished helping out at Jacob's school, I ran a couple of errands then went home. I got a lot of laundry folded while I watched TV.
I was catching up on shows I'd recorded on the DVR and saw one recorded on October 13 which is one of my most favorite people ever's birthday. And it occurred to me that I did not call him (unless it was that day I called him in a panic over the stock market falling, and he had to talk me down, which was purely a coincidence).
Anyway, for his birthday to come and go without any fanfare of which I know, only speaks to his true, sweet humility. (As opposed to the sky-writing service I'd like to hire for my birthday announcement.) He is the most generous person I know, in all ways and is an absolute inspiration to me.
So, in lieu of a card or a phone call, Bruce gets a tribute on my blog for all the world to read. Or at least the 4 of you I know are reading...and you know who you are.
Happy Belated Birthday, Bruce.
Stepping into shoes,
Dipping in the pocket of her raincoat.
Ah, it's just another day.
That's one of my most favorite songs ever.
It was cold and rainy today which always brings that song to mind. Perfect house-work weather. When I got finished helping out at Jacob's school, I ran a couple of errands then went home. I got a lot of laundry folded while I watched TV.
I was catching up on shows I'd recorded on the DVR and saw one recorded on October 13 which is one of my most favorite people ever's birthday. And it occurred to me that I did not call him (unless it was that day I called him in a panic over the stock market falling, and he had to talk me down, which was purely a coincidence).
Anyway, for his birthday to come and go without any fanfare of which I know, only speaks to his true, sweet humility. (As opposed to the sky-writing service I'd like to hire for my birthday announcement.) He is the most generous person I know, in all ways and is an absolute inspiration to me.
So, in lieu of a card or a phone call, Bruce gets a tribute on my blog for all the world to read. Or at least the 4 of you I know are reading...and you know who you are.
Happy Belated Birthday, Bruce.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
OMG, Am I this old?
Zac informed me today that this Friday is the one-year anniversary of him "going out" with his girlfriend Katie. He wants to do something special for her...
Yikes. He's had a GIRLFRIEND for 1 year!!!!!
We're leaving to go out of town Friday afternoon, so aside from him taking a box of chocolates to his beloved, there's nothing more he can do.
Yikes. He's had a GIRLFRIEND for 1 year!!!!!
We're leaving to go out of town Friday afternoon, so aside from him taking a box of chocolates to his beloved, there's nothing more he can do.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
X Country
No, I'm not getting ready to tell you about some hot, new alt/country band. Yesterday,we went to Walker for a cross country meet. Zac's been running with the middle school cc team last year and this year.
It was a great meet. All of the kids got to run in the Jr. High race. Usually, only the kids with the best times get to run in the JH race so that the best times will count (the top 7 in your team) and the others run with the Jr. Varsity High School race. Zac's first race this season was with the JV runners, but his times have been really good so he's been running with the JH kids. One race, he even finished 7th.
Saturday's time was 14:30 or :28 or something like that. He did a great job. I think he came in 8th on his team.
Really, though, once you laid your head down on the pillow Saturday night, had you run 2 miles? I know I didn't.
Can you find Zac in this picture?
Coming in for the finish.
Finished. And he didn't even run!
It was a great meet. All of the kids got to run in the Jr. High race. Usually, only the kids with the best times get to run in the JH race so that the best times will count (the top 7 in your team) and the others run with the Jr. Varsity High School race. Zac's first race this season was with the JV runners, but his times have been really good so he's been running with the JH kids. One race, he even finished 7th.
Saturday's time was 14:30 or :28 or something like that. He did a great job. I think he came in 8th on his team.
Really, though, once you laid your head down on the pillow Saturday night, had you run 2 miles? I know I didn't.
Can you find Zac in this picture?
Coming in for the finish.
Finished. And he didn't even run!
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