Davis style

Merry Christmas to all of you!

2011-12-23T12:20:00.004-06:00

Here is our Christmas card and letter for 2011.

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! We hope this letter finds you enjoying the season and making memories with family and friends.

For us, this has been a big year. We've made big changes. We've carried out big plans. We've taken big vacations. (In our "bunch" there are six kids ranging from 8 years to 19 years old. So, when there are 7-10 people in your group at all times, nothing is ever small.)

Around the first of November, Joey and I made a life changing decision, one that was discussed and thoroughly thought out as to what would be best for us and the many young lives involved. We decided to merge my household into his. So, the entire month of November was spent rearragnging, reorganizing, replacing, redistributing, repainting and rethinking. His house became a six bedroom home overnight. (Well, not overnight, but in a hurry.) It's nice to be settled in a place where we can all enjoy being together all of the time.

After all of the craziness in November, we are truly enjoying December. It's been fun creating new traditions: the decorating, the shopping, the wrapping and the excitement, all under one roof. Most of the time we have a full house and those are the days and nights that we enjoy most.

The Earth may have just four seasons but our seasons included: karate, basketball, baseball/softball, summer vacation, football season and deer season. And seven months out of the year we celebrate birthdays. There 's always something to look forward to and events to plan.

Between the kids' sports, various activities, (and birthdays), we still managed to find time to get away with all of the kids. We set up camp twice. On Spring Break we spent a few nights in Glen Rose with friends. Here we enjoyed Big Rock Park across the street from our campsite, a one mile trek down the river and through the mud; Dinosaur Valley State Park where we thought we lost a kid and some truck keys in the river, took a four hour hike on the trails (only getting lost and for a very long time); and lost sleep the last night thanks to an all night long fiesta going on in another tent area. Our second camping trip was at Lake Whitney with just us and the five kids. We took the boat on this tip so we enjoyed time in the water - cliff jumping, swimming and a late night fishing trip. (We did lose a couple of kids on this trip when they thought their route back to camp was shorter. No worries, they eventually showed back up.) The late night fishing trip became even later when we realized that I had left the truck keys back in the tent and we couldn't load the boat on the trailer without them. All of the kids slept on the boat (except the one that got sick) while Joey made the long hike to camp and back. (Not sure what it is about kids, keys and camping.) Nevertheless, both trips were fun and broke me in to the "great outdoors" a little more. Our big "family" summer vacation was a trip to Panama City, Florida in a rental van. The bunch went coastal. It was a great time there spent with the kids and friends - on the beach, snorkeling, riding the waves, dodging the seaweed, multiple trips to the grocery store and souvenir shops, riding the go-carts and sending the boys crabbing with the kids at night. It was definitely an exciting and memorable trip from start to finish.

And then there were several mini-getaways that Joey and I enjoyed throughout the year. We made a day trip to Galveston, enjoying dessert on the beach. (It was a work trip for him, a road trip for me.) We spent a weekend going to San Angelo to pick up a boat and spent the night near the deer lease. We took a quick trip to San Antonio for a couple of days to unwind before the new school year started - walking along the Riverwalk, remembering the Alamo, taking a haunted tour through the wax museum and stopping in Gruene to enjoy the river and shops on our way home. Our big vacation was four days in Cozumel. We enjoyed the beauty, the beach, the buffets, the market shops, and touring the island in our rental jeep; the security guards coming in during the middle of the night and the rain - not so much. Our past year and a half together has been amazing and we have found complete happiness. We made the most of our time together and our time with the kids all year long.

As life is rolling along, we have definitely learned to go with the flow, take things one day at a time and to live each day to the fullest. We know that above everything else, time spent together is time well spent. May you find time together this Christmas season and all throughout the year. Make big plans and create big dreams with those you love most.

With love from our bunch to yours,

Joey and Stephanie

a date to remember

2011-12-22T17:53:00.004-06:00

December 24th and 25th are typically the days celebrated with family. For all of my kids' lives -which began 14 years ago- we have celebrated traditionally. We'd open some gifts on Christmas Eve (mainly because I was as anxious to give as they were to receive) and Santa came Christmas morning and we finished opening the gifts under the tree.

This year, that tradition had to change due to circumstances. I have the kids every other year on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Last year was my year, this year is their dad's year. In many ways, I tried to share last year so they could have time with their dad. This year, I am not getting much of that same respect in return. To avoid any personal grievances, I'll just say that I feel blessed to get them for two hours on Christmas day. That's better than what it could've been and more time than I was told a couple of weeks ago.

A couple of weekends ago I struggled with all of the texts being sent back and forth, realizing that there did not seem to be any chance of having my kids at all for Christmas. It was hard and it was emotional - for me, for the kids, for my family. After finally coming to terms with it and knowing that for my kids' sake and their happiness, I had to make the best of the time given. As a mom, it's my job to make it a Merry Christmas for them no matter when it's celebrated. Joey and I made plans to celebrate with them the weekend before Christmas. I told my mom, not only to try and convince her but to also convince myself, it's just a date. And, in all actuality we can celebrate it any date that we choose. With this inevitable circumstance comes flexibility and change- both of which tend to be my weakest qualities.

On December 19th my kids and I celebrated their Christmas with Joey, my parents, my brother and his wife at our house. We had pizza, snacks and coffee which made for a fun and spontaneous get together. Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn were more than satisfied to get these gifts that they'd been eyeing under the tree for weeks, a week early.

There's always such a joy that can be seen in the eyes of a child as they open each present. I saw that same joy on December 19th (instead of December 25th). I got to see the anxiousness and gratitude as they played with and enjoyed what they had been given. Christmas is a season. As a mom, it's very hard to stay strong when I know that this year will not be spent with my kids traditionally. But, I am thankful for December 19th and the joy it brought into our home. It was definitely a Merry Christmas.

Don't take things, traditions or people for granted. Times change. But, in the end, it's just a date- you choose when to celebrate the birth of Jesus and spend time with those you love most.

Merry Christmas to you all.

November

2011-11-29T13:52:00.012-06:00

It has been a whirlwind of a month, there is no doubt about that.

We wrapped up Clayson and Matt's 8th grade football season and hunting season began. We celebrated Thanksgiving and Clayson's 14th birthday. I sold many household extras through Facebook and garage sales and started hitting up sales to buy Christmas presents.

The ENTIRE month was spent moving out of my house and merging into his. The combining of two households required rearranging, reorganizing, replacing, redistributing, repainting and rethinking. Kayla now shares her room with Ashlyn and the formal dining/office is now a room for Clayson and Trey. It became a six bedroom house for ten people overnight ... well, not overnight, but in a hurry. We decided to use most of my furniture since it is newer, so it was out with the old-in with the new. (Thank goodness that Joey is not picky because I am happy to continue using my teal bedding and bathroom decor that I loved so much. He is amazing. He has told me from the beginning to hang what I want to hang and put things where I want to put them because he wants me to feel like it's my home, too. Yes, he is truly amazing.) We've laid wooden floors in the living room, structured a corner for the fireplace and come up with many ideas for future projects. But, we have not lost sight of what is important - our precious kids or the time we spend with each other (away from the grind). With the Christmas season upon us, we will work on projects when we can but will keep our priorities focused and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

Looking back I can see what wonderful memories we made this month - things that I have always dreamed of having, memories I've always dreamed of sharing (togetherness ... we do almost everything together). Grocery shopping was so much fun, ending up with 16 pie crusts led to quality time in the kitchen and good desserts to share with others. Together, Joey and I learned how to bake apple pies (he did get overly creative with these), pecan pies and chocolate pies (with the cow-lick topping). All were tasty and the chocolate pie always hit the spot - morning, noon and night.

Thanksgiving was a great day spent with family and a weekend spent with friends at the deer lease. I have definitely counted my blessings this month. I am glad that the hard part is over and now it is on to creating the life I have dreamed of living.

my love that I will be forever thankful for

Seasons change, celebrations happen, moving takes place and love grows.

memories in pictures...

Joey's doe posing as a buck

girls of the deer woods

Joey and I with my brother, Jason, and his wife, Megan

on Thanksgiving day (before the mad rush to the deer lease)

my three littlest loves but biggest blessings

This should be part of my Christmas card. Such is life, right?!

November: filled with so many things to be thankful for...

change

2011-11-04T15:13:00.006-05:00

People change. Times change. Things change. Sometimes change is for the better, sometimes change is hard, sometimes change is inevitable. Sometimes change is temporary and sometimes it's permanent.

A year and a half ago, Joey changed my life. I tried to resist the change - not quite ready to put my heart on the line after certain circumstances. But his irresistable sense of humor, his amazing personality and his ability to get along so well with me and my family, well, I had a change of heart. Sometimes, change is inevitable.

It's been a great 18 months together falling in love and creating so many fun memories with just the two of us and with all of the kids. We've enjoyed vacations, weekend getaways, sporting events, hunting seasons, holidays and family get togethers. Most of our time is spent together, very little is spent apart.

For the past couple of months, my kids and I have been staying at Joey's house. When I buy groceries, that's where I unload them. When I do laundry, that's where I put the clothes up. My house became nothing more than a run in - run out location. It wasn't where we wanted to stay. After some deep discussions with each other and talking to the kids and considering this to be a permanent change, we decided that it'd be best for all of us to move into his house. My house went on the market Monday. This change is good.

I loved my (new) house but if "home is where the heart is", it was never a home. I look forward to being able to function as a family/ team and a future filled with hope. This change is what we needed. I am so thankful and blessed for all of the positive changes that will come out of this and all of the positive changes that have taken place in my life over the past year and a half.

Yes, sometimes change is for the better.

As My World Turns

2011-09-18T16:09:00.002-05:00

Many blog ideas have come and gone over the past month. There was going to be the blog about summer's end - how great it was - and how we shouldn't cry because it's over but smile because it happened. That could have led to the blog about going back to work and the kids back to school - Clayson in 8th grade, Trey in 6th grade, Ashlyn in 3rd grade and me starting my 11th year of 5th grade. And there's always the blogs about life in general. Those "life in general" ideas/ blogs are quickly squashed when I remind myself that this is a blog and not a soap opera script. (I save the tidbits for my facebook status updates and most of the time you get the gist through those without me having to make an outline and write paragraphs about it.)

Some days my life does feel a little soap opera-ish. There's drama, but not too much and not with anyone you wouldn't expect it from. Most days I still feel like things are fiction and too good to be true. That makes me all the more thankful for my kids, Joey and his kids. It's a big circle of life - often referred to as the Brady Bunch. And since we have only one life to live, I am living my life exactly the way that I want to since I have been blessed with this second chance at happiness. Commercial breaks come when there is work out of town or trips to the deer lease. And I've heard it said that real love stories don't have endings so I am content with hoping that this soap opera life never ends.

Things are moving along at the perfect pace. We stay extremely busy between all of the kids, Matt and Clayson playing football and our jobs. Some months fly by and we wonder if we have even blinked.

I spend a lot of time in deep thought but I try not to let my young and restless mind get too carried away. I have to remember that each day is a gift from God, that's why it's called the present.

hittin' the road

2011-08-16T18:49:00.006-05:00

*better late than never, a blog that just needed to be recorded for memory purposes...

I mentioned to Joey a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to try and go on one more "get away" trip before going back to work. I didn't have any idea when or where, I just knew I wanted to get outta town. Another beach would have been perfect but I was game for anything. One day I walked out into the backyard where he was working and asked him about his Monday/Tuesday schedule for the next week. With not much going on and jobs that could wait until Wednesday, I pursued my plans. A quick trip to San Antonio. He kind of turned his lip up at the thought because he said it was kind of far but I quickly pointed out that it is no farther than the deer lease. He said I had him there. I researched, enlisted advice from Facebook friends and found an affordable place to stay on the Riverwalk. Booked the Indigo and sealed the deal.

Monday was business as usual for Joey. I ran errands, ran to my house, filled the car up and waited for him to get home. My goal was to leave between 3:00 and 5:00, we left at 5:00 on the dot. Our first stop was dinner, Whatburger. Then it was smooth sailing. One of the many things that I love about him is that there is never a moment that we aren't talking, laughing, punching each other or singing along with the radio. We played the "ABC game", which I won, and "name that tune" where he had to guess the song and the artist from songs on my iPod. It was funny. We stopped for a fountain drink and snacks about halfway there and completed our journey 5 hours later.

We made it to our hotel about 10:00. We got to our room and decided it was a good time to walk the river and go visit the Alamo. We enjoyed the walk hand in hand. We crossed a bridge, crossed some streets and made it to the Alamo and the wax museum. He wanted to go in the Haunted House and even upgraded our tickets to the "intense" tour. Oh my goodness. I loved these as a kid but not so much as a grown up. We got "scared" and then rode a Tomb Raider ride, complete waste of money. From this we walked over to the Alamo and attempted a couple of nighttime photos. It was late so we headed back to the hotel along a pretty shady route, one where a boy was selling pizza from the back of his bicycle for just $5.00.

We got up in time for breakfast at the hotel, checked out and headed away with no plans in mind. We went back to the Alamo but did not want to pay $10 for parking just to take a clear picture. So, we decided to head back and find things to do along the way. We passed the Alamodome and remembered that the Cowboys were at training camp so we went and got cash for parking only to find out that practice wasn't for three more hours. So much for that. We drove on and stopped in New Braunfels/ Gruene. I fell in love with Gruene and can't wait to go back there. We took a foot dip in the Guadalupe River, enjoyed it's coolness for a minute and then went to do a little shopping. It was fun to just look around but too hot to want to buy anything to carry around. From Gruene we went to eat at CenterPoint Station in San Marcos, one of my favorite places to eat. It's like a fried food heaven. I drove from here and took us to the much talked about Czech Bakery. I had to find out what the hype was about - we went straight from fried food heaven to sweet stuff heaven. Because I was so overwhelmed with the choices and he was too lazy to get out of the car (haha!), we ended up with a dozen cookies. They were good for the next three days.

We got home Tuesday night, which was one week from starting back to school. This trip was a great ending to the perfect summer. I am so blessed to have someone who can keep up with my randomness and my whims. I think he is who I have been waiting on all my life.

upside down & inside out

2011-08-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

I've started this blog three times. Evidently I have a lot of ideas and can't stay on track. I should have created an outline to keep my thoughts organized. ADHD readers will have no trouble following, structured readers may be a bit bothered. Sorry about it!

It's hard to believe that we are in the final stretch of summer 2011. Time flies when you are having fun... true statement.

Now, my thoughts ...

School:
Just 10 more days before inservice, 12 days until meet the teacher, 16 days until the first day of school. I have been working in my room and attending recent trainings in order to get back into the teacher/ work mode. I'm almost ready. It's not ever that I am not looking forward to the teaching part of it - I love that. It's just hard to give up late nights, sleeping late, swimming with friends, vacationing, fun times with the kids, afternoons at the lake and lots of time with the boy. All of these combined have made for a perfect summer.

Kids:
It's been an eventful summer with the kids. We've gone camping, to the beach, to the lake, to the movies and made the most of our time together. They've grown and matured over the past two months: Clayson can drive, Trey can mow and Ashlyn can straighten her own hair. We have not spent a lot of time at my house but it didn't matter where we were as long as we were together.
(side note: sometimes I feel "guilty" writing happy things about my life when my kids are gone. Of course, I miss them and would choose to have them with me all of the time but I can't. When they aren't with me they are with their dad. I can say a lot of things about him but I will always give him credit for being a wonderful dad. He gets his time with them and I get mine. When they are with him, I live the life that I have come to know. They need their dad just as much as they need me. And it's soap boxes like this that make me realize that I worry/ care too much about what others might think or how they may judge me as a mom. On with the blog...) I have had a fun-filled summer with Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn. We have also enjoyed some great times with Matt and Kayla. If there is power in numbers, when we are all together - we've got the power.

The boy:
Joey and I have enjoyed making some new memories for the second summer in a row. We've been to Mexico, Florida, San Angelo, Lake Whitney and I still hope to squeeze in one last summer retreat before time becomes limited between work and sports. We have spent all but seven days together this summer. The best thing about this is that we have so much fun together, we are completely comfortable with each other, never get tired of each other and continue to keep it real, simple and fun. It's been our relationship "motto" for the past 15 months and has worked well. I am thankful everyday for the happiness that he has brought into my life. This happiness carries over into all areas and it shows.

Done. Maybe it wasn't as bad or as random as it could've been.

beauty and the beach

2011-07-19T20:28:00.004-05:00

This was our second summer to enjoy three nights and four days in Mexico. Last year we went with friends and had a lot of fun in Playa Del Carmen. This year we went alone and enjoyed our vacation in Cozumel - despite the rain, lack of resort entertainment and terrible food. Thank goodness that together, we can make things fun and entertain ourselves. It's such a beautiful place and there's no place I'd rather be enjoying this hot, amazing atmosphere with than Joey. We come from an action-packed life so a slow down definitely didn't hurt us.

The first night was the only sunset that we were able to enjoy and it was still a little cloudy. I was disappointed not to get sunset pictures but we made up for it in Florida. We enjoyed our last night walking along the beach and spending time in the lounge chairs listening to the peacefulness of the ocean and talking about our past, present and future. So many things to remember, so much fun we've had and the best part of that conversation was that we have so much to look forward to and there's a lot more fun where that came from.

On Saturday afternoon, it didn't seem the rain was going away and Joey's scuba diving trip was cancelled so we rented a jeep to tour the island and headed into downtown Cozumel. It was the one thing I promised my mom we would not do, leave the resort. But, we did and we made it back alive. We had a late lunch at Senor Frogs and were graciously given (for a tip) balloon hats.

This was our resort, which was a very nice resort but very uneventful and the food was awful. You live and learn. We learned that we won't be going back here and kind of decided that we were done with Cozumel. It'll be fun to find somewhere new to go next summer.

Another rainy day, another trip downtown. My side of the jeep had leaks and a flooded floor board. Ha! I held my feet up and used a swim towel to catch the drips. There was never a dull moment in this ride. We laughed a lot. Back in the market of shops we found a few that were open on Sunday - the goal was to find shirts. At Pirana Joe's, Joey bought me a wooden ring. I was a happy girl. We ate lunch at a mexican place, where there was barely enough overhead to keep us from getting wet when the rain started pouring down. And all I could think about was how far off we parked. We got a bit of exercise in as we "trotted" back to the jeep. We left the shopping and went back to the resort with enough time to rest, get dressed up and make our dinner reservations.

I just can't say it enough how much this boy means to me. I never knew that I could be so happy, enjoy life so much and that my heart could continue to grow with love every day. We've been together for 14 months and I can honestly say that I have never been happier or more in love. We learn from our mistakes and sometimes it's not until we have what we have never had that we realize what we were missing. He's filled my life with complete joy and I am so thankful for where we are and that I have him in my life. He's good for me and he's good for my kids.

I count my blessings every single day...

sunset on the beach

2011-07-19T20:21:00.003-05:00

There's nothing prettier than a sunset on the beach.

PC Beach 2011

2011-07-12T21:17:00.012-05:00

Day 1: We left Crandall at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5th - a day sooner than planned. At the last minute I had to go and get a rental van due to issues with my SUV. This was the best thing that could've happened for four kids, two grown-ups and a 14 hour drive. There was plenty of room for the kids and space for the luggage, snacks and beach toys. We loaded up with four of the five kids (Matt rode with the other group). I started out driving and drove for six hours; trust me, there was plenty of entertainment and when Joey went to sleep, I enjoyed the think time - thankful for how far we've come and all there is to look forward to. Our plan was to drive until midnight and then we would just stop, wherever we were and stay for the night. At midnight we ended up in a remote area with no hotels in sight for over an hour. And then the Best Western and Super 8 that we did find only had two queen beds and that wasn't enough bed space for the five of us. We drove on to Mobile, Alabama where we found a Comfort Suites that had two queen beds and a sofa bed - perfect. We grabbed our carefully-planned-out overnight bag for the five of us and crawled right into bed for the chance to stretch out and sleep.

Day2 (Wednesday): After a night of rest, we had to get up and get moving on Wednesday morning. We slept through breakfast and had an hour and twenty minutes for six showers until checkout. We made it with 18 minutes to spare. After a quick stop at McDonald's, we were faced with about five hours until reaching our final destination. We made a stop at Pensacola Beach to get our toes in the sand. The plan was for no one to get wet and/or sandy but five of us (including me) broke the rule. It was too hot not to just dip a foot or two in the water. We grabbed our towels, dusted off the sand and loaded back up. (In the meantime, I realized that I left my special ring at Comfort Suites, I was so sad and calling them every 30 minutes to see if they found it, no such luck. I was heartbroken. I thought about not telling Joey but I did.) We left Pensacola and continued heading east, via the scenic route along the coast (until it got too time consuming). We finally made our way into Panama City about 3:00, perfect timing for check-in. We found our condos, found a luggage cart and headed straight up to the 7th floor to settle in and unpack before heading to the beach. The condo was perfect: 2 master bedrooms, a room with two full beds and a bathroom and then a sofa queen bed in the living room. Kayla and Ashlyn were not too happy about not having their own room but they got over it. We shared our dressers, closets (which is where they always closed the sliding doors and changed) and bathroom with them. While unpacking, I FOUND MY RING - oh happy day!!

We spent some time at the beach, left the kids with Joey and Billy while Lisa, Ashlyn and I went to the grocery store to get spaghetti, garlic bread and salad stuff for dinner. We cooked dinner, everyone ate good and Joey and Billy cleaned the kitchen. After cleaning and stuff, the girls headed to the hot tub and the boys went crabbing. It was a perfect ending to a long couple of days in the car and made the ride worthwhile.

Day 3 (Thursday): After Billy cooked us a big breakfast, we spent the rest of the morning on the beach - the boys could not get enough snorkeling. They were face down in the water all morning long. Around lunch time, we decided to go to St. Andrew's park, which was right next door, to go to a place called "Shell Island". We headed into town to eat pizza but somehow ended up in the McDonald's drive-thru AGAIN. This is when Joey and I decided to ban it for the rest of the trip. We ate in the car made it to the park but not in enough time to catch a ferry and spend time at the island, so we decided to wait until the next day. We drove through the park, stopping at one trail, which led to an alligator. I was scared to death - the alligator could have just come out of the water and had us for lunch. Joey taunted it of course, thankfully it just went under water. We left the park and went back to the condo. The kids went to the beach and the pool, I watched and worked on pictures from the balcony and Joey napped. When he got up he joined me on the balcony, enjoying the view. A little bit later he asked me if I wanted to go take sunset pictures with him. Of course! I threw on some clothes, we talked Lisa into being the photographer and into the sunset we went. It kind of made up for the ones we didn't get (due to all the rain) in Cozumel. Everyone has certain things that they hope to get to do on vacation, for me it's getting some good pictures to capture the memories. I am so thankful that he takes a genuine interest in the things that he knows makes me happy.

A bit later, Joey and Billy went to buy groceries for dinner and we ended up with frozen pizzas :)We cooked the pizzas, fed the hungry kids and then sent them back on their way for another night of crabbing. (Joey took the girls to teach them how and he quickly realized that girls are not his "cup of tea" -they ask too many questions and don't have any common sense - stepping into the light and talking nonstop. haha!)

Day4 (Friday): Happy 13th birthday to Dawson! The plan was to get up early and go to Shell Island but the rain allowed for a little more sleep and unfortunately, a lot more seaweed. We went back to the state park, bought tickets to go to the island, waited in line for the shuttle bus, the shuttle bus took us to the ferry and the ferry unloaded us on the island. It was a long walk in the sand to where Billy and Lisa had already set up camp. It was cloudy so the heat wasn't unbearable but it was still hot. I wasn't willing to get in the water - it was covered in seaweed. I put my feet in to cool off but it wasn't in good enough condition for me to swim. The boys took off in their snorkel gear because there was supposed to be a bigger variety of fish here. Most of them were ready to go when Lisa and I were, a couple hours later. Joey, Clayson and Billy stayed and we left. Back at the condo we rinsed off in the pool, warmed up pizza and ate salad. The kids were in and out - between the beach, the pool and the bed. Joey, Billy and Clayson got back a few hours later. We made plans to go ride go carts and have a crab dinner for Dawson's birthday. The kids (except Ashlyn) rode on the big, three story, wooden track. After that they got in "bubbles" and played in the water. From there, Joey and I took all of our gang, except Trey, to the souvenir store across the street while the rest rode go carts one more time. From here, we went to a place called "Billy's" for dinner. On the five minute trip here, the kids were outta control - arguing, whining, picking, etc. so Joey told them to meet them behind the van for a talk. The "bumper talk" consisted of him telling them to straighten up, how we expected them to act and this all led to assigned seats for the remainder of our trip.

We sat down for dinner, ordered drinks and appetizers and then find out that they don't have crab. I am chosen to speak to the manager, which landed us free drinks and the opportunity to go somewhere else. Since it was so late, we ended up at an IHOP way across town (ten miles is a long way when you are hungry). They were frazzled when I told them that there were 13 in our group. We ended up with three tables - a girl's table, a boy's table and a grown-up's table. I had to turn teacher on them - as they were loud and proud. There were given three rules: don't talk across tables, $10 food limit, inside voices. It was calm for the most part, a stern warning here and there reminded them that they needed to straighten up. It took forever to get our food. A waitress enjoyed flirting with Dawson, which riled Lisa up. One of our waitresses was brand new - we broke her in. And, the manager was a part of our service. The night finally ended and we headed back to the condo for some rest. It was a long (but good) day.

Day 5 (Saturday): We were all moving a little slow - it had been action packed until today. We slept late, no one was in a hurry to get to the beach or in the water, we didn't really know whether we wanted to eat a big lunch or a big dinner (to make up for the crabless night last night). We decided to head into Destin and go to Fudpucker's. This was an hour ride - boys in one car, girls in the other. At Fudpucker's we got pictures with an alligator, strolled through the souvenir shop and finally got seated. This meal got expensive quick - Clayson and Matt ordered alligator tail, the girls and Trey ordered off the kid's menu, I ordered fried pickles and Joey ordered a platter. When it was all said and done, we didn't have much food left. It was a good late lunch. From the table, we went out and let the kids feed the alligators before heading back. It was hot!! The drive back was awful, we ended up on the scenic route - full of red lights, all the way back.

Three kids said their stomachs were hurting so Lisa and Billy went into town to get medicine and we rested. As soon as the sun started to set, we made them all mad and took them down to the beach for group sunset pictures. No one was in the mood, not even me. But, I wasn't willing to waste the opportunity and regret it forever. (this collage wouldn't load - grrrr) So, we suffered through 15 miuntes of pictures and came back to the room, where Billy and Lisa bought crab and fixens for dinner.

Billy agreed to cook and keep the kids while Joey, Lisa and I ran to the souvenir shop and to get some mustard. Upon finding out that the shops were open until midnight and knowing this would be a fun part of their trip, we decided to just bring the kids back to let them do their own shopping after dinner. They were happy about this.

We ate, cleaned up the stinky kitchen and then headed to some stores. They just don't get the concept that a souvenir should say Panama City - a turtle, a knife, junk were not an option. At 11:30 - an hour of "shopping", we realized how thankful we were that they closed at midnight - just 30 more minutes...

The kids went to bed, Joey and I went out on the balcony to enjoy the moonlight and the sound of the ocean. It was a peaceful ending to a somewhat crazy day.

Day 6 (Sunday): Homeward bound! I don't think there was anything that I regretted more about this trip than the ride there and the ride back. We left at 8:00 sharp, right on schedule. It was Krispy Kreme for breakfast, Arby's for lunch and McDonald's for dinner. We made it home in 14 hours and I came to the conclusion that the thirty minute trips around town were much more trecherous than the long hours in the car. The kids were SO good on the way there and on the way home - there wasn't even a need for another bumper talk ...

We had a fantastic week at the beach. I hope that this becomes a summer tradition. I love Joey, I love his kids, I love my kids and there's no better way to spend a summer vacation than with those you love most...Memories are a way of holding onto things you love and the things that you never want to lose.

We made memories to last a lifetime.

happy summer

2011-05-31T14:50:00.005-05:00

Memorial Day weekend comes just in time to get a nice, fresh taste of summer. Back in the day, it was the first official weekend of summer vacation. Times have changed but my love for the two month break has not.

Last year, Joey, my kids and the Posey's spent the day at Tyler State Park. That was such a great day, full of new memories. This year we had baseball games Friday night, pool parties Saturday and Sunday night and Monday, Memorial Day, was filled with random events. (The most exciting event, a trip to Walmart for pool filters and cokes. And, an elaborate dinner at Whataburger - and this doesn't mean we went through the drive-thru...we had a sit down dinner.)

The kids swam their hearts out two nights in a row. If my pool wasn't recovering from "going green", I think they would've spent even more time getting water logged.

The air was hot, the tornado watches and warnings were a few days past and the clouds were not heavy with rain. It was the perfect weather for some fun in the sun. And now, we anxiously go to school for just two more days until the events of this Memorial Day weekend become the norm for two and a half months.

Happy summer to all, and to all, a good tan.

a MAY zing

2011-05-19T13:38:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year where things begin to get really busy for about a month. And the crazier it gets, the closer we get to summertime.

Here is my countdown list:

9 days of school:
- field day
- awards assemblies (x3)
- a read in
- an American Idol contest
- family picnics (x2)
- meetings to sit through for students (x4)
- coordinate and conduct the 5th grade talent show

12 more baseball games
9 more sets of team pictures with possibly 4 more to schedule
2 senior photo shoots

The only two days that we have to catch our breath are Wednesdays, Sundays and the occasional rain outs. I don't mind being busy, now that I have someone I can enjoy being busy with. And, if we can't be busy together, I always have him to talk about my busy with. Together, we coordinate, help with all the kids and know that everyone will get where they need to be and it will all work out somehow.

Clayson is growing up so fast. I can't believe he is finishing his 7th grade year. He has recently started complaining about his (previously injured) arm but the doctor says that it is just strained tendons and nothing to do with the surgery. That is good news. I have a feeling that he may be trying to lift too much weight in the weight room.

Trey has survived being in my class for almost a semester. I'm sure it's tough on a kid whose mom is there to tell him to tie his shoes and clean his ice cream moustache off his face every day.

Ashlyn is getting so sassy! I'm not sure what happened to my sweet little girl who now bosses her brothers around, answers for me and has to be in the middle of every conversation with her two cents. Her attitude may have changed and she might be getting big teeth but she still loves her momma :)

Joey and I are still doing great. I never knew such a perfect relationship could exist. We have not had one fight or disagreement. I've learned, (the hard way), that it's so much easier to just go with the flow. We live day to day, knowing that things are good between us with no worries. That's something worth smiling about - every single day.

The month has been aMAYzing and as it draws to a close, the ending brings sunny, hot, new beginnings. Bring on summer '11. We are ready.

one year together

2011-05-01T03:00:00.006-05:00

Saturday: May 1st, 2010 - all baseball games cancelled. Sweet! This meant that I could sleep in a bit and get back to the grind of packing and moving, which had become my normal. My mom, dad and grandparents all came over to help me try to find the light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.

For the past month, Joey and I had been texting, talking and had even been seen in public together a few times (baseball games, Fat Dawgs, Braums) but tonight we were going to make it an official date, the kind where the boy picks the girl up and brings her home. (Home, by the way, would be at my mom and dad's house starting tonight.) Joey stopped by Saturday afternoon in the midst of blood, sweat and tears offering to help and bring me goodies (a refrigerator for my classroom, trash bags, and stickers for my students - all via Blockbuster clean out jobs). I was nervous for him to be there, around my family. I knew that this kind of change may be unwelcoming so I kept him at a distance (and outside). He graciously offered to help do anything that needed done. I just couldn't get past the "wall" that I was putting up. This wall was put up with the intentions of protecting my feelings and to prevent me from forgetting that I was ready to have fun, nothing more. He stuck around for a bit. When he left I told my Mamaw that we were going to be hanging out tonight and she said, "you just got rid of one". Ha! I would not have expected any other reaction. The day drug on with no end in sight. I finally just quit so that I could get ready for the night.

My friend was having a birthday party at one of her friend's houses. Thank goodness the forecasted rain stayed away and that the party wasn't cancelled. Joey picked me up about 7:00 and we headed to Crandall. It had been many years since either of us had been on a date. I think we were both nervous and excited. He wouldn't know anyone at the party and I was looking forward to him meeting many of my friends.

We got there, got some crazy glances (some did not even know I was divorced). Joey fit right in and was probably more comfortable than I was. (Talk about me going from one extreme to the other - the ex never talked to anyone or even tried to have fun. Joey tends to bring the fun.) By the end of the night I could feel my "wall" slowly losing strength. I wanted to have fun and he was definitely someone that I could have fun with. Later I told him that he had gotten "two thumbs up" from all the friends. He said, that's cool, but what about you? That's what really matters. My response - of course I like you.

So, this is where our journey began. One year later we have fallen deeply in love, still have so much fun together, love to spend time together and have never had a fight. Our future is as bright as our past and we look forward to making many more great memories together and together with our kids. He makes me happier than I have ever been and I will always be thankful for the broken roads that led us straight to each other. Many people thought it was crazy, that we were complete opposites and that it wouldn't last. But, we couldn't be more perfect for each other and by keeping it real, keeping it simple and keeping it fun - we've built a relationship made to last.

Here's some snapshots of our first year together.

"This could be one of those memories, you wanna hold onto, cling to, one that you can't forget. Baby, this could be our last first kiss, the door to forever. What if it was that moment, that chance worth takin' - history in the makin'..."

They say that true love stories don't have endings.

This is when our story began, one year ago.

moving out and moving on

2011-04-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

On April 17th, 2010, I was having a get-rid-of-it sale. The house had sold and I was trying to get rid of stuff that I wasn't interested in packing. It was a crazy sale, I started late on Friday night and just kept it out and going all day Saturday. Joey and I had been randomly texting for a few weeks - almost daily, and we talked on the phone quite a bit. (I slowly overcame the avoidance mentioned in previous posts.) I got a text from him this Saturday afternoon that asked how the sale was going and if I still had anything left. He said that he was headed to Wal-Mart and that he and Kayla were thinking about stopping by. I gave him my address. I wasn't too sure about this, but deep down I knew it would be nice to see him. In the meantime, another couple had stopped by so they were there when he got there. I was talking to Dawana about stuff going on, had mentioned Joey and told her that I wasn't sure about all this. For once, I knew that I needed to guard my heart. With the finality of the divorce and another relationship gone wrong (very, very wrong), I was hesitant to think about any possibilities. Joey was fun to text and easy to talk to but I had issues that needed to be dealt with, a heart that needed mending and I needed time to just find myself. I felt like I had lost all of my identity over the past 13 years and I needed to regroup. A little later, he and Kayla showed up. We all talked - outside on the front porch. It had started to sprinkle. The others left so it was just us and the kids. Mykids were in and out, of course acting shy. We talked awhile and as he was leaving, he asked if I wanted to go get drinks or something out of Crandall. I told him that I was just too tired but maybe some other time. He left and I went inside. We ended up texting the rest of the night until I finally fell asleep ... with him on my mind. Little did I know that from then on, I would continue to fall asleep with him on my mind ... every single night.

surrounded by bluebonnets

2011-04-14T21:19:00.004-05:00

A couple of afternoons in the bluebonnets, a few smiles and a lot of God's grace all in one place.

diamonds!

2011-04-11T12:29:00.007-05:00

Baseball...diamonds...

It's all about the baseball right now. In April, we just "get our feet wet" with a bunch of games, but in May it's all baseball - all month - four to five days a week. We'll be cheering for four different teams - the Yankees, the Reds, the Predators and the Lady Pirates. Thank goodness for grandparents to help out when games overlap because it gets kind of crazy some nights.

Here are some pictures from opening weekend. I had the perfect blog all written out, ready to type and post but yeah, it's lost in the sauce somewhere. I'll save it for later on in the season.

YANKEES:Clayson

PREDATORS: Trey

LADY PIRATES:Ashlyn

Take us out to the ball games...

that chance worth takin'

2011-03-31T13:30:00.002-05:00

On March 31st, 2010 I decided to send Joey a text about pictures. I thought that this may be an easy way to open the lines of communication. I wasn't sure if he was a texter so I was testing the water. He texted back and then asked if he could call me later. What? Talk? On the phone? I was more of the texting type; hardly ever wanted to talk on the phone. The thought of this kind of made me nervous. Nervous enough that I waited five hours to respond. I told him to call me anytime. He called. I didn't answer. I called him back. We talked about pictures, baseball and stuff. He was very easy to talk to. He talked me into letting Clayson and Trey play in a baseball tournament that I thought we were going to be too busy for. We talked about when and where to take Justin's senior pictures. We talked about life and how bad it sucked. (excuse my language) I have to say that I hung up with a smile. A smile that had been "missing in action" most days, most nights. The texts, the phone calls (that I avoided at times) continued until the middle of April when things started to pick up. At this time last year we were both very vulnerable, emotional, unhappy, living lives that were mentally draining, looking for happiness and in a state of uncertainty. I had people in my life that constantly brought me down so it was nice to have someone come along who could pick me up. We formed a friendship of faith and hope. Months later, the greatest of these became love.

history in the making

2011-03-30T10:53:00.005-05:00

It's here, the one year mark of an incredible journey. So many firsts, so many memories - all preserved in my heart and in a journal. And now, I can share with you on my blog (that also uploads to my Facebook) so that the memories are also forever written in cyberspace. One year ago today, I was at Clayson's baseball game in Terrell. I saw Joey standing next to the bleachers. (Granted, I have known him since I had his son in 5th grade and Clayson and Matt have played ball together for about 7 years.) I slid down to the end of my row so that I could talk to him about pictures. I had received a message that they were interested in me taking his son's senior pictures. I asked him if these would be family pictures or just senior. He came and sat with me in the stands, showed me his empty wedding ring finger and said that there wouldn't be any family pictures; just Justin, his girlfriend and their baby. We talked a minute about our current situations, about places to take the pictures and that was that.

For a split second, I might have thought about "us" but knew that it was way too risky because things were just starting to fall apart for him. Little did I know that sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall into place.

down by the bay

2011-03-17T17:59:00.003-05:00

sort of.

Joey had 9 jobs to do in Houston on Tuesday, four Blockbusters and five Denny's. I was just along for the ride. We left out about 9:00 a.m. We made it to the first job just in time for lunch, having a sit down meal in the McDonald's, where kids must have been on spring break :-). After that we went to two more jobs and realized that we were close enough to Galveston that we needed to cruise on out to the beach for some dessert and to enjoy the view. We made the thirty minute drive, went up and down Seawall Blvd. and ended up at Chili's. But, we didn't have dessert, we enjoyed appetizers instead. Joey also had to pick up some fresh shrimp while we were on the bay. Thank goodness it was in an ice chest in the back of the truck and I didn't have to smell it all the way home. (I knew that I would regret not taking pictures of us while we were there. Oh well, these will have to do.)

We left Galveston and headed back to Houston to finish up the remaining six jobs. We bypassed miles of traffic by staying on the service road and probably saved an hour of time.

Around 11:00, all jobs were complete and we were hungry and so very tired, going on 13 hours on the road. Joey was slowly fading so we stopped at IHOP to pep him back up. I was starting to get tired, too. But, I don't like to sleep when other people are driving - it's a control issue, I'm sure. I drove from Conroe to Hunstville and it was all I could do to stay awake. We stopped at a rest stop at 1:45 and both of us slept until 3:45. Forcing our eyes to stay open, we traveled the long stretch of road back home, pulling in at 6:30. 21 hours later.

Spending all this time together, in close quarters and not once did we argue. We get along so well, have so much fun, laugh all of the time and enjoy every second that we are together. I've waited a long time for a relationship like this and I know how blessed I am to have what we have.

Sometimes it's okay to mix business with pleasure.

over the river & through the woods

2011-03-17T16:39:00.005-05:00

Joey and I had talked about taking the kids somewhere for spring break for a couple of months but just couldn't come up with any plans until all of the kid scheduling was finalized. So, at the last minute, (the day before), we made tent site reservations at an RV park in Glen Rose. We enjoyed my birthday weekend there and knew that the kids would definitely enjoy the area.

It was my kids first camping trip and I hadn't been in 14 years (I had to take camping to get the two P.E. credits that I needed to graduate from college.) I am just not an "outdoorsy/roughin' it" kind of girl, or at least I didn't think I was. Spending weekends at the deer lease was a good start to making me come around and try new things. I enjoyed those weekends and I truly enjoyed this weekend. And, I have to say, I look forward to more camping trips - next time we hope to go beach camping. I think yes.

We loaded the truck up Sanford and Son style on Friday night and headed out around 8:00. (Please note that Joey wanted to leave around 6 ... Joey time is always the hour plus two.) We made it to Glen Rose just before 10:00, backed the truck in, unloaded, set up tents and about 11:00 we were airing up air mattresses. As if the kids running around playing wasn't enough to make the neighbors angry, this process brought them and their dog out of the tent. They sat around in their chairs, giving up on sleep at this point. Everything was finally calm and we were settled into our tents by midnight. It was a sleepless night - my feet felt like they were buried in an ice chest, had to pee all night until we finally got up around 3:45 and went. It was then that Joey turned on the heater and we fell fast asleep until the birds started singing at 6:45 on Saturday morning. I guess camping is not the kind of vacation that you go on in order to get some rest.

Here we are on Saturday morning: cooking breakfast and the kids playing.

We spent the first half of the day at Big Rocks park where we journeyed a mile down the river - through slime, rocks and grossness. I made it safely there and back with my camera and my phone. Lisa, not so much. She slipped and her and her iPhone4 went into the river. (It started working again the next day, thankfully.) The kids played in the water, tried to catch fish, explored and had such a good time.

Saturday afternoon we made sandwiches for lunch and headed to Dinosaur Valley State Park to spend the rest of the day. The girls took off one way and the boys another. We eventually got everyone together and decided to take a hike up the "mountain". The injury report for this would include: Ashlyn - stickers in the foot (twice), scraped up knee; Trey - stickers in both feet; Kayla - a huge blister and a cut on the bottom of her foot. The hike was slow going at times, until we finally convinced all of the kids to stay on the main trail. It was quite a journey but had some great scenery along the way.
Here is Trey chasing the deer ... because Billy said he could.

We left the state park and went to eat BBQ for dinner - ten very tired and hungry campers.

We got to camp to find a huge fiesta going on and on and on until 3:45 a.m.

(our friends - The Posey's: Billy, Lisa and Dawson)

Sunday morning we let the kids go back to Big Rocks Park, loaded up and headed back to Crandall for showers and a good night's sleep.

a camping we will go

2011-03-17T16:18:00.005-05:00

We kicked off our spring break with a camping trip in Glen Rose, Texas. This first blog is pictures of our bunch while on this memorable weekend trip.

Matt (13 years)

Ashlyn (7 years)

Kayla (10 years)

Clayson (13 years)

Trey (11 years)

We had a great time together. The kids are starting to act like brothers and sisters , bickering and picking at each other but that's okay, it's just part of it.

I plan to add more collages and more words soon but I get so bogged down with details that I am breaking the blog up into parts. Stay tuned for part 2.

thank goodness there were only 28 days

2011-03-01T16:17:00.003-06:00

February was just plain crazy. Theres nothing like four ice days and two late starts in just ten school days to throw you off balance. It made for a hectic month at school. You can only coop kids up inside with no recess, because it's too cold, for so long. Then, throw in a full moon the third week of the month and you have been granted three weeks of chaos - controlled chaos, of course. And, it's the time of year, we teachers refer to as "crunch time" - how many days until the TAKS test, what concepts do I still need to teach and how are we going to get it all done. You take away four days and that disrupts the timing that was all perfectly, well almost perfectly, planned out. It is time to step up our game.

Speaking of game, Dallas (Arlington) hosted the Super Bowl this year and we tried to give the kids a little taste of Super Bowl fever. Joey and I took our kids to the NFL experience one night; my kids and I went with my parents to Cowboys Stadium the day before the Super Bowl to try to "get in the game" a little bit - just being amongst fans, tourists, security and the stadium in all its glory; and then (apparently I got wrapped up in the hoopla) date night with Joey was spent cruising around it again. We wrapped up the NFL season by watching the game and eating some good grub at Sharon and Brian's house with lots of friends.

It was a month filled with basketball practice two nights a week and Saturdays revolved around three games. Ashlyn and Trey both enjoy this sport a lot. Clayson's baseball season started with Saturday practices. We are thankful that his elbow has healed nicely from surgery and that he is back in the game. Between all three of my kids and Matt playing and Joey coaching, life as we know it is about to get crazy busy(er). We wouldn't have it any other way. Batters up!

Joey spent nine days of the month out of town - two trips to Austin and a trip to Houston - for work. I was reminded that "absence makes the heart grow fonder" each time. It wasn't so bad on days that I had my kids but days without all of my loves were long and lonely. (I know, I am such a sap these days.) We did manage to have some fun when he was home - we had a Poker night with friends; a night out at Pete's Piano Bar with Jason, Megan and another couple; and dinner and a quick shopping trip after school one Friday. We spent Valentine's weekend and the day together - he made it one I will never forget. It's these times together that I am reminded how blessed that I am.

My weekends with the kids were filled with fun. We saw two movies, they had friends over and went to play with friends. We spent an afternoon with Mamaw and Papaw and they spent time with their Mimi and Pawpaw. All is well in their little worlds. A month later, I can see that the new schedule has improved their stability and consistency and it has created a lot less drama in the family. I miss them when they are gone but since I work where they spend their days, I still see them often.

February was a rough month, glad to see it become a part of history. I am glad it wasn't a month with 30 or 31 days.

Another six weeks has come and gone, now we're down to two. Another sports season has ended, now we are all involved. Another month has ended, now we are approaching spring. Bring on the sunshine.

how sweet it is

2011-02-18T13:31:00.006-06:00

Valentine's Day. 2011. Not just my normal hearts day. I've always just considered this holiday to be Hallmark created and have just gone through the motions of helping the kids fill out their cards and preparing for school parties. It was just another day for me to love my kids. This year, I loved my kids but I had a bit of a different perspective in my own love life.

We had made planned to do something for Valentine's Day. The "where and what" were not finalized until the day before. We go and we do things all the time so today we decided to do something different. We went out to White Rock Lake, threw out a blanket and enjoyed our Arby's sandwiches and fries. (We even shared a little with the ducks.) Of course, I had to set the self-timer on the camera and capture a couple of pictures of this memorable day. After lunch, pictures and talking we decided to take a little walk. We walked, talked and stopped to sit on a bench to talk some more. It was such a relaxing afternoon - the sun had come back out after many days of experiencing the Ice Age, the wind had died down and I had gotten a pedicure because the weather was perfect for my new flip-flops. We enjoyed the walk back to the car and headed home. I am so thankful that he is willing to give me one of the most important things in any relationship - time.

The day before Valentine's, I came "home" to his house to find these beautiful roses, balloon and a card that melted my heart.

He even got single roses for Ashlyn and Kayla. I shared my gift and a photo montage put to music with him.

I've always heard it said that love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning. Joey has given it meaning. He's given new meaning to my life. It means so much to have someone that I truly enjoy being with every single day. Every day I realize how blessed that I am.

On this "holiday", I didn't love him any more than yesterday or any less than tomorrow. We love each other every single day. How sweet it is to be loved by him.

our team

2011-02-13T17:20:00.008-06:00

the coaches:

4 outta 6 team players: (not pictured: Justin Smith and Clayson Davis)

SCORE!

Ice and snow didn't keep us from heading to downtown Dallas for the NFL experience. After all, it's not every year that the Super Bowl comes to town. We thought that the team players, especially the boys would enjoy it. Not so much. The girls had fun but got cranky when there was nothing to drink. After they refueled with a trial cup of Pepsi Zero, they were able to smile (instead of pout) again. The boys just weren't willing to be outgoing enough to "get in the game". They played a few football games but mainly just stood around complaining that they were ready to go and that their feet hurt.

As soon as we left and went outside to head to the car they noticed a hill covered in snow/ ice and spent twenty minutes going up and sliding down ... for free. The experience was expensive yet they enjoyed the bitter cold snowy hill that nature had to offer. One day they will think back and remember this experience and maybe even think it was fun :)

It was a memorable night for us and the snow that came falling down on the way home was amazing. All's well that ends well.

Arctic Blast Break '11

2011-02-09T20:00:00.003-06:00

White out. It's taken on a new meaning. It's not something used to cover errors, it's what happened to our small town . The meteorologists were calling for a winter storm and they were right on. The first day was ice and flurries, the second day it was too cold to melt the ice but no flurries, the third day we were able to go to school and then the fourth day buried us in six inches of snow. I was iced in at Joey's house for two days and we enjoyed the slow down that it brought. On Thursday night, we took the kids to the NFL experience and by the time we got onto the highway that leads us home, it started snowing. It snowed harder and harder and would be what we Texans might consider a "blizzard". It was hard to see and the driving was slow. We eventually made it back to his house to drop him off and then I got my first "driving in snow" experience - I was a little nervous. The kids and I were snowed in at home on Friday and they played in it for a bit but apparently, they got their fill during our first snow storm in January. It was just a good reason to be out of school to them. Saturday, Joey, Matt and I went to a big hill and went sledding (on skim boards) for a little while - we had a lot of fun. My kids were at my mom's so if we get lucky/unlucky enough to get more snow, I will take them for some thrill rides next time.

Here are my picture collages that captured our memories.

Snowflakes are kisses from Heaven. (author unknown)

one year later...

2011-02-03T10:43:00.003-06:00

One year ago on February 4th, I came to the end of a sixteen year journey. It was a journey filled with many emotions - happiness, sadness, anger, frustration and trying to find self-worth. But, along this journey I received three of the greatest gifts a mom can receive and for this I will always be thankful. I experienced life, as I knew it, at it's highest and lowest points. This journey made me a stronger person through all of the struggles. I won't say that the entire journey was miserable and I won't deny that some of the misery wasn't self created. It was an unhappy situation for many years but pride and my kids kept me there. It wasn't until I was able to let go of this pride, risk disappointing my family (for the sake of my own well-being) and pray that my children would be okay, that I was able to realize that I was at a crossroads and it was time to take a new path. I'll never regret the journey that I was on or the decisions that were made because all of this created who I am today.

They say the grass isn't always greener on the other side but I have been fortunate enough to find greener pastures. A couple of months after the divorce was final, Joey walked into my life. He came along at a time when I had reached a very low point - afraid that I would be by myself the rest of my life, worrying about growing old alone and all the fears of the future that a young girl might worry about. He was good for redirecting those thoughts. With him, I've realized what I had been missing for so long - true happiness. Sometimes we don't know what we're missing until we have what we have never had. He brought my smile back. Since then he has also eased the fear of being alone and fear of the future. He's my hero :)

As the year has progressed there have been many ups and downs with Jared, with his parents and with my family members but the one constant is that I have remained true to myself. No one knew of the many nights that I would cry alone or the anxiety and bitterness that had slowly overcome me - mainly because I cared too much about what everyone else might think. That was good for everyone but me. I was hurting and this, in turn, unintentionally hurt my children. By being true to myself and learning to live with choices that I choose to make has helped me overcome and be a "survivor" in my small world created by the journey's end.

I am happier than I have ever been. What a difference a year makes.

change times two

2011-01-27T18:37:00.007-06:00

It's the end of January, which is hard to believe. This year I didn't experience the post-Christmas depression as bad as I have in the past. In thinking about the differences, I've come up with one big reason as to why I didn't get the blues. When taking down the tree, putting away the decorations, turning off the Christmas music and finding a place for the gifts, I knew that there were still things to look forward to. In years past, Christmas was good for mind altering - it clouded the vision of reality. This year, reality was as good as it seemed. So, it wasn't as if my happy season was ending, I knew that there would be more fun things in store. (Maybe this isn't making a lick of sense but in my mind it does.) Let me wrap this up - it's been a month since Christmas .. hard to believe.

I've had two significant changes this month, both very positive.

One: This is the first time in ten years that I have taught a self-contained classroom, meaning that we did not switch classes. Even though Reading was my specialization, I had never taught it before. It was challenging. The kids have to take a Reading TAKS test and pass it in the 5th grade and I just wasn't confident that I was doing the students justice and another teacher felt the same way about Math and Science. After voicing some concerns and frustrations, we were able to go back to the way it had always been and we departmentalized. I am now teaching Science and Social Studies, which I love, love, love. Math is also a passion but these subjects are fun. (We also take a Science TAKS test but now we are each responsible for one test instead of all three. Can you hear me taking a huge sigh of relief?) I'm back in my comfort zone. Another benefit of this is that I have all of the 5th graders, including Trey. I've always wondered what it would be like to teach one of my own and it's been great. He's adjusting to calling me Ms. Davis but sometimes "momma" slips. I am enjoying spending half the day, everyday with him.

Two: For the past year, my kids have been spending a day and half with me and then a day and a half with their dad. They did great with it and always knew where they were going to be. But, we finally got "smart" and realized that it was just too crazy, too much back and forth, they were never really settled and a lot of days they were at both houses. So, we have come up with a new schedule and it seems to be working so much better and allowing them to get to enjoy being wherever they are without all of the shuffling. Jared has them Monday & Tuesday, they are with me on Wednesday & Thursday and then whomever has them for the weekend has them Friday through Monday. This always gives them a five day stretch staying at the same place. I can imagine that it has took away some of the stress in their young lives. Ashlyn and Trey are playing basketball on Saturdays so we always get that opportunity to see them when it is not "our weekend". I am having to learn what to do with all of my spare time, I am not used to having so much time on my hands.

The changes have been good at home and in the workplace, both taking some pressure off of me. I am truly blessed through and through.

Ice, Ice Baby

2011-01-19T17:14:00.004-06:00

our first snow day...

'nuff said.

for the record...

2011-01-11T09:20:00.004-06:00

Geez Louise! Don't you just love when words are put into your mouth and people have you all figured out? I've been a victim of this this past week and it's really made me do some soul searching. Do I want to blog about this? Not really. Do I want to settle some controversy? It probably needs to happen. Can I predict the future? Thank goodness that I can't. But, do I know what I'm feeling? Yes, actually I do.

It's come up numerous times over the past nine months and will continue to come up, I'm sure. But, to answer the rhetorical question of: are you and Joey going to get married and there are those saying that I am ready to get married ... to both of those, the answer is NO. And here is why.

We are both at a happy place in our lives and with each other. If it's not broken, don't fix it - right? We are at a point where everything is just right. Both of us are just coming out of marriages and are not ready to jump from the fire back into the frying pan.

Now, having said all of that ... I am crazy about him and who knows what the future holds for us. I'm not saying that it will never happen (refer to previous sentence). For now, we take one day at a time, enjoy the simple things, enjoy our independence, enjoy the time we spend together and are focused on maintaining a strong, healthy relationship while having fun and not talking about marriage. Keeping it real, keeping it simple and keeping it fun... always.

They said it best in the movie Four Christmases- We are happy and I love him. Marriage brings stress and pressure. We don't want our relationship to turn into work, we want to be together because we enjoy it, not because we have to.

End of discussion and straight from the horse's mouth.

and one time at deer camp...

2011-01-03T11:21:00.003-06:00

Since the kids were with their dad over new year's weekend, I packed up three bags and went along to the deer lease for some time with Joey.

Friday, December 31st, New Year's Eve

Our plan was to leave at 8:00 Friday morning but having known Joey for as long as I have, I have come to realize that he is on "Joey time" and beats to his own clock. We left at 10:30. Par. I used to hate road trips but four hours in the truck with him is not bad at all. He talks, we listen. We played the "quiet game" and he managed to stay quiet for all of ten minutes but made up for it immediately. That's one thing about him, he always makes me smile with his personality. We made it in time for the evening hunt and how come it's only in the silence of hunting that my stomach growls, my legs itch and I can't sit still? I thought I was going to be grounded from hunting. After the hunt we headed to visit and have dinner with some of our other friends. The waitresses at the Rockin' R Steakhouse were mean to us from the minute that we walked in. They couldn't / didn't want to seat us, they threw to-go bowls at us and jerked a bag for us to put it in. Happy new year to them, too. We went to Tonya and Kenneth's lease to check it out, stood by the fire long enough to warm up and then hit the road. And, that's exactly where we were when the clock struck midnight, welcoming 2011 - venturing down the road, dodging deer because someone (not me, Lisa or Billy) decided he needed to go through his address book and text ten people at a time "happy new year". (I took the phone and took over the task to save our lives.) So, if it stands true that what you are doing at midnight on New Year's Eve is what you will spend most of your year doing, I guess I'm okay with being on road trips with the boy and friends. And, if I am to spend New Year's Eve at the deer lease every year, so be it.

Saturday, January 1st, Happy New Year!

Saturday morning, I slept in. While the boys were away hunting I brushed my teeth with bottled water (learned how to do this in Mexico), got my washrag soapy and wet and heated it in the microwave to wash my face and hands. It's some major roughing it in the deer woods with no running water and an outhouse that drops into a big hole - this is really tough for me. I'm not a princess but I'm not a tomboy either - I like my comfort that comes from running water, toilets, cell phone service and ceiling fans - none of which this place has to offer. BUT, I go and I have a great time. I've already done many things that I said I would never do and have never done before. I am making progress. It's crazy to think of the things that we will do because you're in love.

After the morning hunt, the boys cooked breakfast, we went into town (cannot go a weekend without visting the WalMart) and got back in time for the boys to go on the evening hunt. Us girls decided that we would stay at camp and fix dinner and build big, huge bonfires (despite the burn ban). I got a couple of texts - when I put my phone in just the right spot you can get a signal - saying that we were too loud. Oops. Lisa used her girl scout/ boy scout skills to keep the bonfire fired up - it was cold. We even made the boys a round firepit by collecting rocks. Stacey and I got the cooking underway. We prepared a feast: cornbread, blackeyed peas, cabbage, steak/backstrap/sausage and baked potatoes. We used the grill, the cooktop, the stove and the microwave. We had a lot of fun hanging out, staying warm and cooking. When the boys got back we ate and shortly after, I crashed. I was exhausted.

Sunday, January 2nd

Sunday morning it was so cold. I stayed in and Joey came back earlier than usual. We got everything packed up and ready to go home. We stopped for lunch at a Mexican food restaurant and made our way back to Crandall. Once at Joey's house I did laundry, we went and picked up pizzas and then we called it a weekend. A great weekend. A great ending to a great Christmas vacation.

happy trails 2010

2011-01-03T08:16:00.005-06:00

The motto for scrapbooking was to always stay current. Don't try to scrapbook old pictures first, do the most recent pages and then work backwards. I thought of this motto this morning as I was driving back to work and trying to make mental lists of the things I need to do. Blogging instantly popped into my head. I've been meaning to write my Christmas blog since, well, since Christmas. I have made a list of the events, got pictures in folders ready to make collages but have not started with it. So, I am staying current with my thoughts and blogging about the new year first. Staying current. Maybe I should I apply this motto in several areas of my life and I would not drown in the things that haven't been done that need to be done. It's worth a try and it might even make it onto my resolution list, wait... I didn't make a list.

I was pretty excited about the new year. So many good things happened in 2010: the boy and I started dating, the house sold and I was able to build a new one, the kids and I adjusted to a new normal and I have an abundance of good memories. But, on the flip side of that, I did get divorced, have to sell the house, caused disappointments and heartache among some of the people I love most, was involved in an unhealthy relationship and shed many tears. 2010 got off to a rough, and I mean rough, start but it had such a happy ending ... much like the movies that I like to watch and the books that I like to read.

While out at deer camp this past weekend, I thought about coming up with some New Year's resolutions. Then I remembered how I am when I feel like I have to do something. Let me just put it out there - I tend to be a quitter.

Here's what I was able to come up with: live well, love much and laugh often. It's a quote that I want to live by this year.

Live Well:
I hope to live life to the fullest. I don't want to depend on others for my own happiness. I don't want to care too much about what other people think. I want to feel free to be me. I've made big progress in these areas over the last few months. My general response has become - it is what it is. And, I could expand that to say - I am who I am. I want to have fun and enjoy life and all that it has to offer. As George Strait sings, there's a difference in living and living well.

Love Much:
Almost nine months ago, someone walked into my life and thank goodness he has not walked out of it. In the beginning, we took things very slow, getting to know each other, having fun together and with our kids, keeping things open and honest and had lots of communication. We kept things real, kept things simple and kept things fun. And, we are still doing all of these things. We've learned that things can be "serious" and yet simple. We still have so much fun and make sure to always involve our kids. And, when those rare opportunities some along for us to be able to have a date night, we go out and make the most of it - any night of the week. All of our kids have adjusted to us and to each other (maybe too much, they all "fight" like brothers and sisters - ha!) The term, "brady bunch", fits us well. In the midst of chaos among our angels, we can still hold hands and smile at each other because we know that we are right where we want to be. We both love our kids, love having them with us and love the memories that we are making all together.

There is a Bible verse that says "...faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love." Coming out of a negative marriage and into a positive relationship has made all the difference in the world for me. I had lost faith in myself, lost hope for the future and was lookin' for love in all the wrong places. Now that I have found love, it has restored my faith in myself and hope for a brighter/ happier future. Joey made falling in love easy. I have never had someone that took a genuine interest in me - what I want, what I need, what makes me happy, where I want to go, what I want to do. He brought a smile to my face with his first text on March 31st and that smile has not left me yet. We don't fight, we don't argue. We communicate, we spend time together and we respect each other. It was hard for me to give my heart away again for fear of it getting broken but once I decided that I could trust him with it and gave it to him, I can clearly see that "the greatest of these is love".

Laugh Often:
They say that laughter is the best medicine. I love to laugh. Whether it is because of a prank, something crazy that has been said or done, or whatever - I laugh. I'm thankful that there are so many people in my life that make me laugh, some even by just thinking of them. I also love to make people laugh. I'd rather laugh than cry any day.

For 2011, my plan is to: live well because life is what you make it; love much - love my kids, love my family, love my friends and love my boy with all I've got; laugh often - don't take life too seriously because no one makes it out alive anyway.

I'm thankful for 2010 - it's made me the stronger, more carefree and more loving girl that I have become. I'm pumped about 2011 because I can see that things will just keep on gettin' better.

Happy New Year to all of you, may you be blessed.

it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

2010-12-13T15:47:00.008-06:00

Stressed.Overwhelmed.Behind.Yep, it's Christmas time. It seems like one day you wake up and, BAM, it's the middle of December. You remember last Christmas like it was yesterday and yet it was almost a year ago. I used to think that some days just fly by, now I am starting to think that about years, too.

I love this season, yet it makes me crazy. If I stop to think about how little shopping I have done, I worry. If I stop to think about what to get everyone, I go blank. If I stop to think about all of the things that have to be "in place" (Christmas tree, presents wrapped), I get overwhelmed. But, when I stop and take time to enjoy the smiles, the laughter, the friends, the kids and know that by December 25th what's done will be done and what's not won't make or break the holiday, I remember that I am blessed. I am too blessed to be stressed, I keep reminding myself of that.

Here's what's happened in the month of December, so far.

SantaLand: While on a quick "road trip" we stopped in Lindale to drive through this land of lights. What normally has you backed up on the service road for an hour, had not one car in line or one car going through. We took our time, enjoyed the Christmas music, shopped in the gift shop and even sat in Santa's lap.

Kid pictures: epic fail. I really should get someone else to take their pictures and I probably should not wait until just before dark to decide that it's now or never if I want to send out Christmas cards with their picture on it. I gave it my best shot and, as I like to say, it is what it is.

(I'm not ready to post these pictures yet but will be soon...as soon as I mail out my cards.)

Shopping marathon: Joey and I devoted Saturday to a day of shopping, trying to knock out as much as possible to at least have something wrapped under the tree. He did better than I did - his kids gave him a list. Me, I did some random shopping and better keep my receipts for random returns. We enjoyed the day together at Grapevine Mills, Toys R Us, Bass Pro Shop,the Whataburger drive-thru and the WalMart.

Naughty or Nice party: I was ready to bail on the party that I had been planning for a month. Why does everything seem like fun until it's actually time for it? I didn't bail and we had a BLAST! So many friends and so many laughs. And, of course, I capitalize on photo opportunities.

Family Christmas #1: Every year we get together with my Papaw's sister's family. This year we went to Ennis. There are so many people there and always a lot of fun. Poor Kayla got sick so we left a little earlier than everyone else. The girls could not wait to open their presents, Trey opened his while the "cool" 13 year olds, Clayson and Matt, checked his out before opening their same gift. They decided it was worth tearing into and headed straight outside to rev up their RC cars. And, only one broke in the first 20 minutes, I'd say it was $10 well spent.

So far, so good on the Christmas season ... I look forward to making 2010 the most wonderful time of the year because there are still many fun things left on our agenda.

a huntin' we will go

2010-11-30T13:36:00.002-06:00

I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the great outdoors. I never thought that hunting would be a "vacation" that I'd want to go on. Instead, hunting season has always been a nice break for me - until this year. The boy has gone every weekend, except one or two, in October and November. It makes for long weekends, especially when my kids are gone.So, for my Thanksgiving break, instead of staying home, fighting shopping crowds, cleaning, doing laundry and stressing over my lost (but finally found) Christmas decor, I decided to pack my bags and head south with the boy and his daughter.

I almost waited too late to find a place to stay. (It's baby steps, I'd go to the deer lease by day but needed running water and a comfortable bed by night.) Lisa, another girl going, found us a Days Inn in Brady that had a vacancy for the two nights that we needed. Shew!We left Thanksgiving day around 6:45. The four and a half hour drive was nice. I love to sit and talk to the boy with no interruptions, that's the nice thing about us - we love to talk to each other. If I have learned anything, it's that communication is a crucial part of every relationship. We've got that part covered. We arrived in the woods around 10:45, joining the others. After visiting for a bit in the freezing cold night air, Lisa and I headed to Brady for the night.

We slept in on Friday morning, giving them time to go on their morning hunt. By the time we got there, they were finishing up breakfast and ready to just hang out until the afternoon hunt at 3:00. I decided to be adventuresome and go on this hunt with Joey and Kayla. I brought my magazine along and almost got in trouble because it was too loud turning the pages. Oops. We didn't see any deer ... booooring.

Friday night we drove into Brady for dinner and it was back to the Inn for Lisa, her son, Kayla and I. The two kids needed a good night of rest so they decided to join us. We got up early Saturday morning because one of the guys had shot a nine point deer. We headed out to see it and to watch that one and three other deer be gutted ... gross. Joey took me into Brady to look for my great-grandmother's old place and for a few groceries that afternoon. At 3:00 it was time to hunt again but this time there was some sunset action; a doe, a baby deer. Kayla aimed her gun at the doe and shot it in the leg but we couldn't find it because it had gotten too dark. It was my first time to hear a gun shot and to witness all that. It wasn't too bad.

Lisa and her crew left Saturday night and Kayla and I stayed in the camper. Yes, for one night I decided I could rough it. I slept through the Sunday morning hunt, got up and cleaned up the camper and got bags packed and ready to head home. I wasn't ready to leave and get back to reality but it was time. They found Kayla's doe, gutted it and we were on the road by 10:30, Crandall bound. We ate Chicken Express for lunch and from I20 on I drove us on home.

It was a great get-away. He may regret taking me because I did enjoy it and want to go back :) I am glad that I gave nature a chance.

the blogs of Fall - part II

2010-11-30T12:55:00.007-06:00

NOVEMBER

I have been crazy, busy with photo shoots every weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) and some weekdays. It's been a lot of fun meeting new families and mingling with the families I've taken pictures of before.

Clayson turned 13, which seems so surreal. First of all, I should not be old enough to have a teenager. Second of all, it seems like just yesterday he was my first baby, then a biting toddler, a daddy's boy infatuated with tractors, a mouthy preteen and now a 5'7", 127 1b. grown boy. He is such a help to me. His new thing is to just pick me up and carry me off somewhere else when I am getting after him - it's so crazy. He got a 30*6 gun for his birthday - he chose this big gift over a birthday party and has big hopes and dreams for this gift to kill him a nice buck at the deer lease.

We spent our annual Saturday-before-Thanksgving over at Mamaw's making candy and playing games. My job was to make chocolate covered cherries and I did just that and they were tasty.

And then there was Thanksgiving. I have so, so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my kids; Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn - they are my biggest blessings and are the littlest loves of my life. I'm thankful for my family that may not agree with all my decisions but love me unconditionally. I'm thankful for my friends that knew behind my smile was a broken heart . I could not have made it through many rough times without their encouragement, support and for the many, many times that they listened to me moan and groan over bad decisions, the divorce and all the of the emotional struggles that came my way. I've got some pretty great friends. And, of course, I am thankful for the boy who came along at just the right time, swept me off my feet and has brought me months of happiness.

We had a Thanksgiving Eve feast at my house with all my kids, Joey and his three kids, his grandaughter and her mom, along with my parents and his mom. We had the whole gang and had so much fun. I gave cooking a whirl with a turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, rolls, fudge and a chess pie. Everyone said that it all tasted good and I have to say I thought that I did a pretty good job for my first big holiday meal. I enjoyed the company of my cousin Angela and her two kiddos while I prepared and cooked. I'm becoming a fan of being in the kitchen.

That night the kids left to go to their dad's and it left me with tears. In 13 years this was my first Thanksgiving without my kids and it was hard. I kept in touch with them often. I spent Thanksgiving day over at Mamaw and Papaw's and had such a great time with the family. We laughed, we threw rolls, spilled some tea and listened to Joey make up crazy stories. It was a great day (minus my three kiddos). It was Joey's first time to meet most of the family but he fit right in and they all liked him ... what's not to like about someone like him?!

Another month has come and gone ... bring on December and the Christmas season. I can't wait to make new memories.

the blogs of Fall

2010-11-30T10:22:00.007-06:00

Wow! Time flies when you are having fun. Last I remember we were preparing to go back to school for a new year and now we are preparing for Christmas in just 25 days. At least I can say that I have something to show for all this time, a great big smile. So much has been going on since October (my last post): an injury, a surgery, a birthday, the holidays have arrived and I have stepped out of my comfort zone. Due to time, I'm going to let the picture collage do most of the talking. After all, pictures are worth more than a thousand words, right?

OCTOBER
Clayson had elbow surgery due to a football practice injury. His football season ended almost as quickly as it started. He broke a bone off of his elbow which required a screw being put in so that it would heal correctly and wouldn't affect his future in sports. It was a day surgery and momma held up pretty good until it was all over and then I passed out - literally. Clayson did awesome- his biggest fear, the IV, was not put in until he had taken the "silly juice" and fallen asleep. He was a trooper and soon we hope that he will be released back into the world of athletics.

I turned 35 (see previous blog) and had an amazing birthday weekend. It's so crazy to be 35 and starting life all over again. But, I am thankful for second chances.

We also got all dressed up for Halloween and had a Fall Festival at school and then trick-or-treated with friends in their neighborhood on Halloween night. Clayson was a scarecrow, Trey a hobo and Ashlyn a ladybug.

(Due to technical difficulties, what was meant to be one long blog will be turned into two blogs. Stay tuned for November happenings.)

wishes can come true

2010-10-25T20:12:00.009-05:00

Before I blew my birthday candles out, I had already made a wish. Between the constant distractions at work, busy time with the kids, sporting events, the beginning of bow season and other things that came up, there had been no time to catch our breath. I made a wish for time away with the boy – going somewhere with no worries, no laundry, no dishes, no settling arguments, no school work and no business matters. No distractions, period.

I searched for two weeks, enlisted the advice of facebook friends and could not decide where to go. There were cabins in east Texas but I felt like with them having kitchens we’d have to cook there, there were bed and breakfasts all around, which is what he had been researching – but that would put us in a house and I wanted away from reality. I considered Ft. Worth because there are so many things to do there but then I came across Granbury. There was a lake – something about being near the water makes me happy. And, I found a hotel with a “bed and breakfast” special. This gave us the best of both worlds – the luxury of being in a hotel (with housekeeping) and a breakfast buffet. I googled the town and it looked inviting. I had been to Glen Rose and knew that it was also a neat place to go. So, I made reservations. I was ready to get outta town.

Friday, October 15th was my birthday. 35 used to seem so old (now the closer I get to 40 – it is sounding younger and younger). It’s hard to believe that I am in my mid-30s and practically starting life over. Dating again is just like I remembered it – fun and it makes me happy. Throughout the day I taught my class and at lunch and conference I tried to thank everyone for my birthday wishes on facebook. Jared’s mom picked the kids up from school so I was “free” for the weekend. I went home, got ready for the football game, went and picked up the boy and we headed out to Kemp. In Kemp we ate dinner with four good friends and then it was on to the game where the Crandall Pirates battled the Kemp Yellowjackets under the Friday night lights.

Saturday morning we headed to Granbury. It took about an hour and 45 minutes. We got to check-in early so we dropped off our stuff and drove around on a mission looking for a place to eat some down home BBQ. We found the perfect place in Glen Rose but I ended up too full for the hot cobbler and ice cream that sounded so good. (One of these days I will learn to eat dessert first.) After lunch we decided to drive around and followed a sign that said “Fossils”. We ended up on some back roads, where most of the time there was no cell service – which was okay until I needed to check the GPS for directions. We came across Dinosaur Valley and decided that would be a fun place to bring the kids. It was such a pretty drive, perfect for stopping along the way and attempting to set the self-timer for pictures. Joey looked for deer, I looked for picture spots. Along the way I decided that this would be a great place to live. A rock house on the hill; in a hunter’s paradise; water in ponds, lakes and rivers and so peaceful. (And not to mention the downtown squares – so full of life in the past). We drove for over an hour. I told him that it was a good thing that we got along so well because between our drive there and our back road adventure, we spent hours in the car together. We laughed, we teased, we dreamed … it was a great drive and as cheesy at it seems – it strengthened our relationship even more. (Sometimes it is hard to find things to do that haven’t already been done before … with someone else. I knew that this trip would be filled with new memories and that was a good thing.) Our drive led us back to the main road to Granbury and back to our hotel.

We took an hour long nap and then away we went to the Granbury square. Shoppy shops, take your dog trick-or-treating (seriously, people had their dogs dressed in costumes and store workers were passing out candy), catching TV screens in stores along the way to get the updated Rangers score, looking at signs posted in windows for fun things to do and shockingly – not buying anything. I was disappointed not to find a Granbury ornament for the tree. We stopped and talked to a “peddler” selling tickets for the cemetery tour – it would have been fun if it was a scary hayride but instead it started at 10:45 p.m., lasted an hour and it was a historical tour in which you got to carry a flashlight around and look at graves – yeah, no thanks. We decided to look for a haunted house. The receptionist at the hotel said there was one up the road – we drove past and decided it didn’t look appealing. Joey headed to Stephenville thinking there would be a good one in the college town but not so much. More driving, more talking. I was craving the hot cobbler and ice cream that I didn’t have room for at lunch. We found a Spring Creek BBQ and enjoyed dessert. That was a sweet ending to a sweet day.

On Sunday, we weren’t in any hurry to get back to reality. The breakfast buffet was open until 1:00. We got up, got ready, packed up, loaded the car and headed to the lobby for breakfast. I love a breakfast buffet that has a ton of crispy bacon. We ate and ate and ate some more. We walked along the “beach” and across the boardwalk. Then, we hit the road again. Joey called his sister, who lives on Lake Granbury, and we went over there for a nice visit. After spending a couple hours there, we headed back to Glen Rose. I told him that we needed to move and start over. But, realistically, with five of our children still in school, we know it can’t happen right now. But maybe in ten years…

We went searching for the Glen Rose town square and the river where there are big rocks to climb on and shallow water to walk around in. We found the square – deserted. Everything there was locked up tight. Sunday must literally be the day of rest in this community. We found the big rocks and river and had some fun there. Joey took off his shoes and rolled up his jeans (like capris), I rolled up my jeans – but not enough. There were so many great places for pictures but no props to hold the camera … until I spotted a trash can in the distance. Joey went on the journey to fetch it but it was chained up. He went on walking through the river and I went over to the trash can. Where there is a will, there is a way … a beer bottle cap helped me wedge the chain link apart and by golly, I took the trash can right where I wanted it. Sweet! I found the perfect rock (out in the water) with a small fountain background. The problem – me setting the camera timer and wading back to the rock in ten seconds. So, we reversed roles. I got things all set up and Joey pushed the button. It proved to be challenging to him, too – we laughed as he couldn’t get steady on the rock in time and we had to have a “redo”. We got a few good snapshots – I was happy and my pant legs were soaked! Joey returned and rechained the trash can so we could go rock climbing. The rocks were huge! Easy steps for him (up, down, across) were giant for me. We stayed together but on different rocks because I couldn’t get to him. At the end we ended up on the same rock. (And, you guessed it – another picture.) Back in the car, I realized that I was starving. Nothing sounded better than Whataburger. We passed the turn off for the first one – grrrr – but, lucky for the boy, not far down the road, we found another one. From there, it was homeward bound … booooo.

We had such a great weekend. It was the perfect birthday wish come true. Not only was it my birthday but it marked six months of learning all about true happiness and falling in love again. I am so glad that Joey came into my life when he did, he helped me find my smile and my hope for a brighter future and for this, I am so very thankful.

just a bloggin'

2010-09-07T16:40:00.004-05:00

We have settled in and our house has become a home for my little family of four. We’ve settled into school and our weekdays and weeknights have become routine – early to bed and early to rise.

Around the house: The kids love to be at home. There is no more running the streets looking for somewhere to go, something to do or something to eat. As soon as we get home from school, I don’t see the boys until it’s time for dinner. There are neighborhood kids always ready to play or the PS3 in the game room – which Clayson has learned to play “live” through the internet. Ashlyn has a friend next door so the girls are typically back and forth playing dolls. I have gotten back into the habit of cooking (even using the grill and the crock pot on occasion) and cleaning (I am still obsessed with having a clean house). I love mowing the yard and cannot wait to go buy Fall flowers and add some color. Now I wish I would have paid a little more attention to my mom as she worked in her flower beds and went flower shopping. There are pictures that need to be hung on the wall but I am a little hesitant, waiting on someone to come and tell me where to hang them. I still have a few furniture items to buy but other than that, we are good to go. As of Saturday, we added two more mouths to feed. For someone who is not too crazy about dogs, I am a sucker for cute little puppies. Trey is also a good little beggar. He and I went to First Monday to shop for decorative stuff. Joey asked me to look at the yellow labs for him, this landed us in Dog Alley (where you see all walks of life, might I mention). I knew that we would not walk away empty handed. As it turns out, we bought an “off brand” dog – Rat Terrier/ Pug – and decided it needed a Beagle for a playmate. So, two puppies later, we headed home to surprise Ashlyn and Clayson. They were both so excited. I guess from now on when we mow the back yard, we will have to watch where we step…

The kids are happy in our new little world, I am super happy and I am so thankful that, once again, God has brought us out of the valley and into happiness. I count my blessings every day.

In the classroom: Trey is in 5th grade, right across the hall from me, with one of my very best friends as his teacher. He does not get away with anything – he’s thrown food and not completed homework and I knew immediately both times. Ashlyn is in 2nd grade and one of our closest family friends is her teacher. Patti Mitchell has known me since I was little and was always my very favorite VBS teacher. She has always been a big part of my life due to her friendship with my mom. Ashlyn has always known her and may have been a little too comfortable at first – two frowning faces in her folder for not obeying and leaving the classroom without permission…what?! Clayson is in 7th grade and has learned the relationship between academics and athletics. We are having to watch his Math grades and make sure he is doing all that he can do to keep that grade up. I am thankful for the motivation. He made the “B” football team as a starter. This works for me, that just means more playing time. Being aggressive (in sports) is not one of his strengths. (At home it is just the opposite.) I am hoping that he will gain confidence and become a great athlete, like his dad.

It’s hard to believe that I am starting my tenth year of teaching – all at Crandall and all in the 5th grade. It has been an awesome ten years and I know that I am right where I am supposed to be, living out my childhood dream. We did face big changes this year. We went from teaching two subjects and switching classes to being self-contained – all subjects, same kids all day. I have such a great class this year and am enjoying having them with me all of the time and I enjoy teaching Reading – the only subject that I have never taught.

So, school is going great and all is well on the home front. We stay pretty busy and pretty tired. I am ready for a change in the weather, a change in wardrobe and a change in scenery.

About the boy: Joey and I are just perfect. In four and a half months, he has made me happier than I have (ever) been. (I don’t mean to discredit anyone when I say this, I have been happy many times, thanks to many people – with him, it’s just been a constant four months of happiness and that’s a long streak for me.) He came along when I needed someone and whether he realizes it or not, he carried me through an emotional time due to unfortunate circumstances. Geez, I didn’t mean to backtrack. Okay, what I really had in mind to say here is that we are still having so much fun together and it’s even more fun when we add all of our kids into the mix. My kids love to be around him. Ashlyn always manages to sit near him, Trey is always teasing him and Clayson likes to talk football with him. One of my favorite memories was last night – Joey was talking smack (shocker) and Clayson was smiling, laughing and agging it on. I love to see that kid happy. (Because when he is not happy, he is backtalking or being mean to Ashlyn and Trey.) So, even though he was poking fun at me… it was worth it to see the happiness in Clayson. (And, I knew he was kidding.) My kids know that there is never a dull moment when Joey is around. I love being around him, too. He’s everything I could want in someone – fun, outgoing, loves kids and loves me. It’s also very important that my kids like him and he likes them – thank goodness we all like each other. His family has become very special to me, too. Our kids are friends and have many things in common. We all look forward to our times together. A table for seven… it’s a good thing.

Despite how close we get and how serious we become we promise to always keep it real, keep it simple and keep it fun.

About the week: This week is Cotton Fest. Woohoo for the carnies coming to town. It’s also Clayson’s first football game. Go Pirates!

spinning back into reality

2010-08-28T12:25:00.000-05:00

The past two weeks have been somewhat of a blur. I feel like I have been on the Tilt-A-Whirl spinning so fast that it is hard to think or see clearly.

Here is how my ride has gone:

Monday, August 16th: learned four new dance routines for our district inservice so that we could surprise Coach Martin with a “30 years at Crandall” dance off; closed on my house; loaded up the back of my car, the back of Sharon’s truck, Joey’s trailer and moved stuff (twice). I got enough put up, unpacked and put together to be able to stay the night.

Tuesday, August 17th – Thursday, August 19th : It was back to work from 8:00 until 4:00. Refrigerator, washer, dryer, TV, Direct TV, the boys’ beds – all delivered, assembled and ready to use. Evenings were spent unpacking, accumulating trash, trying to find new places for everything and more unpacking. In the meantime, I also had to go buy a ton of groceries, a vacuum cleaner and a trash can.

Friday, August 20th: We had a half work day, I went home to help my mom get things put up, decorated, washed and dried for school. She took the kids home with her so that Joey and I could go shopping for house stuff and school stuff. For dinner, he made me try Genghis Grill. I have to admit, I became a fan. (I guess I should practice what I preach to Ashlyn … how do you know you don’t like something if you don’t try it?) The only purchase of the night was a lesson plan book… and dinner.

Saturday, August 21st: Had to get up early for the Direct TV installer to come back and in the meantime we found out that we could go ahead and take Matt and Clayson up to the field house to pick up their football gear. It’s hard to think that I have a child old enough to be on a real football team (instead of “daddy ball” teams). We got helmets, pads, fundraiser cards and a game / practice schedule. From there the boys went their way and Joey and I headed back to Mesquite on a mission – pick out and purchase a grill and lawn mower. Thank goodness with the dual purchase at Lowe’s. From there we met my dad and Clayson at Academy to buy size 13.5 cleats and a mouth guard. From Academy it was time for lunch at El Fenix – my dad and Clayson met us there and before we could order, my mom and Ashlyn showed up. We had a good lunch and enjoyed the company. After lunch we took Clayson with us because he was ready to mow. (Instead of grounding Clayson and making him mow, I’ll have to ground him from mowing. He loves doing yard work and insists that he needs a blower and a weed eater for our yard and the side jobs he has accumulated.) Eventually, all of my kids ended up with their dad and Joey’s kids with their mom so we decided to get away from it all. Away from the house, the cardboard, the putting together and the mess. We met up with some friends and had fun but I think we were both too tired to have too much fun.

Sunday, I got up and went to church, Joey started putting the grill together, I wrote lesson plans and waited on the kids to get back home. Once they got back home we were quickly thrown back into the routine of getting showers and getting to bed early. They have settled into their new rooms and look forward to being in their beds with their radios on, or in Ashlyn’s case – she gets her little flashlight out and reads every night.

Monday it was back to reality; sending Clayson to 7th grade, Ashlyn to 2nd grade and Trey to 5th grade and I started my 10th year of teaching 5th grade. They are growing up right before my eyes and time is passing us by. Things have gone smoothly this week except for Trey getting in trouble the first day for throwing food (twice) and Ashlyn getting in trouble the second day for trying to “manipulate” a situation so that she could line up with her friend. Clayson has late football practice on A days and early morning practice on B days … my calendar is crucial. It’s going to be a super busy year but it is going to be so much fun. The 2010 – 2011 school year has had the perfect start and I have a feeling that it will just keep on getting better.

barefoot & crazy

2010-07-30T13:52:00.003-05:00

Six friends loaded up and flew on out to Riviera Maya, Mexico for four nights and three days of some fun in the sun. For now, here is our vacation in pictures. One day I hope to add words.

just a blog

2010-07-18T18:31:00.003-05:00

I honestly don't know where this blog is going, I just felt the urge to write one. I can almost guarantee that it will be random and pointless.

As my house is just a little more than a month away from being completed, I have thought of some things that relate.
*For one, I will have to try and remember how to cook. In all honesty, I have probably only cooked ten times in the last four months and that might be a stretch. Before we moved in with my parents, things were crazy and I was a bit depressed (due to circumstances and jerks) so it was sandwiches, cereal, oatmeal or whatever you could fix yourself. Since we have moved in with my parents, they cook some but we eat at Taco Casa more. You know it's bad when nothing sounds good anymore because you have abused all of the fast food restaurants. Convenience has totally taken over our lunch and dinner eating habits. I think I should stock up on Hamburger Helper so that I can ease myself back into the kitchen arena once I have a kitchen to cook in. Oh, and brownies - gotta have those for dessert and breakfast.
* I have continued to clean and do laundry throughout the past four months so that should not be too big of a problem. I'd rather do those chores than cook any day.
* It will be the first time that I am really on my own. After the divorce/ before the house sold, Jared was still there and when we moved out, I moved into the parent's house while the new one is being built. So, I look forward to being independent for the first time in 34 years. (I'm pretty sure that the one month I lived in a dorm doesn't count as being independent because I drove home from there at least two nights a week and every weekend). I won't have any "rules", anyone to answer to and if I don't make my bed - no one will be disappointed. Freedom, I can almost taste it. (Disclaimer: I am not saying any of this negatively towards my parents - they have graciously opened up their home to my kids and I and we are thankful to have spent this time with them.)
* Here I go again with having to come up with themes, color, decor, wants/needs. Didn't I just do all of this two years ago? Oh yeah, but this time I am not limited to dead animals and rustic stuff. I have been looking at "stuff" but the minute I start, I get overwhelmed and can't make a single decision. I sense a focus issue.
* I'm sure I will be moving in right about the time I start back to school. Timing isn't everything, I guess.

We stop by almost every day to see what's happening and are starting to see an end in sight. It's down to flooring, electric fixtures, appliances, pouring the driveway and sidewalks, bathroom countertops and other piddly stuff. Soon we will be making this house a home.

The house is the biggest event in our life but other than that we are still carrying on with the fun stuff - volleyball, friends, swimming, sleeping late and dating the boy. Most importantly, we are all still smilin'.

a birthday, a bachelorette party and the birth of a nation celebration

2010-07-06T20:51:00.007-05:00

Here you will find three blogs for the price of one. I have fallen behind in my blogging, big time. I have found other things that take up my time and leave me no time to think and type such as: sand volleyball, swimming night and day, hanging with my boy, hanging with my friends, frequenting Taco Casa and doing things with the kids. We are super busy and having an awesome summer.

Blog #1:

*SeVeN*

Every year it gets harder and harder to believe that Ashlyn is turning that age. Seven seems like such a big number for such a little girl. She is closer to being a teenager than she was to being a baby. Okay, I don't want to think about that. We spent her birthday morning making a peace cake - because peace signs are her absolute favorite right now. For lunch she wanted El Fenix and the birthday sopapillas - with just the strawberries and whip cream, not the sopapilla. After lunch we did a little shopping and then she went to her daddy's house. Her birthday party was the following Friday at Chuck E. Cheese and she went through her tokens like crazy and picked out prizes that were broken before we left. Nevertheless, she had a great time with her friends.

Blog #2:

*bAChElOrEtTe PaRtY*

One of my best teaching friends, Sharon, is tying the knot and we are always looking for a reason to get together. We were excited to have the opportunity to hang out and get to see some friends that we haven't seen in a long time. Most of us met at the Holiday Inn to talk and get ready for the big night of dinner and dancing. We laughed, we went through our suitcases until we found just the right thing to wear, we took pictures and we voted on dinner. I lost the vote for some steak (well really I just wanted the fried pickles) at Texas Land and Cattle to mexican food at Papasitas. I reminded myself that it wasn't my day :) Dinner was good - the homemade tortillas were amazing. We talked, laughed and took some more pictures. After dinner we went back to the hotel to freshen up our makeup and hair and then headed out to Red River. We spent hours at Red River - dancing, watching Sharon use her bachelorette coupons, people watching, taking pictures and laughing ... a lot. Back at the hotel, we were ready to crash. Being in bed at 1:45 might be a sign of aging. We had a great time and I think the bride-to-be enjoyed the event.

Blog #3:

*It's *Independence* Day*

The boys love the 4th of July. What's better than watching your money go up in flames with the lighting of a punk? The smiles and the danger could be considered money well spent ... by boys of all ages. We spent the 3rd of July at mom and dad's eating burgers and brownies and waiting for the sun to go down so that the sparks could fly. We also lit up the sky on the 4th of July at Joey's house with friends. Both nights were a lot of fun and left a lot of remains scattered all over the place.

I've run out of fuel to add many details on any of my blogs. You get the jist. Now, I can mark this off of my list of things to do.

the living is easy

2010-06-16T11:00:00.006-05:00

It's summertime and the living is easy. It's about to get even easier as I wrap up my final day of teaching summer school tomorrow. Baseball season is over for me and the boy (or so I thought... now he tells me that his oldest son will be playing in Mesquite for a couple of weeks - oh well, there are good places to eat in Mesquite and places to shop. It's all good.) The kids and I are in a good routine of going back and forth between their dad and I. We are all getting quality time with them and making things work. It has been great to see Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn so happy and well adjusted. I know that it's because they see how happy we are in our new lives. We have both moved on and found happiness and the result is three happy children.

My dad told me last week that I needed new tires or a new car ... the result, a new SUV that gets double the gas mileage and costs half the price to fill up with gas. Clayson has washed and vacuumed the new car and is forcing me to buy better speakers. He promises me he will not argue with me or his brother if I will get some "kickers". Joey heard him say that so we will be holding him accountable. He is becoming a teenager and I am so glad to have him for a son, he's my little man of the house.

It's time to plan another birthday party for Ashlyn, I can't believe that she is turning seven on Saturday. She has enjoyed her lazy mornings, Science camp this week and looks forward to VBS next week. I have recently noticed how much she talks - the girl never shuts up :0)

Trey is just being Trey - sleeping late, talking about football and basketball camps but not really motivated to go and doing as little as possible every single day. He's my sweet one and always gives me the greatest hugs with a huge crooked teeth smile. He is hounding me about getting braces. He went to a swimming party last week with all girls - Clayson called him gay, I corrected him and told him that Trey was a stud :0)

My brother married an amazing girl last weekend and the wedding was just perfect. Megan was a gorgeous bride and will be the sister that I have always wanted. The reception was a lot of fun - hanging with family, friends and getting our groove on out on the dance floor. Joey was a trooper getting to meet everyone at once. He's a people person so events don't bother him, he doesn't meet a stranger.

Speaking of the boy, we are having so much fun together. People want to know if we are going to get married and what the plans are, but the truth of the matter is that yes, we like each other a lot, but as far as the future - why worry about tomorrow, today has enough worries of it's own. Dwelling on what might happen tends to take the fun out of it and we have so much fun together that we would hate to mess up a good thing. We spend time together every day, we talk, we text, (we watch the Bachelorette) and most importantly we are always laughing. He has his friends, I have friends and we all get along real well. He has his kids, I have my kids and we never mind doing things with all of them. It's a very well-rounded relationship and he keeps me smiling and looking forward to new adventures. It's fun, it's new, it's exciting, it's real, it's simple.

Things are going great at the parent's house but I will say that I was happy to see them framing up the new house today. They promise me that I will be in before school starts. I will post pictures of the construction soon.

So, there you have it. Things are good and they just keep getting better ... and easier.

current events

2010-06-02T15:58:00.008-05:00

(first, you'll be reading the blog I never finished and uploaded last week - better late than never)

Nobody likes a bragger but maybe there is a fine line between being a bragger and being a proud momma. I’m going to stay right along that line and tell of some proud moments I have recently experienced.

*CLAYSON (6th grade)
- commended on Math TAKS
- perfect score on Reading TAKS
- 4 times at bat, 4 hits
- is a force at 3rd base

* TREY (4th grade)
- commended on Math TAKS
- commended on Reading TAKS
- quick little runner (his coach’s wife refers to him as a roadrunner and says “beep, beep” anytime he is up at bat, this always cracks us up)

* ASHLYN (1st grade)
- Academic award: All areas
- Principal’s Award for the entire first grade at Martin Elementary for her hard work, helping others to be successful, and being compassionate

So, there you have it. My kids have been shining stars in my eyes this past week. (Not that they aren’t always, but this week they have shown accomplishments in an area that means a lot to me, their education.)

(current)

Last weekend was just fabulous. We had a break from baseball, a three day weekend and great times together with friends, with kids and together with the kids and the friends.

Friday night was Joey's son's graduation so Rhonda and I went to the graduation with him and then a big group of us went to dinner afterwards. (This graduating class was from my second year of teaching. I'm starting to feel old.)

Saturday, I got up early to try and beat the heat with a couple of baseball team pictures and then it was off to Rockwall to take bridal pictures of my soon-to-be sister-in-law. She was absolutely stunning and in just a couple of weeks I'll be able to show off her pictures. She made my job easy. Saturday night, I took the kids to their dad and Joey and I went to a pool party with some friends. I ended up realizing that the host was someone that I had gone on a blind date with my senior year. That was funny. Small world.

Sunday, I went to church and did some shopping. Sunday night we went over to some friends for a cookout and enjoyed sitting around the table chattin' it up. It wasn't long before we realized that going rolling sounded like a great way to end the night. Three houses later, we made it back with an empty trash bag and lots of laughter thinking back on the pranks. The kids love this and it brings back good memories from back in the day.

Monday, I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a trip to the great outdoors with Joey, the kids and the Posey's. We went to Tyler State Park and had such a great time. All three of my kids enjoyed swimming, jumping into the lake (sometimes I wonder if Ashlyn is my child with her willingness to take risks) and it might have been the boys' first time to get to cruise in the back of a truck. We drove through the park looking for the rope swing to swing into the lake and they sat in the back with the wind blowing through their hair like they just don't care. The rope was cut so they wandered the trails and learned how to bring earthworms to the top of the soil. No one was ready to leave but with the last day of school ahead of us, we had to load up and head west back to C-town. Sunburned faces, tired eyes and big smiles were proof enough that the day was worth it. Even I had fun and look forward to going back and heck, I may even consider camping...

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!

Tuesday was our last day of school. This was the fastest school year ever. I am looking forward to an amazing summer - teaching summer school, doing lots of fun stuff with those I love most, hoping to plan a vacation and building a house. Sweet summertime ...

I may be a teacher but I am still learning.

2010-05-24T16:29:00.005-05:00

Things are still crazy busy and I’m still happy.

If anything good has come out of depression and anxiety it is the lessons that I have learned. Here is a list of things that I have learned:

* People lie and people will let you down but those people can be easily replaced with people that don’t lie and don’t make a habit of letting you down.

* People come into our lives for a reason and sometimes just a season - but each person that comes into our lives can either make us happy or become a mistake that we learn from.

* There really are just two choices in every situation: get bitter or get better. I have been trying to “monitor and adjust” my attitude because I tend to get bitter (and stay bitter). But, I am learning to try and make the best out of every situation. I have come a long way - I am up to 40% bitter and 60% better in situations that I face. This might have to do a lot with someone’s FB status that once said, “those that anger you - control you” … ouch.

* There was a time in my life where I wanted to spend time with friends and would look for sitters a lot of weekends. Because of the new boy in my life (that likes people and likes spending time together) I have found that I can do both – hang with the kids and with the friends and there is no need for a sitter. I never knew I could have so much fun with my kids and with my friends all at the same time. It’s been such a blessing to see the kids having fun and me being able to be myself. When I was at the point in my life where I did not know what I wanted, was miserable in my marriage and struggling with inner battles of swallowing my pride and desperately seeking happiness I felt the need to just “get away”. Now that the battle for happiness has been won, it is amazing to see all of the pieces of my life come together again. When I was a child, my Mamaw taught me to put the edge pieces together first and all of the inner puzzle pieces would begin to make sense and fall into place. This is also a life lesson: when pieces of your life are scattered and don’t seem to come together anymore, find those edge pieces - your friends, your family and most importantly your faith – put them back into your life and all of the rest will fall into place.

* Forgive and forget: unfortunately, I struggle with both of those.

* Country music is only favorable when things are going your way – otherwise, it’ll make you wanna kick up your heels and kick someone in the shin with a pair of cowboy boots or take stock in handkerchiefs. Country music and I are getting along just fine right now but a couple of months ago, it was my biggest enemy.

* It’s so much easier to just be yourself – no medication needed (for me). Grieve when you need to grieve, wipe the tears when you have a moment, be bummed when you feel like it and be mad when you are angry (just remember that person/ situation is controlling you) and then when you get through these emotions you can be happy because you have overcome.

* The biggest lesson that I have learned and you will hear me say it often: IT IS WHAT IT IS. End of story. You can’t change people, you can’t change what has already happened, you can’t make people like you or agree with you if they don’t want to and the easiest way to accept things is to just get over it because … it is what it is.

I could go on and on but it’s time to gear up for baseball pictures and a baseball game. We are down to just five more days of school. For the first time ever, I have signed up to teach summer school. They have started moving dirt on my lot today and will set the forms this week. We are still living with my parents where there is no satellite or DVR and an alarm that chimes when I come home past curfew. Baseball tournament starts tomorrow night and could possibly go through June 12th. There is so much going on but busy is good. My life is good. Good things come to those who wait.

have a blog and a smile

2010-05-12T20:08:00.003-05:00

I am not believin' that it has been almost a month since I last blogged. I figured that there was so much I couldn't and shouldn't say, that I'd better just stay away from the blogging scene. But, as I have been forced to do many, many times in the past six and a half months - I have "snapped out of it". So, I am back with a new attitude - a happy one - and I bring this blog to you with a smile.

This is literally the first night in three weeks (or maybe longer) that the kids and I have not had anywhere to go or have anything to do. Within the past three weeks we have packed up and moved into the parent's house and played seven baseball games. In the meantime, I have fought battles from across the street and dealt with some pretty tough emotional issues. It's always a sad thing to find out people aren't always who you think they are. But, it just goes to show that people will let you down. On the upside, I have found joy in unanswered prayers, enjoyed time with friends (even made some new ones) and have made major strides in becoming happy again... just when I thought it was impossible. Some pretty amazing people have been in my life to help me keep my chin up - through prayer, words of wisdom, they've made me laugh when all I thought I could do was cry and some have managed to bring me out of my "cave" and forced me to get over it and get a grip. Thank you to these friends. My 9:30 bedtime is out the door but I am okay with that...

So, that's a quick review of the past few weeks - it's been up and down but as of now, I am on the up and up - not looking back and not getting down. I had forgotten what it was like to not have worries until one day I was forced to face reality and I am so glad that I did. It's all good.

what a difference a week makes

2010-04-18T20:35:00.007-05:00

I've always said that I couldn't believe how some people put all of their personal business and feelings on Facebook. I have become one of those people. What did we do before Facebook when we had so many troubles and heartaches - probably picked up the phone and called a friend or found something to busy ourselves with because there weren't any shows DVRed that we could turn to (while on the computer). Retail therapy used to be one of my favorite distractions but that doesn't do much for me anymore. I usually end up taking the impulse purchases back or the things that don't fit wind up in the back of my car and never get returned, thus it all becomes a waste of hard-earned money. I used to spend a lot more time with friends but like an injured animal, I have retreated. I went to my "safe place" hoping not to get hurt again - but evidently, I need to find a new place because I have been hurt while I was down and just don't have the selfishness to fight it.

I've become crazy with my FB statuses, I think I need to go to "status updates anonymous". I don't do it so that people feel will sorry for me, trust me I don't deserve the sympathy. I don't know why I do it. If I think it, I post it... not good. Technology makes things too convenient, my iPhone has become a huge part of my life. If I still had the bag cell phone with the cord - that was literally a "car phone" - it might have saved me a lot of heartache. I wouldn't have been so accessible, I would not have put my heart on the line only to have it broken again. I've got pieces scattered everywhere and one day, I will pick up those pieces and move on.

I am just not the person that I used to be six/seven months ago. I was a wife, a friend, a mom and I was happy and comfortable. Five months ago, I was ready for a divorce because it was just time to start a new chapter in my life. I haven't regretted that decision. Yeah, it's hard but it wasn't necessarily easier to stay married. It's been rough with all of the firsts that come up but it's a situation that we have created and have to keep on keeping on. People say that it will get easier and there won't be so much tension, disagreements and confusion. I think it will eventually level out where Jared and I can get along and make decisions based on the kid's needs without all of the bitterness. We have to. They are our first priority. I also want to bring my happiness back around, it's been missing in action for too long.

So, there was one week, the week of April 4th-11th, that I was happy every single day. Nothing rocked my world. On Sunday, the kids and I went and looked at houses that were for sale and then ended up in a neighborhood where we picked a lot and chose to build our own house. We were all four SO excited. We haven't had that much fun together in awhile, my heart was smiling all day long. Clayson chose a lot that would be easy for him to mow, Trey chose his bedroom in the floorplan and Ashlyn didn't care as long as she could have a pink and black room. I fell in love with the openess of the kitchen and living room. It was just what we needed to lift our spirits for the unknown future that we were facing. On Wednesday, I signed the contract to get things rolling. Our house sold quickly - we close around May 15th and have to be out around May 20th. I have been super excited to think that this house will be all mine and I get to choose everything about it and there won't be any dead animals mounted on the walls :0). It's going to be a much needed distraction and could not have come at a better time because on Monday morning, my world came crashing down once again. I always say to make choices that you can live with, I guess I should have taken my own advice.

So, as happy as I am about this new house - I am sad about another situation. Thank goodness this is our temporary home. One day there will be no more sorrow and no more tears, I am ready for THAT DAY.

huntin' for eggs and happiness

2010-04-05T21:36:00.003-05:00

We had a fabulous Easter. Early church, Sunday School, over to mom and dad's for lunch with the family and an Easter egg hunt with the cousins - it's a yearly tradition (as are the pictures that the boys hate having to pose/smile/act like they like each other for).

Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn: the loves of my life.

Spring, it's a time for new beginnings and complete happiness - I can feel it.

a work of heart

2010-03-26T21:43:00.004-05:00

Spring break has come and gone and so has the week after. Here we are at the end of March, already. It's crazy to think of how fast the days, weeks and months seem to go, when looking back. Some days seem to drag on and on but before you know it you aren't thinking back about that day but the month or the week that has gone by - in a flash.

Every day I find myself smiling a little more, relaxing and going with the flow a little easier and a little less surprised at the kinks that arise (and oh lordy, have there been some kinks - just sayin'). The kinks get ironed out slowly and leave behind just a few wrinkles. These wrinkles will probably always be on my heart but thank goodness the heart is an organ that heals. I am aware of this, as my heart has been broken through deaths, through disappointing those that mean the most to me and through this divorce. But, my heart is on the mend ... I can feel it.

Jared and I sat and had a heart to heart talk the other night and thank goodness he can be calm in my storm because it could have been ugly. He had to bring me back around - out of my anger and out of my selfish will. This was not an easy task, but he managed. The kids were here because I felt that it was so important for them to see that their mom and dad could still sit and have a peaceful conversation together. Heartbreakingly, Ashlyn presented us with a picture of the three of us - her in the middle - holding both of our hands. It's a simple reminder that no matter what happens, Jared and I share three very special blessings that nothing or no one can ever take away from us.

In this talk, we decided that it is time to sell the house and leave the bad memories behind us. It was wishful thinking, I guess, to think that we could live this way. It's just not a "home" anymore. Neither of us have felt comfortable with the situation so selling is inevitable. It's a little scary to look to the future with uncertainty as to where I will go and many other unanswered questions, but I know who holds the future and that is certain enough for me. After all, this is our temporary home.

I can feel the power of prayer as so many of you have told me that you are praying for me. I have such a peace that I know can only come from Him. Thank you for loving me and thank you for being such great friends. Thanks for helping me turn my frown upside down!

happenings

2010-03-14T11:34:00.003-05:00

A whole month with no blogging. You'd think I was busy raising three kids, teaching school, taking pictures and adjusting to what has become my life. Oh, wait - I have been involved in all of those things and I don't see a break in any of the action (except for this week which is spring break 2010).

On the home front, it has been a bumpy ride. Most days are good but there are days when I am overcome with sadness, anger and bitterness. A mixture of all three emotions on one day is never good. I have been forced to face things that I am not ready for, dealing with what's in writing and what can be agreed upon has been challenging and decisions that need to be made - that I honestly am not ready to make - are on the horizon. But, I have a strong support system and am thankful for the friends and family that have not given up on me eventually getting back to normal. I am getting there, one day at a time. But, some days it's a two step forward and one step back kind of dance.

Baseball season has begun for Clayson and Trey. They are both on the same team so that makes things convenient. Ashlyn is loving basketball. She loves to go to practice and game days are full of her anticipation for getting on the court. She is never still, always moving, hopping, guarding and hands in the air (like she just don't care) to show that she is open and when she does get the ball she accidentally forgets to dribble and runs with it. Oops. Her first game she ended up scoring the first and last goals. We should have carried her out on our shoulder, our lil champion.

It's crazy to think that we are already in the middle of March with just a little over nine weeks of school left until summer. Time flies (cliche, I know). As much as I love the winter, I am glad to see Spring on its way. I am a fair-weather kind of girl so recess always depends on whether it's too hot, too cold or just right. Spring guarantees a daily recess, minus the rainy days.

I hope all of you are adjusting to the time change, the weather changes and whatever life changes you may be dealing with.

I'll be spring breakin' it this week with fun things happenin' every day.

sno*w much fUn!

2010-02-13T19:34:00.003-06:00

SNOW!! It snowed and snowed and snowed ... and snowed. It started early Thursday morning and did not quit until late Thursday night, totaling about a foot of the pretty white stuff. It was so cute to hear Ashlyn's reaction when she first looked out the window and saw it all. She whispered "whoa" twice. I have to say that I was in almost as much amazement as she was.

We spent the day at school watching the snowflakes come down. The kids were anxiously awaiting recess for their chance to play in the snow and have snowball fights. (I noticed during my Science lesson that one boy was drawing a map of where the fight would be and the location for the boys and the girls. This is when I pretty much gave up on teaching for the day. However, it was a great opportunity for discussing the water cycle - especially the word accumulation - and how water changes forms of precipitation. One girl wondered why her pants were wet when she had not gotten into any water, opportunity for a reteach.)

Once we got home from school on Thursday, there was no leaving the house due solely on the fact that I could not get from the end of the driveway onto the road. It was just a total tire spin, getting absolutely nowhere. Upon realizing this, I knew that it meant I would have to back all the way back to the house. The driveway is long, curvy, goes over a pond and my backing up skills are not top notch. It took me thirty minutes and a lot of "close calls" of getting stuck before I finally made it under the carport. And, that is where my car stayed until Friday afternoon.

On Friday - we were out of school. Hooray for snow day! Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn had so much fun playing in the snow. They rode around in the Bad Boy Buggy, Clayson attempted some motorcycling, Ashlyn and Trey made snow angels, Ashlyn, Trey and cousin Andrew made forts to hide behind during snowball fights, all of them pounded me with snowballs, and the boys created a sled out of a tote lid. Ashlyn and Clayson must have been invincible to the cold because they stayed out there for long periods of time while Trey took advantage of having the PS3 to himself. I captured a lot of picture memories and know that we will remember this snow of 2010 forever.

Here's a recap of our fun.

sNoWbAlL fIgHt!! (Thanks Trey for being my back up photographer.)

*TREY*

* ashlyn*

*cLaYsOn*

ATV fun

How great is our God?!

Hope you all had a good time and stayed warm.

end of the road

2010-02-03T20:15:00.003-06:00

On February 4, 1994 we were sitting in Art class having a free day, but we had to be doing some kind of art. Because of my love for writing, I decided to write Jared a note - adding color and bubble letters - giving him my phone number, just in case...

On February 4, 2010 I will write Jared a note thanking him for the memories, our three children and for our sixteen years together. It will also be the day that we sign a note ending our thirteen and a half year marriage.

It has been an incredible journey as we have grown up together but unfortunately, we have also grown apart. Nothing significat (affairs or such) caused this decision to be made. It has been a long time coming as we have faced struggles, always just sweeping them under the rug. But, the troubles don't go away under that rug. They tend to build up as have the walls between us.

As Jared has told me several times in the past few weeks as I've questioned this decision, it's just something that we have to go through right now. It is hard to swallow that pride. I wanted to be a success story - yes, we married young - yes, we had kids young - yes, we tried hard to make it work and many times it did - but, yes, it is time for us to end this journey and find happiness within ourselves and for our children's sake.

Because of how hard we worked on having our house built we have decided on a unique situation (although I have heard it compared to John and Kate plus eight). Jared and I will remain living in the house together, coexisting for the sake of our precious kids. It has worked for the past three months and through prayer, patience and peacefulness I hope that it can last as long as possible. Our kids are not having to do any transitioning. We have split custody but the benefit is that we are always around them - I don't feel like I am ever losing my kids and they still feel like they have both parents all the time. I am so thankful for this situation.

So, as we go to court in the morning I expect it to be emotional. It's like a death - a marriage dying - and I will grieve. I have lost weight, I have lost sleep, I have lost someone that I loved but I have not lost hope for the future. I have amazing friends and family. Some have heard me cry and complain for three months but thank goodness they have not given up on me (or blocked my number from their phones). I could not have made it without them and know that there will be tough times ahead and am thankful to have these friends that I can always count on. And, so many facebook friends have been so encouraging and I have appreciated the love and kindness shown here.

I'll end this with our wedding song:
"I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars. He sure knew what He was doin, when He joined these two hearts..." Because our hearts were joined sixteen years ago we have been blessed with Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn and that has made it all worthwhile.

keepin' it real

2010-01-13T20:09:00.000-06:00

Things have finally settled down from all of the Christmas hype. Presents have been put away, and many forgotten about. Remote control cars are fun until the batteries run out and one out of three baby dolls has been chosen as the favorite. There is one gift that has brought my three children together for enjoyment, and not to mention - ripped pants, a broken cell phone and a couple of minor injuries – their trampoline. Apparently, it is never too cold and never too dark for some quality jump time. They have been out there everyday and I enjoy hearing the laughter as they have fun together (but as of yesterday that is hard to hear over the blaring radio). There have also been tears as Ashlyn didn’t quite land on her feet on the way off of the trampoline. Oops. So, yes, Christmas has come and gone but the joy still lingers in the PS3, the baby doll and the trampoline.

Basketball season has started for Trey. He’s a fast little guy but his lay-ups could use some skill building. He’s kind of like his momma – just shoot and score (well, sometimes). It’s time to sign Ashlyn up for her season that will begin after Trey’s. That ought to be entertaining.

It’s hard to believe that we’re down to half a school year, close to the middle of January 2010 and that Clayson is taller than me at the age of 12. We are adapting to changes in our lives and are thankful to have such a strong support system through our family and friends. It’s been rough and it’s been emotional but it seems as though we are finally starting to see light from this dark valley. Thank many of you for your friendship, your love and especially your prayers. Some of you I could not have made it without and am so thankful to have you in my life. No matter what, I plan to keep on keeping on, keep the faith and will always keep the hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth a living just because He lives.

2009 bites the dust

2009-12-31T20:02:00.003-06:00

Another year, come and gone. I am glad to see 2009 ending. I started out the year feeling like I knew where it was headed but then there were many instances in which I was reminded that things change, people change and circumstances change. Although change may be good, it's not always easy to accept.

Thank goodness for my blogs that I just surfed back through to come up with lists for the good, the bad and the ugly of this past year.

I'll start out on a positive note with GOOD things that happened.
* Coaching Ashlyn's soccer team was a lot of fun and I'm glad that I got to share this job with one of my best friends ever - shout out to Jennifer.
* The kids enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, soccer, football and gymnastics.
* Clayson turned 12, Trey turned 10 and Ashlyn turned 6 and I am thankful that they are all healthy children.
* The Twilight series was enjoyable to read but I have yet to see either of the movies.
* One of my former students invited me to attend her National Honor Society induction, I was honored.
* I met Joe Montana and got his autograph.
* We bought a boat and shared quality family time on the lake all summer long.
* Jared and I took a trip to Cozumel with friends and had a great time.
* I started a photography business and have been so successful. It's a new passion.
* It snowed on Christmas Eve, finally a white Christmas.
* My brother got engaged to a great girl and I look forward to finally having a sister.
* Ashlyn was the flower girl in a cousin's wedding.
* Jared and I celebrated 13 years of marriage.
* I had an opportunity to witness to "Granny", my friend Sharon's mom, while she was in the hospital - she changed my life forever.
* I have the best friends ever! I have made many new friends and grown closer to many of the ones I've had longest. Some of my friends have been there to carry some of my burdens, talk me through situations and lend words of wisdom when I can't even think straight. (shout out to Rhonda, Amber, Sharon and Zan).

Unfortunately, there have been some BAD instances in 2009.
*I've lost a dear friend and would give anything to know why or what I could do to repair the relationship.
*Relationships that we hope will last forever, don't.
*Tension in family relationships.

And, the UGLY.
* Tears from teachers having to move to different campuses due to our change in elementary schools.
* Disappointing many, many people...

2009: I won't remember it as a great year because unfortunately, it didn't end up that way.

But, thank goodness, He offers hope for two thousand ten.

Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (©1984)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.

As we enter the new year I plan to seek blessings in all that I do and to know that all things work for the good of those who love Him. We can't see the big picture but He does and thank goodness the will of God won't take us where the grace of God won't protect us.

Happy New Year!!

Christmastime '09

2009-12-26T15:11:00.008-06:00

I have to be Scroogeish and say that this is the first time that I have been happy for Christmas to come and go.

We survived six Christmases and are blessed beyond reason.

(Papa's 12*19*09)

Tradition would have it that we have lunch, play the metal pipes and sing Christmas carols. The kids love playing the pipes and singing and as much as the grownups complain, they end up getting all into it. (Not me, I take the pictures). There is also some ping pong and other outdoor games going on when the weather is nice, and this year it was perfect.

Christmas #2: The Robinson Family

(at my house 12*20*09)

The tradition here is to get together with my Papaw's sister and her four kids, spouses, children and children's children along with all of us - totaling close to 40 people. Another gorgeous day for the kids to be outside playing football and riding the bad boy buggy while the rest stay inside and eat until it's almost gone and play games and/or watch football on the TV.

Christmas #3: Christmas Eve Breakfast

(mom and dad's 12*24*09)

Some years this works out but it all depends on the fire department schedule. This year my dad had to work Christmas day so we went to breakfast and took gifts for mom, dad, Jason and Megan just in case we could not make it to the gathering at Jason's house. The breakfast was so delicious - my dad can cook, too bad that skill was not passed down to me. Breakfast was also enlightening - learning that Trey had already snooped and found the trampoline in the closet that was supposed to be from Santa and he had showed it to Ashlyn. It was a good thing that I found this out or Santa's secret could have been blown for all three of them.

Christmas #4: Davis Family Christmas

(our house 12*24*09)

Many years ago we started having Christmas with Jared's family on Christmas Eve so that we could spend the entire day with them and not have to be back and forth between families. It's almost always worked out with Jared's fire department schedule and we cherish the time that we have together. His Mamaw and Pawpaw did not come due to the snowy weather and we missed them. The kids loved the snow and as always their Nana and Pop "hooked them up" with some great gifts.

Christmas #5: Daugherty Family Christmas/ take II

(Jason's house 12*24*09)

Because no one was prepared to give the kids their gifts at breakfast, we went over to Jason's for a couple of hours to continue having Christmas with dad. Potato soup and banana pudding (good job on that, Megan) were on the menu and what a perfectly cold night to enjoy both. SMU was playing in Hawaii so we had to keep our voices and our excitement to a minimum so Jason could enjoy the game... try telling three kids and two dogs to contain themselves...

Our family Christmas

On Christmas Eve night the kids talked us into letting them open one present. On Christmas morning the kids got up around 7:15 and we had the big morning with lots of surprises. Ashlyn got the bitty baby that she wanted, Trey got a new cell phone and Clayson (and Trey) got the PS3 they were hoping for. All was right in their world. We opened presents, cleaned up the mess, got ready and went back to my mom's and then over to D'Uan and Ralph's for the few things that still needed to be opened.

Christmas #6 (actually at this point it may be Christmas #9)

(Mamaw & Papaw's 12*25*09)

Our final Christmas gathering took place on Christmas day at Mamaw and Papaw's. It's always a great time with the cousins and little kiddos and it's even better when everyone is in a good mood. And, it wouldn't be the same if the "big kids" (myself included) did not have wrapping paper wars against each other. The day ended with us game junkies playing Chicken Foot (dominoes) but I left out early because I was losing...

So, now I am entering the next phase: extreme home makeover edition - Christmas is outta here ... as soon as this laziness wears off.

Hope you and your family had a great Christmas, emphasized Jesus' birth and made memories to last a lifetime.

The closer Christmas gets

2009-12-05T17:24:00.006-06:00

the further I fall behind. The tree is up and the house is decorated but that's about all I can say is done. There are presents locked up in the Christmas closet but none wrapped and placed under the tree. Christmas cards are in envelopes but none are ready to send. I've got a gift list a mile long with no ideas. Are you sensing a little "bah humbug" ?! I really need to shake this feeling of being too overwhelmed. Most times I work better under pressure but not at Christmas. I need to get my act together and put some merry in my Christmas.

On Sunday we enjoyed a three hour gathering with some family that we have not spent time with in years. Spring Creek BBQ probably did not sign up for "all the rolls you can eat" for a party that lasted that long. The men were happy that the Cowboy game was on the big screen and during commercials they compared cholesterol counts and blood pressure medications. The little kids ran around the party room taking advantage of the grownups deep in conversation. The "older" women sat at the back table and our guess was they were discussing hormones and menopause. Us cool moms got a little loud and laughed a lot at memories we had growing up at Lake Tawakoni and trying to make plans for a girl's weekend at The Villages. We'd just better hope that there are no neighbors on either side of us if and when we do get together. (see picture below for obvious reasons)

It's my favorite time of year because I have such a great family to share the Christmas season with. Here's hoping you are enjoying time with friends, family and those you love most.

giving thanks

2009-11-29T15:04:00.004-06:00

It's so hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone. We got out of school early on Tuesday and it has been nonstop ever since.

There are a lot of things that I have to be thankful this year. I am blessed to have three healthy children, parents and inlaws that love me through it all, supportive friends who are always there to pick me up when I am down and the friends and family that I could not make it without. I am especially thankful for peace that passes all understanding.

We spent Thanksgiving lunch at my Mamaw and Papaw's and then headed to Plano to see Jared's family since he was working. For lunch, I was in charge of making a dessert - which was successful - but the green bean casserole - not so much. (Probably was not a good idea to double the recipe before making sure I had enough of the ingredients to do that, especially green beans.) Oh well. I've never claimed to be Paula Deen.

I made a 4 a.m. trip to the Wal-Mart on Friday morning for a laptop but returned home at 4:30 a.m. with detergent, chocolate donuts and a Dr. Pepper. There were no buggies and no parking places. There was not one bit of room to walk up the main aisles but the detergent row was empty. Tide obviously did not make it into the black Friday ad.

On Friday we got all of the Christmas stuff out and by Saturday night the tree was decorated and most things have been put in a place but my couch still holds things that I cannot figure out where to put. They may have to go back into the tote because I am overwhelmed. I'm sure there is no such thing as having too many Christmas decorations but I'm out of ideas.

I am hosting bunco here tomorrow night so it has forced me to clean and decorate and has not left any time for editing. I currently have seven shoots to edit and deliver. After tomorrow, they become priority. Busy is good.

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving. Hope you all had a great one and remembered to give thanks to the One who makes it all possible.

rockin' along

2009-11-22T18:37:00.005-06:00

I have not blogged since November 9th because I have been ... hmm, let's see ... swamped, overwhelmed, busy, tired, beat down, shuffling boys back and forth to practice, taking pictures - all while enjoying life and everything in my little world. It's been a wild ride this month. Grab your seatbelts and let me give you a glimpse.

Football: Yesterday was the Superbowl, and final game, of our little league. Clayson and Trey's teams both made it after winning their playoff games during the week. Trey's team lost in the final seconds. Clayson's team got 1st place for the season, going in with an 8-1 record, and came out winners in this Superbowl game. Both teams were from Crandall so the announcer had them gather and pray together before the game and then he had all of the 6th grade players stand together and told them that they were playing against each other for this game but next year in 7th grade, they would be one team of Crandall Pirates. It was a great tribute to these amazing boys.

I'm glad that the season that started in July has finally come to an end. Now, I will have my Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays back. Things might actually get done around here.

The most important thing that has happened in the meantime is my first born turned 12. Clayson is growing up (literally) so fast. He is turning into an amazing preteen and makes me so proud. His coach deemed him the nicest guy on the football team. He does make us very proud. Here he is in all his twelve year old glory, starting to like pictures because he thinks he "looks good" ... and he does :) Now that football is over, it is time to plan his birthday bash.

Can't leave out miss Ashlyn. She is doing great - loves school and loves her baby doll, Aaron. (Aaron was recently diagnosed with swine flu but he stayed with Nana for a week so thankfully none of us were exposed. She has an imagination gone wild. )

And now, we will just rock along until Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season. It's my favorite time of the year!

seasons change

2009-11-09T22:59:00.006-06:00

So, you want me to blog.

Not much has changed since the last post: football, photo shoots, work, repeat.

Despite the lack of changes in my life, seasonal changes are evident. What a mighty God we serve. He has made all things beautiful in His time and it's the most beautiful time of the year.

I have enjoyed photographing kids and families in the crisp air with leaves everywhere.

Amazing, huh? I don't remember Fall in Texas ever being so vibrant.

And, yeah, well, it's November. It's my month to have bunco and Clayson turns twelve. Plans have not been made for either event. I'm not trying to be a slacker but I haven't made any progress for taking care of either one. I haven't always been such a spontaneous kind of girl but it is how I roll these days.

Last weekend was little Pirate football homecoming and I bought both the boys a garter, neither were worn. How come the year I don't buy them everyone has them and the year I do, no one has one? I guess I will store them until they are old enough to play on the school team and I'll just change the numbers, if needed. Their names won't change but their numbers might. They hated having to walk with the cheerleaders, one day we won't be able to keep them away from them.

It's the start of a busy season. I look forward to some time off of work, lots of time with family, Christmas shopping and turkey & dressing - it's my favorite.

Notice God's grace all over the place...

not this year

2009-11-02T19:56:00.002-06:00

Last week was so very frazzling. I had so much on my plate, along with the pressure that I put on myself and add to that 58 students excited about Halloween and a son having major school issues. All of this lead to a mini-meltdown and an inability to make decisions. I don't break down easily but Friday was definitely a breaking point.

I am so thankful for my friends who made me stick to the original plan that I had set into motion earlier in the week - dinner and movies. I tried desperately to get out of those and go to the football game but they were not having it. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Laughter truly is the best medicine. After dinner, they drug me to see Paranormal Activity. I hid inside my shirt once it started and was part of the reason that we were getting shushed before it began. We dropped by Target on the way home to enjoy the last ten minutes that they were open and then it was back to the theater to get my debit card that had fallen out of my purse. Story of my life.

Saturday, Clayson and Trey's football games were cancelled and I was happy as a clam. I got to sleep late, had two photo shoots and enough energy to go to Wal-Mart, where I had to pretty much start from scratch with the groceries. Our cupboards were bare. It'll be just a couple of days before the typical "there's nothing to eat" starts again. Don't make me go postal...

Halloween night: Ashlyn decided that she did not want to trick-or-treat this year, she just wanted to stay home and carve a pumpkin. That was music to my ears. For some reason, the whole part of walking around and getting candy is such a beating to me. We waited for Jared and Trey to get home from hunting and by the time they got home from this excursion (with the biggest dead hog I have ever seen), Ashlyn was fast asleep on the couch. Halloween just didn't work out for us this year and if it is the beginning of the end, I am more than happy with that. (I'm also glad that we only spent $5 for a witch hat and gloves.)

Sunday, we went to church and then I loaded up in the pick-up truck with my mother-in-law, aunt-in-law and a friend. We headed east to Canton's First Monday. We had so much fun. It is a laugh a minute with these girls. I bought a couple of small gifts, a corny dog, a coke and some Christmas decorations and was completely satisfied. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had such a good time. I'll leave out some of the details :)

And now, it's a new week with a new "to do" list, on which I am marking things off of faster than last week. I am up to 12 photo shoots and counting for the month of November. I have truly been blessed. I look forward to all there is to do with the sessions, the family gatherings and some shopping. Retail therapy is good for the soul.

So, frazzled or not, life goes on and thank goodness that it does.

"Stressings"

2009-10-28T21:00:00.005-05:00

Stressings is a mix between stress and blessings. Because, more often that not, our blessings cause stress. Can I get an "amen"?

Our kids, our job, our home ... though thankful to have, hard to remain stress-free with all of the pressure, needs, wants, time and energy that each require. We feel guilty for complaining in "today's society" so I am trying hard to be positive and more importantly, thankful.

I have been taking pictures like crazy and I love it like crazy. In just 4 days I had cheerleading team photos, a toddler, a wedding, three family shoots and a sister shoot. And, this next weekend looks to be pretty close to a repeat. I am so blessed to have found something that I love doing and that this past weekend truly brought me face to face with one of God's greatest creations - the fall season. Since all of my shoots are outdoors, I was surrounded by yellow leaves on the ground while others were blowing in the wind and yet some trees maintained their green beauty. I was surrounded by His perfection all weekend long. I am so incredibly thankful for every opportunity that I get to do what I enjoy doing; meeting new people and making people happy with memories to frame. It's on my massive to-do list to upload pictures from these shoots onto my photo blog and my goal is to have it done by Friday. So, check there soon.

It's still football season and last weekend, because I had committed to a wedding, I missed both football games. Clayson scored a touchdown in his and I was sad to have missed it. Maybe he'll do it again this weekend. Their last game is November 6th and I have to say I will be glad to see it ending. I love the games but the practice takes hold of three nights a week. We need some spare time (to fill with something else).

Clayson had the opportunity to go to a business conference to hear Terry Bradshaw, Colin Powell and George W. Bush speak on Monday. He enjoyed the experience. (I would have given to have been in the same room with George W. He is next on my list of people I'd like to meet.) Clayson is learning the meaning of taking school seriously and I am learning that the cell phone is a valuable tool in getting/ forcing him to learn that.

Trey's desk got cleaned out by his teacher and she found a bunch of notes between him and girls and a lot of "MASH" being played. (I don't know where he gets either of these habits - ha!) And, she said that he is more interested in the girls than what she is teaching. (A little like his dad in that area. Apparently, he is a good mix.) Not too long ago she referred to him as a "ladies man" and came to get me one day because he was sobbing over being broken up with. I am not quite ready for these emotions.

Ashlyn is having a great year. In my classroom, I have a closet. In the closet you will see a mini- classroom set up with baby dolls, worksheets and crayons awaiting Miss Davis each afternoon. The kids kind of freak out when they see the "Chucky" baby doll staring at them as they sharpen their pencil. Maybe I could use that baby doll as punishment - "go to the closet with Chucky until you can behave". I'm kidding... sort of. She is also having to sneak around to pick her nose because they have to wash their hands every time they do and she is tired of washing them all the time.

Monday night was fall festival at school and tonight was the fall festival at church. I am sad to say that the only pictures I got from either of these come from my cell phone.

This wonderful lady has been my teaching partners for 8 years. Love her!

This Pirate in pink is my assistant principal. She is so much fun. Love her, too.

Ashlyn and I are ready to go to the fall fest at church and play the cake walk until we win.

It's been a week full of many things to do and instead of the list getting shorter, it is getting longer. For this I am stressed and through this stress I am blessed.

Crazy.Busy.Fun.

2009-10-20T17:59:00.005-05:00

That’s just three ways to describe this past weekend - which also lead to exhaustion.

It all started on Thursday, the day I turned 34.

On Thursday, Ashlyn had her once-a-year cheer performance. The at home preparations might have sounded like – if you get out there and act like you have never heard that cheer before in your life I am not going to spend the money on cheer clinic next year. And – you better not act shy because I know you can shake your groove thang. Okay, maybe not the second one. Thankfully, she did not let me or my $15 down. She cheered her heart out and tried her best to remember all the dance moves to Party in the U.S.A.

(insert cheer pictures here)

Friday night lights provided for some down home football competition as we faced our biggest rival, Kaufman. The game was not pretty – an abundance of penalties called against the Pirates resulted in a seven point loss to the Lions. I’m sure the players and the coaches took that loss hard but what I found the hardest was hearing Kaufman ISD dedicate the song “Happy Trails” to my first (and favorite) boss, Coach Rouse, as he will soon be leaving the area to become Superintendent for another school district. I was standing there next to him when the song started playing and it made me sad. We love him and he will be missed. His new school district is extremely lucky to gain such an honorable Christian man to serve at their highest ranking.

(insert fans in the stands picture here)

Saturday the house was cleaned, pictures of a gorgeous teen and her sweet little sister were taken and football took over the evening before it was time to get our party on in Terrell. Several of us were celebrating birthdays and brought our friends together for some fun and some dancing. We had a blast! There’s just something about going out on a cold Saturday night with your boots on. The birthday week ended in style.

(insert birthday party pictures here)

Sunday we enjoyed lunch with mom, dad, Jason and Megan, Megan’s sister, brother-in-law and their three kids at Campisis. Still no announcement from my brother and I am getting tired of waiting. He’s not getting any younger… just sayin'.

Last night was Halloween bunco and we wore some pumpkin attire. It’s the one time a year that I wear my pumpkin pajama pants, my shirt that says “You can’t scare me, I work at the school” and Halloween socks.

(insert Olan Mills posed Halloween photo here)

Since when did my blogs become a play-by-play of my weekend? I am not happy about it and will look into changing it up.

(blogger upload not working - stay tuned for pictures where they should be)

because they are worth celebrating

2009-10-12T20:52:00.006-05:00

October is a big birthday month for our family.

Here's a glimpse of my calendar:

Oct. 1oth - Jason (the brother) and Papaw

Oct. 11th - Mamaw

Oct. 15th - me

Boom, boom, boom - we all age within five days. I have never thought of my birthday as a big deal, maybe it's because I have always had to share. But, there is no one I'd rather share it with than these three people.

For as long as I can remember we have always had a day to celebrate my Mamaw and Papaw's birthdays. And these two people are worth celebrating! They mean the world to me. More than they will ever know. Every minute spent with them creates memories that will never be forgotten. They kept me when I was a baby and took me to school when I got older (my Papaw even drove me to college the last month of my pregnancy). We lived with them while our house was being built in Crandall and then I packed my bags to run away to their house more than once. I realize now that I am quick with math because of all the card games that they taught me and because I was usually the scorekeeper. I can spell because we played a lot of Scrabble with my Granny. They took me in as a rebellious teenager and let me live there for a while to try to break my will (dating a boy that I was forbidden to see). I wish that I could say that I could cook because my Mamaw taught me. She did teach me how to sift flour, measure brown sugar and separate the yolk from the egg - all while sitting on top of the counter. I just don't apply those skills. I'd rather eat her goodies than make my own. Every year we spend the Saturday before Thanksgiving making Christmas candy to enjoy throughout the season. This year I will not just enjoy the "tasting" - I will be more active in the "making" part of it. (Hopefully, I can do both.) Not only have they been a HUGE part of my life but they have also been a BIG part of my kid's lives. They kept Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn for me while I was at different stages in my life: working at Countryside Homes and as I started and progressed through my teaching career. I cannot thank them enough for ALL that they have been to me and all the times that they have been there for me.

My Mamaw and Papaw are amazing people. They have been such wonderful Christian examples and bless everyone that they meet. For 33 (right at 34) years they have blessed me every single day. Not a day goes by that I don't think of them and their love for me. I am so glad that God chose me to be their granddaughter. I love you Mamaw and Papaw and hope that you had a happy birthday and many more to come.

... the greatest memories we have, aren't because of times or places but because of the love of those that we had by our side when we made them....

Here's our birthday time in '09

where: Gary and Judy's house in Martin's Mill

when: October 11th

who: family near and dear to my heart, special surprise guest: Aunt Linda (Mamaw's sister)

why: celebrate a mom and dad / Mamaw and Papaw

And, happy birthday to you my dear, sweet brother. You're the best brother I have ever had!

happy Fall y'all

2009-10-10T20:46:00.008-05:00

Awwww, a breath of fresh (cold) air. I love it. It puts a little pep in my step.

(Due to my blogs becoming weekly, please overlook the randomness and the lengthiness.)

The football game on Friday night required gloves, blankets, hot chocolate and not to mention - a Crandall Pirate hoody, oh yeah. I think what I love the most about hoodies is the big pocket on the front where I can stick both of my hands and my phone comfortably. It's very similar to a fanny pack.

If my life were a DVR event it would only be recorded on the weekends because most weekdays are a repeat - school, football, laundry, cleaning, packing a lunch, ironing, quick trip to Wal-Mart, meetings, grading and three kids that are fighting, showering and talking back. Nobody would want to see that show everyday. I am ready for things to change and a new season premiere to take place - football season over, kids getting along and kids not talking back. I have a feeling that would have to include many commercials because the show would not last very long.

I took pictures of a sweet baby girl on Wednesday and those pictures will be posted on my photo blog soon. I have photo shoots on the schedule for the next three weeks. This side business has been such a blessing.

Friday, the kids and I stayed home from school. I had a headache, Ashlyn a sore throat, Trey's legs hurt and Clayson was coughing. Together, as a family, we may have had the swine family flu. We each had a symptom. Speaking of swine flu - is it running rampant or what?! If the Texas Education Agency had not changed their stance on closing schools, I am pretty sure there would not be one school in Texas open the whole month of October. I have had students with confirmed cases for the past two weeks. I am knocking on wood and typing this - I have never had the flu. Trey and Jared are the only ones that tend to get sick around here. Ashlyn, Clayson and I are too mean to catch anything. Let's hope that stays true this season. Well, maybe not the mean part.

Saturday was a busy day for us with a couple of new outings on the agenda.

Ashlyn went to cheer clinic and learned some new cheers and a dance. How come she stands there looking clueless (and cute) when there is an audience but when she gets in the car she is loud and proud? Oh wait, she must be like her mom and dad. (But mama is coming out of her shell.)

I finally made it to the new Super Target in Mesquite and was immediately overwhelmed with its massiveness. Wow. It didn't even feel like I was in Mesquite - it was clean and I felt safe. I didn't end up buying anything but groceries - boring!

And then there was football.

That's our week in a nutshell. I will have a special birthday blog tomorrow - the two people that I admire the most are having birthdays and I can't wait to share the fun - straight from Martins Mill - tomorrow night. Stay tuned and stay warm.

Hearts,
Stephanie

my "life cycle"

2009-10-03T23:26:00.003-05:00

Once upon a time, I could start a task and finish it. Here in the present I start one task and it reminds me of something else I need to do and then that task reminds me of something else. The cycle never ends. It's a wonder that I ever get anything completely finished.

On Fridays I try to get my house all cleaned up for the weekend. Since last Friday was our fair day, I thought I would get a head start on the house cleaning Thursday. Cleaning the house made me want to start decorating for fall. I set out two orange things and then started laundry. The laundry reminded me that there were clothes in my car to throw into the washer so I decided to clean out my car. Cleaning out the car forced me to bring in dirty dishes so I put dishes in the dishwasher, which had to be unloaded first. And then, back to cleaning house and so on. Whew. (* Major accomplishments for the clean include: moving the ping-pong table from the entry way out to the back patio and removing the life jackets and wakeboard, also in the entry way, into the laundry room closet. I was not allowed to move the bobcat hanging on the wall to a closet - guess I'll have to work around that. There are empty frames on the entry table that need to be filled, which reminded me to take and print pictures of my own kids, not just everyone else's. )

At school this week I started a Christmas list and that reminded me that I needed to pay bills. Paying bills reminded me that I might ought to make some returns so that I can fulfill my need to spend money by spending money that had already been spent.

All these things reminded me that I needed to BLOG!

So, here's my week in a nutshell.

*I had school meetings on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday afternoon and for a half day on Friday. I was feeling "meeting-ed" out by Friday.
* Jared came down with flu-like symptoms on Thursday but did not test positive for the flu. He did get the flu vaccination which I am still debating on for the kids.
* Tuesday I had a photo shoot of a precious six month old monkey (not literally, Baby J was in costume).
* Friday we had a group of about 15 go to lunch at Wings and that was fun. Friday night I got to babysit Trey's teacher's precious little girl and Ashlyn took right over. I caught her trying to change the dirty diaper. (This babysitting event was motivation enough for us to clean her room again. It was as bad as the week before. See post below.)
* Saturday, Clayson and Trey played football in Kemp. The boys left their games highly discouraged, my heart breaks for them. Integrity is a life lesson that I need to teach them - after I can learn to get a grip on it myself. That's all I am going to say about that. The rain caused a family photo shoot to be postponed.
* Sunday, my plans are to do a little shopping (with the return money and my Kohls cash that I earned), a possible sibling and new baby photo shoot - weather/ground saturation permitting, I have many tests to grade and I'll be ready to watch the Cowboys game while laying on the couch smelling the taco soup cooking.

This blog is as random as my week has been. Now, I am reminded to go to bed because two out of three children are complaining of a sore throat and coughing which could lead to sleep interruptions...

victory & defeat

2009-09-27T12:39:00.009-05:00

You might begin to notice that my life (or at least my blog) tends to revolve around football this time of year: practice three nights a week and two games most every Saturday. If Jared is home he will go to practice with them. If I take them, it's drop off and pick up style. Sometimes I feel out of the loop but I have to keep the home fires burnin'. Here are the football hilights from this week as we played our biggest "rivals" - the other Crandall teams. It's almost as big as the Crandall Pirates vs. Forney Jackrabbits rivalry. The good thing is that they still walk away friends.

Crandall Black vs. Crandall Gold (10 & under)

featuring: *Trey* #42*defense/ kickoff return*team captain*

Trey's game was a 6-0 victory. Both teams played hard.
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Crandall Black vs. Crandall Gold (12 & under) featuring *Clayson * #44* offense/defense/kickoff return*

Clayson's game started over an hour late and by the time it got started it was too dark for me to take pictures without my external flash. Above are the pregame smiles and excitement. After the game the smiles had turned to frowns and the excitement had turned to frustration. They lost 8-6. The agony of defeat struck the boys hard. Maybe next time.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Among other things...

* It was donuts for dad for Ashlyn and Trey this week. Here is Ashlyn and her daddy.

* I planned and purchased for ten meals! I tend to cook the same things over and over or just don't cook at all because I get so beat down with not knowing what to cook and not having all the necessary ingredients. So, I sat and made a list of complete meals and what groceries I would need to make each one complete. (Granted, I made this list when it was nice and cool, some may have to wait for it to cool off again before they are served up.) I'll share my list with you, if you will share your list with me :0)

1.) beef stroganoff, corn and lima beans

2.) chicken spaghetti, garlic breadsticks, seasoned green beans

3.) frito pie

4.) king ranch chicken, rice, ranch style beans

5.) steak fingers, mashed potatoes, baked beans

6.) chicken & dumplins, pork 'n beans

7.) beef enchiladas, burritos, spanish rice and beans

8.) taco soup and chips

9.) baked potato soup and crackers

10.) chicken and dressing, mashed potatoes, string green beans

* I also bought corny dogs and frozen pizza for those nights that I can't / won't cook. And then, there is always cereal as back-up, too.

For desserts I am thinking:

a.) cherry cheesecake

b.) oatmeal cookies

c.) snickerdoodle cookies

d.) brownies

I am just proud of myself for taking the big plunge at Wal-Mart. It is a place that I do not enjoy going anymore. Jared went there for me last Sunday for some staple items and it completely made my day. I told him that he was amazing. It's the little things in life that we should be thankful for.

Last night we celebrated a birthday party for a dear friend/ teaching partner/ life mentor. It was a blast hanging with my girls after a long day of football games and a long week of working hard.

(disclaimer: this is a mobile uploaded picture and not very good quality)

I still LOVE my job and where I am teaching. I have made so many new friends and am missing the ones that are at different campuses.

This week is going to be a busy one with curriculum night, three photo shoots, football and cooking ;) Hope you all have a great week! Count your many blessings ...

a dream becomes a reality

2009-09-22T19:42:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday I was laying in bed fixing to watch "Ellen" when an announcement caught my attention - Joe Montana appearing in Dallas. What?! I had barely been listening so I paused the TV, just to make sure I was not hearing things. There it was - a picture of Joe Montana and an event at SMU listed. I am not sure how many times I rewound this to make sure I was not dreaming and to get all of the facts straight.

(Here's how the rest of that night went... ) SMU! That's where my brother went to college as a football trainer. He still has connections. I called him immediately. And, at the same time I was FB chatting with my mother-in-law and she tells me that Jennifer's dad (Jennifer is an employee of hers), was the head trainer at SMU and she told me his name. Oh my gosh, what a small world. Jennifer's dad was my brother's boss. Now I was thinking this would get me in to the athletic forum event for sure... or at least I was hoping.

Sunday: Jason, my brother, told me that one of the girls I used to babysit and also taught in 5th grade, Emily, was getting an award at the ceremony. I mentioned all of this to Emily's mom and they told me that her event was on Tuesday night. The SMU athletic forum was on Wednesday. At this point I am thinking, that just doubled the opportunities for a chance encounter with my hero.

Sunday evening: Turns out I could not get any tickets to either event but I was already coming up with a plan to be in Dallas - same time, same place - as this amazing quarterback.

Today: I was kind of debating on whether to make the attempt. I was tired, out of sorts with random things at school and have something to do every night this week. But deep down I knew that I would never forgive myself if I didn't try. After all, I had traveled to Oakland, California for his training camp (18 years ago) and went to his football game in Houston (16 years ago) and tonight he was just 30 minutes up the road in Dallas.

I called the Fairmont Hotel just to make sure I would even be able to get into the lobby. The concierge, Daniel, was also a big fan and told me to come on. I joked with him, hoping to get on his good side and wanting a "hook up" when I got there.

I asked Trey to come along with me. (Like his teacher said - might as well teach him how crazy women can be.) We drove to Dallas, wandered around on some random streets in downtown and finally found this fancy hotel. We parked and made our way inside. Walking around, scouting out the area, we did not see him. But then I found my friend Daniel. I asked him if he was there and he said yes and in a kind of hush-hush manner told me where to find him and suggested I send Trey in front of me, maybe to make it seem less stalkerish. I thought he was kidding but he so wasn't!

We found Joe Montana sitting with his back to the lobby, practically hidden. Woohoo!! I smiled so big and said, "oh my gosh, you're my hero", so cheesy but it was my first reaction and I could not hold back the excitement. He saw my biggo camera and told me he doesn't take photos because he had already been to court twice over them. A little disappointing but understandable. He did, however, autograph a football folder for Trey. I could not quit smiling as he talked to Trey and shook his hand with those massive quarterback hands. (Trey really has no clue who he is or what he means to me ... he was just happy to be there - but not near as happy as me.)

It was an experience I will NEVER forget! 19 years ago it became a dream, today it became a reality.

weekend * wows

2009-09-20T14:34:00.006-05:00

Friday wows:
* Jared went to South Texas for the weekend to get hunting season started.
* It was the perfect football weather - cool and cloudy - until those clouds opened up just as they announced the homecoming queen. The rains came down and the gym filled up - with soaking wet fans. The hard rain slowed to a drizzle and fans were able to go back into the bleachers for the Crandall Pirate football game and they didn't let us down with the win.
* Friday night all of the kids went to my mom's because I had to be at school early the next morning and I couldn't even muster up the energy to go to Denny's with friends. After I peeled off the wet jeans and found my pajama pants, it was all over.

Saturday wows:
* The biggest wow of the week was that the sun came out!
* All three of the Crandall elementary schools held dedication ceremonies to honor the namesakes and I attended the one at my campus. It was a nice tribute to Mr. Martin, a former elementary principal of mine.
* Trey's football game was not rained out, just moved to a different location. Taking pictures was not easy but I managed to get a few of my little lineman. The sun came out in full force and made the heat index go straight to hot and sweaty on the 83 degree day.

* I cleaned house, did laundry and ironed clothes for 8 hours.
* Clayson got invited to spend the night with a friend, Trey went to his Nana's and Ashlyn ended up at my mom's for the night.
* Again - home alone - and I stayed home. Ashlyn's messy room kept me occupied on Saturday night. There is a wow effect for how bad it was and a wow effect for how clean it became.

Sunday wows:

* I made it to Sunday School. (This isn't a big wow, I try to make it often).

* Kids still all shuffled around so I went to Kohls and shopped for ME.

* I finally found a pair of tennis shoes after searching and searching and they are discontinued and could not even find the match to the display that I was willing to wear a little big.

* Came home to a clean house and enjoyed the last bit of quiet time before church and the Cowboys football game.

WOW of the weekend:

* I heard that Joe Montana is coming to Dallas Tuesday night and Wednesday, speaking at two different hotels. I am ready to put those teenage years of stalking experience to good use as I muster up a plan to be in Dallas, at the hotels, both days. (For those who don't know me, he is my hero! I fell in love with him in 9th grade and went to great lengths to cover my room in 49ers and Montana memorabilia. I even ended up with a six foot cardboard statue of him thanks to a friend willing to "steal" him for me. His wife's face was covered with pictures of me on the Hanes tags that I ripped off of clothes. My grandparents took me to his training camp in California, where I was able to get his autograph on a cap. For my 18th birthday my parents got me tickets to watch him as a Kansas City Chief, play in Houston. I touched his arm and it melted my heart.) I was past the point of obsession then and even now I cannot let this opportunity of maybe getting to meet him slip away. I'll keep you posted!

bit of this & bit of that

2009-09-16T17:17:00.001-05:00

It’s so hard to believe that I haven’t blogged in nine days. I am such a slacker. I can’t come up with any reasons besides football practices, lesson planning, grading, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, taking and editing pictures, spending time with friends and family, a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, Friday night football, baking for a school luncheon and new in 2009/2010 – ironing the school clothes.

After five days of rain we are left with gloomy skies and cooler temperatures. The sun must be taking a hiatus. I do love the onset of fall. I won’t kid myself because I am aware that it is only September and the Texas heat may rise again before it falls for good. I will enjoy the cool temperatures while they last and I will refrain from putting on my corduroy pants – for now. For dinner I have found myself wanting to cook taco soup, chili and baked potato soup. I am ready to go up to the attic and bring down the fall decorations. I think about making a Christmas list often. (Honestly, I would have cooked those things if I had the ingredients. I’m holding out until October to fill my house with orange pumpkins and the scent of pumpkin spice. The Christmas list is a fleeting thought that really needs to be put down on paper. My kids are throwing out the “I wants” and all are currently following up that statement with laptops.)

We are still rocking along in school. It’s hard to believe that we are in our 4th week. For me, this has been a life changing year. Having smaller classes has given me the opportunity to get to know my kids on a more personal level, how to meet their needs on academic levels and time to teach without the constant interruptions. Going from 28 students to a class of 20, a class of 17 and a class of 19 is HUGE. I didn’t know small classes with empty desks even existed. I love the new building that I am in, all the people that I work with and especially those that I work for. It is so cute to see my 5th graders react to the three and four year olds in Headstart and Pre-K. It makes all of us smile to see the bubbles in their mouths (I have even tried that strategy for walking down the hall quietly and it works). I see Trey at lunch (with his dirty face) and at recess. At least once a week I pass Ashlyn’s class in the hall and she tries the sneaky wave (up under her chin). She comes into my classroom at the end of the day with a burst of energy and hunger. Her thoughts this week have been 1.) how many years after first grade and 2.) in the midst of a morning fit – lunch is the only good thing about school. Some days, I might agree. Trey has made new friends and he has a blast after school. It is hard to get him and Ashlyn ready to leave school, they have so much fun when it is over. I can find Ashlyn by following the popcorn trail and Trey by finding a group of sweaty boys. Clayson has had some minor setbacks in his 6th grade journey. He has gotten in trouble in the hall, forgotten his belt and was tardy to class. I think that it is going to be a roller coaster ride all year. Both of us will just have to learn how to deal with teacher personalities and the rules and regulations all while I encourage him to make better choices and making sure he knows that the school rule “in trouble at school – in trouble at home” will always apply.

And, lastly, we interrupt this marriage to bring you hunting season. Jared will be on the road a lot … starting tomorrow.

Hope this blog finds you having fun and looking forward to the months ahead. Always remember to live, to laugh and to love.

it's the little things

2009-09-07T11:52:00.003-05:00

I had forgotten what a three day weekend felt like. I feel like I have had a nice break from the BTS hustle and bustle that has been going on for two weeks (wow).

Friday night I did laundry and found myself in the recliner inbetween loads. Jared was not happy that I had taken over "his" chair for the evening. You would have thought he was Archie Bunker but I am definitely no Edith.

Saturday morning I had a senior shoot. Saturday afternoon I edited for hours and we realized that we really did not have enough time to go to the lake as we had hoped. But, it all worked out because we spontaneously met with two other couples and friends for dinner. (We've talked about getting together since summer started and on a whim it worked out.)

Sunday, the kids and I went to Sunday School and then headed out to do some shopping. It had been SO long since Ihad taken a shopping trip. It's the time of year that kids will need jeans and for the first time, I am prepared for the jean-wearing-season. We met my grandparents, parents, Jason & Megan for lunch at Roadhouse and then left Mesquite to go to Grapevine Mills. It was crowded but I didn't notice. I found some good deals and splurged by buying myself a shirt and bubble bath (from Bath & Body - where Trey knocked over a glass shelf toppling all of the antibacterial handsoap that was three for $10). I saw a couple of things that reminded me that it would be time to start Christmas shopping soon.

Sunday night I headed out on a journey to Tonya and Kenneth's for a get-together. We had a good time hanging out on the patio, listening to some country music, feeding the catfish in the pond and laughing a lot. Laid back... it's how I roll (as of lately).

Today...apparently the lake plans are shot down again and I am doing laundry again. I am also cleaning a house that I thought I had just cleaned. If only I could learn to just sit and relax sometimes instead of always finding things that need to be done when I am home. OCD, it's big part of who I am.

Here are some "small thing" realizations that I have experienced over this three day weekend:

* I love the smells of Fall and could not pass up the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin hand soap at Bath & Body. In fact, I bought three.

* There is nothing like 40% off on Gap school pants.

* I finally learned not to order a meal at Texas Roadhouse because the rolls and free appetizers are meal enough. And this way ordering a $2 coke doesn't seem so bad.

* New iPhone covers excite me.

*Cotton candy while shopping gives you the needed energy to get you around all six areas of Grapevine Mills and leaves children with sticky hands for the ride home.

* If you want your car washed, plan a dinner with friends. Jared was too ashamed to take it dirty so he washed it first.

* As much as I dig the Cotton Festival I did not buy the kids the bracelets for unlimited rides this year.

* I might have an infatuation with updating my facebook statuses.

* Double Dave's chocolate chip pizzas are only $4.99 and are scrumptious when reheated in the microwave for a late night snack.

* Silence is golden.

*I used to not procrastinate, now I do. I used to could make decisions easily, now I can't. I used to like to be on the go, now I like staying home. I used to like to go out with friends, now I like hanging at someone's house. I used to make plans, now I like to be spontaneous. I used to like to spend money, now I like to save it. I used to like Wal-Mart, now I hate it.

my list

2009-08-30T16:42:00.006-05:00

Last week I was prepared for a wild ride but we managed to get through it as smoothly as possible - with only a few kinks. Here's a list of ups and downs of BTS '09 (BTS-back to school).

1.) It is way cute to see Ashlyn and her friend coming down the hall after school.

2.) I see Trey and Ashlyn a couple of times during the day and they always have a smile for me.

3.) Clayson survived the first week of middle school without too many complaints.

4.) Clayson had bus issues Monday- Thursday coming to my school. On Friday we finalized a new ride situation and it's going to work out much better.

4a.) Clayson rides the bus over to the middle school every morning so I am forced to get to work by 7:30.

5.) My classes are all 20 students and below with just a few stinkers.

6.) I love, love, love all the people that I work with, the atmosphere of the building, my bosses and especially those I am teaching 5th grade with.

6a.) Trey and Ashlyn both love their teachers.

7.) I only got yelled at a few times.

8.) I have captured hearts and now it is time to capture minds.

9.) Thursday night was bunco with school friends - I won :)

10.) Friday night - first home game - "Black Out" - sad thing is we lost and Ashlyn is afraid the Pirates will now have to walk the plank.

11.) Big Brother is my favorite reality show and gives me something to look forward to on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.

12.) Tears only came on Thursday morning because Ashlyn did not want to get out of bed. Her punishment: no friends in my room after school. Friday was better.

13.) Trey also has friends after school and the day I told him to be back in 20 minutes, I found him one hour later. His punishment: no leaving my room Friday afternoon.

14.) Both 12 and 13 punish me in the long run.

15.) We ended the busy/tiring week with some little Pirate football. Here are Clayson and Trey sporting the black and gold. (more pictures here)

16.) My mom cooked dinner and had it at the house for us to enjoy as soon as we got home on Tuesday. It was yummy and we even had some left over for Wednesday.

17.) Cool mornings hinting that Fall is on the way!

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I am able to add humor to my first week of school but on the other hand, some that I love dearly have faced sadness this week. Sharon, my dear friend, lost her mother.. You may remember my post about "Granny" from a few weeks ago. I know that Granny is rejoicing with Jesus and is enjoying the mansion that He prepared for her but to lose a mom/grandmother is a time that brings great sadness to her children and grandchildren. I pray for Sharon and her family to find peace in this time of sorrow.

My mother-in-law made a tough decision this week to close down her scrapbook store. I know that the decision was coveted in prayer. It has not been an easy time for her this past week and I pray for her to be able to recover from all that has happened.

It is so hard for us to understand that God has a plan but He does. He promises us that. I hold on to that promise.

It is Sunday night and dinner is almost done. I had to raid the freezer tonight and tomorrow I need to raid Wal-Mart. (I miss you summertime.) Here's to a great second week of BTS '09.

school time '09

2009-08-24T18:32:00.009-05:00

Well, it's here. It's really, really here. I have a middle school student - making me feel old - two elementary students - that are growing up too fast and about 60 new students - to keep it real for the next nine months. As much as I am never ready for summer to end and work to begin, I always enjoy it once I am there.

Here is my back-to-school blog in pictures because I am really too tired to think and type much. I will note the important things so that they will not soon be forgotten. And, hope to become more detailed as the week goes on because I do have a million things running through my mind.

'Twas the night before school started ...

Clayson was on the computer, Ashlyn was playing baby dolls, Trey was watching TV and I was putting clean sheets on the bed.

These midnight riders were all in bed by 9:30 and I think Ashlyn was the last one to sleep and it was by 10:30, first time in months.

First day of school..

Everyone got up pretty easily. I made cinnamon rolls for a quick breakfast. We were out the door by 7:20. No one seemed nervous, frazzled or even grumpy. I have to say that I was so worried about Clayson going to middle school. It's a huge jump from where he was to where he is and I just am not ready for him to grow up and be faced with all the stress middle school brings. Jared took him and, of course, left the camera at home. I at least wanted a picture of him getting out of the truck and walking. Oh well, he went to Wal-Mart for me and so it almost gets him off the hook. Here are our morning pictures of my three sweet students.

At school...
Ashlyn went into her first grade classroom, found her locker and gave her teacher a quick hug to start the day. She is ready to learn, it's a true passion that she has. I hope she always has this desire to read and to know.

Trey, typical boy - too cool for pictures. He is looking forward to 4th grade with a great teacher and several friends.

I got word yesterday that my three classes of only 18 students had jumped to 25. It kind of left me in a tizzy wondering if I had enough copies, I knew I did not have enough desks and I had been looking forward to small groups - for once. When I got to school this morning, I picked up my roll sheets and much to my amazement, our numbers had not changed. Whew. What a relief!
Here I am with a sweet student :0)

After school:

Ashlyn has been singing all afternoon, Trey is tired and Clayson had a good day and even had the energy to wax and clean out the boat.

All in all, our day was fantastic - probably the best first day I have had in nine years. I look forward to a great year - in a new building with old friends, making new friends and having a good time doing what I love to do.

Here is where we were last year: then and now.

R.I.P. Summertime '09

2009-08-18T22:00:00.002-05:00

It's official, summertime '09 is over for me. Today it was a seven hour inservice with a one hour and fifteen minute lunch. (All in a winter-like atmosphere. Only at CISD August inservice can you wear your Crandall Pirate hooded sweatshirt and be completely comfortable.) As good as the message of building champions was, it was a long day of listening. I tried to stay away from facebook- only updating my status twice. I didn't text too much - but enough to schedule a weekend photo shoot. I didn't throw anything at anyone - not even my brother. (I didn't figure that tootsie rolls flying through the air would go as unnoticed as maybe the grapes did last year.) Instead, I listened intently until now - the last hour - and started writing this blog.

There's no easing back into the b-t-s (back-to-school) routine, it is on from now on. Trying to get the kids to bed early and up earlier will prove to be challenging - I have no doubt. Clayson will be okay, he is an early riser. Trey cannot function until he has eaten breakfast and Ashlyn gets up in time for lunch. And I've got six days to get into a solid b-t-s schedule with everyone in a good mood and the house running smoothly. Wish me luck...

Tomorrow, Martin's "magical kingdom of learning" is taking a road trip to Laser Quest for our campus meetings, lunch and laser tag. Thursday we have breakfast, district meetings and time in our classroom with brief campus meetings in the afternoon. Thursday night is meet the teacher night and Friday is a work day. Work day meaning names in books (120), names on lockers, seating arrangements made, first week lesson plans and copies to be run. I need some adrenaline to kick in so that I can fight the good fight and finish the course.

Although I hate to see summertime '09 ending, it is time yet for a new beginning. What's not to look forward to with cooler temperatures on the way and my favorite holidays approaching.

Yesterday my family went out to the lake for just a couple of hours between morning must-dos and evening football practice. I must say it was the perfect ending to the perfect summer.

Goodbye summertime '09. We will miss the lake, the swims, the beaches, the sleeping late, the lack of routine, the staying up late, the random meals, noon news, photo shoots and facebook. I now replace you with the classroom, 60 kids instead of three, a playground, an alarm clock, daily schedule, early bedtime, excellent lunches in the cafeteria, Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, evening and weekend photo shoots, school uniforms and FB at lunch.

her first walk down the aisle

2009-08-15T23:42:00.003-05:00

Ashlyn has been looking forward to her cousin, Jaymie's, wedding day since the day she got the sweet note in the mail asking her to be the flower girl. A frilly new dress, high heel shoes, shiny pearls, lacy socks and an adorable headband. It's every girl's wish list filled.

Rehearsal took place in Royse City and dinner followed at Primos.

The big day!

Ashlyn started asking about 12:30 when it would be time to go. Our plan was to leave at 4:30 so I gently told her I could not keep answering this for four hours. How long is four hours? 8 TV shows.

Preparations: Ms. Amanda added some ringlets to Ashlyn's curly hair. Aunt Dana added a tadbit of lipstick. She loved seeing herself all dolled up in the mirror.

Bridal attendants and their "getting ready" shirts:

For a brief moment, she was the star.

It was so precious to see Ashlyn come down the staircase with such grace and to drop the flower petals all the way down the aisle. She stood there throughout the whole wedding, listening intently. It was a beautiful ceremony and one that she will remember always. Seeing her walk down the aisle brought me such joy. It also reminded me of the importance of cherishing every moment, every age and every year as one day, she will be the bride.

Thank you Jaymie and Richard for letting Ashlyn be such a special part of your most special day!

Heaven bound

2009-08-07T09:24:00.002-05:00

My dear friend, Sharon, has been at the hospital with her mom, "Granny", since Tuesday afternoon. It has been an emotional roller coaster as she has witnessed her mom at times incoherent, talking to people that have previously passed, had several family meetings with the doctor about decisions that have to be made based on her condition, her mom has heart attacks and doesn't know it and her blood pressure was fatally low. Wednesday night she had an arrythmia that they have to normally shock people to bring them back and Granny never knew it. In spite of it all, her mom is still talking, joking, eating and sleeping. Yesterday at 1:00 she was given two hours at the max. Last night she had Sharon go get her Taco Bell and then they even got told to settle down by the nurse because they were laughing and cutting up. This morning Sharon said that her mom slept like a rock last night. Her mansion in Heaven is not ready yet.

Sharon called me on Wednesday when her mom was at a very low point and told me that everyone (her and her siblings) had to be in agreement to "pull the plug" and she was the only one that wasn't - said she felt like she was killing her. I told Sharon that no matter what they decided, all of this is in God's time and He will take her when He is ready and the plug has nothing to do with it. So, if she didn't want to do this she didn't have to. She texted me later and decided to stand her ground with her decision. Throughout the day we kept in touch and her mom ended up pulling through this valley and came back to her senses. She seemed to be rallying.

Yesterday, Sharon called me at 8:45 and told me that her mom wanted to know if I would come and talk to her. Of course! I jumped out of bed, got ready, called Ginger (my boss) and told her that I didn't know what God was calling me to do here but I was going to do it and wouldn't make my meetings this afternoon. All the way to Rockwall I listened to "How Great is Our God", "I Can Only Imagine" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord". I spent the entire trip praying, searching for words of comfort, thinking of scripture but deep down I knew that God was going to guide me through this experience and that I did not need to worry. But, I was scared. I will be the first to say that I am a sinner saved by grace. Nothing made me worthy to be called into this situation.

I got to the hospital, asked for ICU and was on my way. I found her mom's room and was surprised to see her sitting in the hospital bed and talking. I just did not know what to expect. Sharon and her sister left the room and left Granny and I there to talk. Granny was afraid she was going to Hell and this left her scared to die. I asked her if she had been saved and she said that she had but she didn't go to church. I tried to tell her that that did not matter, if she has Jesus in her heart, He never left. I asked her if she wanted to pray and she said she didn't know how - I told her I would pray with her. Holding her hand we thanked God for her life, her legacy, her kids and grandkids, for the time that she had left and that she would be given the peace that passes all understanding that only He can give. She was still so uncertain that she would be getting to go to Heaven so we read scripture, talked about how we are all sinners but are forgiven and that once you are saved, you are always saved. I asked her if she wanted to ask Jesus into her heart again (mainly for her peace of mind) and she did but she said again that she didn't know how to pray. I gently told her that this was not a prayer I could pray for her but I could tell her exactly what to say and she did. Right then she asked Jesus back into her heart. "You're set!" I told her. A big smile, a wave of relief and a peace came about her. It was an amazing experience and such a God thing. I have no words to describe this and I will never ever forget it.

A little background here: I had only met Sharon's mom one time at school. But, there were several times that we would prank call her and I would ask her if she had "seen my weedeater" - silly and fun. Granny always played along. So, when she was telling Sharon she was afraid she was going to Hell, Sharon offered to get the chaplin or other people and she said that they didn't know her, she wanted the weedeater woman. This is when I got the call that changed my life.

God is good. As long as I have been a Christian (25 years) never have I been brought face to face with Him like this. I am forever changed.

Thank you, Granny, for allowing me to be a part of this time of your life. When you do get to Heaven, please tell my Granny and my Papa hello for me.

olderwomenmakebeautifullovers

2009-08-02T19:00:00.010-05:00

Thirteen years ago today, Jared married his high school sweetheart....ME! (Can I consider him my high school sweetheart when we got together the last three and a half months of my senior year? What qualifies one as the "high school sweetheart"?)

I was a senior and Jared was a sophomore when we 'hooked up' so he spent his high school career dating me and I went on to college to get started on the life that I had always dreamed of having. There were three dreams: get married, have kids and be a teacher. And look where I am today. Triple blessed.

Here's the rewind of our marriage in fast forward.

* August 3, 1996: the big day. Jared never smiled once. It's a memory I'll never forget.

* August 3rd- 8th 1996: the honeymoon in Durango, Colorado. I cried every night, homesick.

* other things to note August 1996: we bought our first "house", a 30 ft. travel trailer

* September 1996: Jared left for Fire Academy for three months in Kilgore, Texas. I cried every night again.

* February 1997: moved into a rent house in Seagoville, fought the roaches (joy of a rent house), found out we were gonna have a baby.

* November 1997: Clayson was born :)

* December 1997: I graduated from college, Jared was hired by Ennis Fire Department

* January 1998: We moved to Ennis. More tears.

* July 1998: Found out we would be parents again- babies, 17 months apart

* Early 1999: moved into a rent house in Combine on a huge ranch - fought the snakes (joy of a rent house in the country), Jared was hired by Seagoville Fire Department.

* April 1999: Trey was born :)

* May 2001: I decided to quit babysitting and being a stay-at-home-mom and to become a teacher. I was hired by Crandall ISD to teach 5th grade in the fall.

* June 2001: moved to a rent house in Crandall.

* August 2001: I started my teaching career.

*August 2002: built a house and moved in - our first home - in Combine.

* October 2002: found out we were having baby #3 - wishing and hoping for that little girl

* June 2003: Ashlyn was born :)

* June 2005: took our first trip since our honeymoon - Cozumel - had such a good time and decided to work harder at our marriage that had become a little shaky (the truth hurts). What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.

* June 2006: back to Mexico - we had made such progress from the last trip

* March 2007: sold our first home, moved into Jared's parents house while we made decisions on what to do with the 5 acres that we had recently purchased

* June 2007: Cozumel with friends

* November 2007: moved into our "love shack" in the metal building while we continued to make decisions and come up with house plans

* March 2008: started building our current house

* August 2008: moved into the house that we built

* July 2009: bought a boat that has brought our family together for something we all enjoy

* TODAY: married 13 years. We spent the afternoon on the lake, stopping to eat at Texas Land & Cattle.

We have learned that marriage is compromising, allowing room for growth and change and lots of communication and prayer.

Jared married me straight out of high school (graduated in May, married in August). Many people thought we would never make it. We have been down and we have been out but we have come out of those valleys and now we are better than we have ever been. We have truly grown up together and are enjoying every bit of the life we have created.

Happy 13 years to us! Thanks to all who have supported us, guided us, prayed for us and showed us how to love.

as previously mentioned

2009-07-29T11:47:00.007-05:00

Update on the classroom: it's coming together. I have given up on any kind of theme and am just going random. There are all colors, all over the place. I should be going back today because I don't want to waste any sunny days up there but my house is crying out to me to get some laundry done and to be picked up. It's begging for attention.

Vacation pictures: I have some and some are on my mom's computer so I am not ready for that big post yet. But it's coming. When you least expect it.

For today, I bring you lake adventures from a couple of weeks ago and a friend's birthday celebration from this past weekend. Why do I find it necessary to share all of this with you? I don't know but I like it. I like to write. I like to savor memories. I like to take pictures.

lake

Brian's birthday bash

That's it for now! Tonight I am headed to dinner with my two lifelong BFFs and our A girls. Summertime '09 is the bomb!

preparations

2009-07-28T10:23:00.003-05:00

Today marks just three weeks before it is back to work. I remember thinking at the end of June, wow - it hasn't even been a month yet. And here we are, almost two months into the summer vacation and it's flown by since then. My calendar has been full all summer long. I am thankful for the rain that has slowed me down and allowed me time to focus on my classroom.

Being a teacher has many pre-back-to-school preparations. This year I am moving to a new campus because our school is growing and splitting into three elementary campuses instead of one. Yesterday, I unpacked the 57th and final box from the move - 10 hours into it. Most of the things in boxes had a place to go but some don't because I don't have a teacher desk yet. Hopefully that is coming today. I need to get my area set up. And then there is the issue of a theme. Our hallway theme must consist of "magical" things like castles/dungeons, dragons, knights, etc. This is definitely not me but I will do as told and come up with something. But what?! I am thinking shiny stars or something. Many people on my hallway have done a fabulous job and I am inspired with their creatvity, just can't find my own.

Today my goal is to cover the bulletin boards, hang posters, attach locker tags, folder labels, find more textbooks and organize the closet shelves. My biggest concern is the randomness I am facing. All of the cabinets and shelving in my room are red - and there is a lot of it. I am bringing over a lot of things that are lime green and pink. I am teaching Social Studies and have a wooden flag to hang. How on Earth am I going to bring together red, white, blue, lime green and hot pink?! OMG.

Mardel, can you help me pull all of this together because I am heading your way. And, I hope you are having a sale.

cruisin'

2009-07-26T22:10:00.003-05:00

Time flies when you are having fun. And this summer has been so much fun, one we'll always remember. We are so blessed and when I take time to look from the outside in at our many blessings it humbles me to think of where we are and how we've gotten here.

Someone once said, the road to success is always under construction. We need to take time to slow down (ticket fines are doubled) and look both ways - behind us and ahead of us and especially to those that are beside us on the road. I am so thankful for the family and friends that we have and for the jobs that we have - all of these have shaped us and keep us moving forward.

There are many things that I want to blog about but this nightly headache is preventing that from happening right now. Stay tuned for wakeboarding at the lake, fun at the beach and a birthday night out.

Life is a highway and I have been traveling at a constant speed all summer long. I think it's time for a slow down. After all - I'm almost in the school zone...

because two boats are better than one

2009-07-14T23:19:00.003-05:00

The newness of having a boat has yet to wear off. It truly qualifies as both family bonding and cheap entertainment. We all enjoy it. It keeps me from having to try to come up with creative (costly) things to do so that the kids don't get bored and can enjoy their summer vacation. Currently, all I have to worry about spending money on is water, lunch meat, bread and a few snacks for the ride. (And it's a good thing as I am fixing to have to shell out $310 for Clayson and Trey to play football. Ouch. )

The intertube that looked like fun will be returned to Academy as soon as possible. It's too big, too rough to sit in and going to cause me back trouble at a young age. We are going to exchange it for more of a disc type towable that you can lay on or sit on, not in. You know you'll be seeing pictures of that as soon as it happens. I never let you down with pictures.

Jared's mom joined us for a boatride on Monday afternoon. It wasn't the most pleasant experience, just seemed it was one thing after another and it was the hottest day of the year. It could be considered a sauna with benefits - if you actually get in the lake.

We also met up with Jason and Megan. The kids boat-hopped, swam, Trey fished, we anchored down and visited for a while. This, I have pictures of.

After any time out on the lake we come home exhausted, hot and without an appetite. My laundry is less and so is the grocery bill. These things may be going down but the fun gage is going up. And not to mention, the house stays real clean because we aren't home much to mess it up.

tubin' like pros

2009-07-10T18:36:00.006-05:00

Day two on the lake. First stop, Academy - for the tube that was sure to create fun and excitement for all.

We got out on the lake around 1:15 - the sun was making itself known, hot and bright (instead of loud and clear). This makes for a cranky dad trying to get the boat into the water while his 11 year old is in charge of backing the truck down the ramp and then pulling it into a parking space. Clayson is so good at things like this but it makes me so nervous. I'd rather not be a part of the backing in and loading up. My nerves cannot handle it. He did great as always. We drift out a bit and have a tube to inflate, an anchor that needs a home and kids that need sprayed down. And we are sweating bullets. Five minutes into this launch Ashlyn's face is sunburned. She was looking for shade but we had not put up the cover (I'm certain it has a name that I have not learned and that will be added to the term list as soon as I know.) She found some shade in the side compartment (see picture below) and was comfortable.

Once we finally cranked up, the wind cooled us off and got us motivated to tube. Trey went first and loved it - thumbs up for faster, thumbs down for slower and whole hand for stop. He used all three signals. Clayson got in for a short time and had fun. But, he is bitter that we bought a tube and not a wakeboard. (I am bitter that he had his cell phone in his pocket every time he got into the lake and did not realize it until three dips later.) Ashlyn was brave and tubed with me for six seconds and then started crying hard and could not wait to get out. Whole hand up - stop!! Then, I tubed and she cried the whole time I was out there, scared for me. I enjoyed it on my stomach but when I tried to get in the tube the water beat me up and I was ready for the whole hand up. Plus, my life jacket was way too big and rode up to my eyes pretty much. We also enjoyed a picnic out on the lake - good times.

If it's 104 degrees outside, there is no place I'd rather be.

come on in, the water's nice and green

2009-07-09T23:13:00.005-05:00

It seems like my week has been a whirlwind of actvities. And to think that it has been another week that has come and gone. Dear summer, please slow down. Thanks, Me. Just this week, I have taken many pictures, been to a day of inservice and today spent the early afternoon with some school friends in the pool before heading out to the lake.

Big news in the Davis household is that we have gotten a boat. The boat was purchased one week ago today, arrived from Florida on Saturday with no title which meant no tags, which meant no lake - until today. Jared's patience was tested a little and the boat was cleaned and sat in a lot. We have always wanted a boat (just like I have always wanted a swimming pool but now the lake is our swimming pool). I feel that this will give us time together as a family doing something that we all enjoy doing; whether it is sitting in the front seat hoping for a tan (me), eating chips and drinking Big Red (Ashlyn), jumping in over and over (Trey), learning how to drive (Clayson) and going full throttle against the current with the radio turned up loud (Jared).

We got out on the lake around 5:00 and tooled around while Jared scared me bad on our journey to "party cove". At times I felt like I was riding in a convertible, speeding down the highway hitting road bumps with no seatbelt to hold me down. But he claims he was not going fast, it was just the choppy water. Yeah, okay and my hair is not getting tangled by the second. Party cove is a "finger" (new term) that is calm, where boats gather and people ski, wakeboard, tube and swim. Because we haven't bought any of these towables (another new term), the kids settled for swimming. Ashlyn was not one bit hesitant to jump right into the water. (She is convinced that there are no fish in this lake.) All of the kids and Jared swam while I took pictures and checked up on my facebook - thank goodness for the iPhone and this ADD mama.

We went to the harbor for the concert but realized we were missing an important item to be able to sit and enjoy the concert with the other 400 (or less) boats. We needed an anchor. This has been noted on the shopping list - along with a tube, fire extinguisher and life saving device that can be thrown out for rescue. Looks like Bass Pro Shop and/ or Academy will become more than just a place to buy Christmas presents and sports attire.

Obviously, we had a blast! It looks like we are well on our way to becoming lake junkies. I'm fairly certain that this won't be the last of lake snapshots or water blogs. It's just what I do. I take pictures and I live to write about it.

freedom and fireworks

2009-07-06T12:47:00.008-05:00

This 4th of July holiday was a bang! (pun intended) We have had so much fun and have been so busy.

Last weekend we went to the annual firework show in Seagoville. It was a good wind down after the hype of Ashlyn's birthday party. Sitting on the lawn at the fire station, eating some cold watermelon sipping on ice cold lemonade while drenching ourselves in mosquito spray - it was almost like a country song.

Friday night we sailed Lake Ray Hubbard (see previous post and this picture).

Saturday we spent the day at my mother and father-in-laws with a large group of people (35 or more)- most we met for the first time and enjoyed getting to know, some were family members and a few were friends. There was a whole lot of swimming going on, good food and drinks, many conversations and a few small fireworks for Jax and Ashlyn. What's the 4th of July without some sparklers?!

Sunday night we went to my mom and dad's for burgers that will rock your world. My dad's "woody burgers" are the bomb. We enjoyed hanging out with long time friends of my parents, I slipped away briefly for a photo shoot (man, the weather was perfect) and came back in time for homemade ice cream, watermelon and small talk about Michael Jackson and other world issues. The kids played kickball, popped some snappers and we loaded up and headed home to end our holiday weekend.

Good times. Memorable. Exhausted.

sail away with me

2009-07-04T11:21:00.003-05:00

...to another world - or Lake Ray Hubbard. When I think sailboat, I think small - topples easy - too much work - lost at sea. Those thoughts were laid to rest last night as we loaded onto a large sailboat, carrying 40+ people with walking room, large ice chests and two huge sails - built by owner. We enjoyed a "sunset cruise" with Jared's mom, dad, step-brother and his extended family. We sailed along the lake in all of it's tranquility. Kids under twelve were required to wear life jackets at all times but much like at home, Clayson did not do as he was told. He is big enough to be twelve and he did sit on it, so his life saving device was easily accessible. Trey and Ashlyn buckled up, complained at first and then eased into the "comfort" of the vest riding around their little necks.

The captain requested Trey to be the first "co-captain" at the wheel. He obliged and sailed us along for a few minutes. Ashlyn took her turn controlling the sails a couple of times. The second time she became completely mesmerized - she was dazed and not confused, just lost in the luxury of the lake. She stood up on a stool and sailed us into the deep blue yonder for at least thirty minutes of our one hour 45 minute cruise. I have not seen her that still for that long, maybe ever.

We enjoyed the night on the lake so much. It was a nice change from the norm. After sailing, we enjoyed dinner on the harbor and headed home to rest up for some red, white and blue festivities today. That post to come.

Happy 4th of July and God bless our troops that fight and have fought to protect this American pride and freedom.

it was party time!

2009-06-30T09:39:00.007-05:00

Summer birthday parties are a breeze! The kids swam, snacked, danced and swam some more. Even the grown ups got involved in the water activity due to the hot summer sun. Ashlyn had a bunch of friends come and share this special event with her and she is still talking about all of the fun that she had. She is even offering to pay me back for all the money I spent on the party. The girl has a huge heart.

Here's my version of her party scrapbook - collages signifying all the fun, capturing the smiles and remembering the laughs.

All the kids were swimming and the next thing you know, the girls start getting out to dance to the music. It was so funny! They did the Macarena, the ChaCha Slide, Hoedown Throwdown and the YMCA. Ashlyn also broke out into the sprinkler - who knew?! It still makes me laugh to think about the way this transpired.

As I spent Sunday afternoon cleaning, rearranging and throwing away after the party, Ashlyn turned to me and said, "It's kind of sad that I'm six, isn't it? ". I told her I thought it was and asked her why she thought it was. She said - and it breaks my heart - " I won't get to sit in your lap anymore." I assured her that she would NEVER be too big to sit in my lap and that no matter how old she gets she will always be my baby girl.

sweet & sassy & six

2009-06-19T21:50:00.004-05:00

It's so hard to believe that my baby girl turned six today. Six years ago I was living the dream of having a precious little girl to dress up, put bows on and buy lots of pink for. Thank goodness she is a girly girl and still enjoys all of those things. She is such a breath of fresh air with the things that she says and the smile that could light a room. She is beautiful on the inside and out.

Please visit here to see pictures of Ashlyn from birth to age five. I was posting that as I sat in a hospital room with Trey as he was recovering from surgery to remove a staph infection - hard to believe that was a year ago.

Here are some hilights of her special day. It started early and finished late. She told me that this was the best birthday ever and that no one spoiled it.

She spent the morning at Science camp in which her Mimi made her cupcakes to share with everyone (just now thought about how special this is since she has a summer birthday party and doesn't get the chance to share it at school). Mrs. Patti and Ms. Christy were kind enough to let her indulge in this special moment with the 21 other campers.

After Science camp we met friends, Cindy and Corbin, for lunch and fun at Mesquite Aquatics Center. We even got a slush at Sonic on our way home.

We got home, showered and headed to Alex's birthday party. (Alex's mom and I have been BFs for 25 years and these two girls were born three days apart.) This party is slumber party so Ashlyn is there enjoying popcorn and chocolate milk (yuck). Kudos to Allison for giving this brand new experience a try. I'll gladly let her be the "cool mom" of the group :)

I am sitting here thinking back to how much fun the past six years have been since the birth of this precious baby girl. She has added much joy to our lives, keeps her brothers in line and no matter what or when, she will always be our baby girl.

And I am not going to think of the song, "You're Gonna Miss This"... because I will get very sad.

just beachy

2009-06-18T00:05:00.009-05:00

Three nights and four days in Cozumel with four great and fun friends. These pictures speak for themselves. We created memories to last a lifetime!

bring your intertubes, we've got the rapids

2009-06-11T18:10:00.007-05:00

Obviously, what brings annoyance to some, brings joy to others.

After hours of endless rain/ terrential downpours, booming thunder and bright lightening all through the night and well into the afternoon - this is what happens to a small pond in a small town. *please note: captions are under each picture.

Sharing our pond with the neighbors ...and probably all of our fish.

The culvert balancing out the water level - it is gushing, sounds loud - just like you are at the river.

The Davis rapids - come give 'em a whirl.

Seriously, how did Noah survive 40 days with a bunch of animals?! I barely survived 15 hours with three kids. It finally let up enough for me to head out and get my pedicure. Some things are worth the wait ... and the mud.

at the Harbor

2009-06-10T21:51:00.005-05:00

On Wednesdays, I am taking photos for Gotta Scrap, in Rockwall, customers. Today we spent the day at the Harbor - thank goodness for it being overcast and windy to keep it comfortable outside. I met six gorgeous kiddos and they were so much fun to catch on camera.

C was so photogenic, full of ideas and all smiles.

Sweet A and big boy F were so incredibly cute. She was not in the mood to smile but she is so striking, smiles weren't needed. He was full of life and enjoyed

We had so much fun and look forward to next week, it's dress up day!! Please email me or visit the Gotta Scrap website for more information.

just keepin' it real

2009-06-08T20:28:00.004-05:00

Jared had a birthday last weekend and because I am cheap, we don't buy cards. I have a daughter who is more than willing to design and create cards for any occasion. When Jared came home from the fire station, the day after his birthday, this was the card that was created for him by our five year old princess.

Happy Birthday Jared, with many more birthdays and gray hair to come.

one tired mama

2009-06-06T14:57:00.004-05:00

Kids got out of school Monday, teacher work day on Tuesday and inservice Wednesday through Friday. My summer break has only just begun and I couldn't be happier. There was only one night last week that I was home, Jared was at the station all but two days and the kids were gone every night. Their summer kicked into high gear Monday afternoon at 1:35.

Clayson spent every night this week with Nana and Pop. He has been involved in outdoor chores - mowing the yard, weedeating and some outdoor fun - in the pool. He has agreed to mowing every week which in turn earned him a nice bike (that he wants to keep upstairs). He had a friend over one night and stayed up the whole night but apparently never got tired. Clayson has been digging being the "only child" for a week.

Trey spent two nights with Nana and Pop and two nights with Mamaw and Pawpaw Davis in Plano. He has met a friend across the street from them and loves the friend's uncle that has cerebral palsy. Trey is known for his tender heart and patience. He also spent some time watching TV - imagine that. I asked him if he watched his regular shows (I Carly and such) but he said they don't have Nickelodeon so he watched Jerry Springer. I laughed and asked him why he watched this show and he said he likes it when they fight and it's the only thing that comes on after Family Feud. I also heard today that he ate nine mini-snickers and became hyper - you don't see that side of Trey much. So, you can only imagine what it must be like for him to come home and not have so much free will.

Ashlyn spent two nights with Nana and Pop, one night with Mimi and one night at home. She spent three days with Mamaw and Papaw and her Friday with Anna, Ross and Jen-Jen. She has had so much fun in the pool, on the computer and with her friends. I heard she even tried a corny dog this week - that's progress.

I went to water aerobics Monday and Tuesday night, Clayson had a baseball game Tuesday night, Wednesday night I was at home and loved every minute, Thursday night we took the A girls to the harbor as an end-of-Kindergarten/summer- kick off and last night I took baseball team photos and headed to Plano to pick up Trey. I was one exhausted mama last night.

Today I have actually been enjoying cleaning house and doing laundry. There has been a bit of retraining going on for the kids that have been spoiled rotten all week. I'm setting up camp on the kitchen table to get my photography business organized. The idea bothered me but then again, how often do we have company that would see this set up and how often do I cook dinner that we truly need the table?

It has been a crazy busy week, there is some slow down on the horizon and better yet, Cozumel is six days away.

school's out for summer!

2009-06-01T16:59:00.003-05:00

It is official, summertime '09 has begun! An early release day, a talent show and an afternoon of moving boxes out of this year's classroom into next year's classroom made this Monday feel like a Friday. I am whooped already. That's okay, I have two months to catch up on some r&r and I plan to take full advantage.

Here are the kids all geared up for the last day of school. The boys tried to muster a smile but they just weren't in the mood for a picture - I have yet to find a time when they are. Ashlyn thought she was "all that and a bag of chips" in her Party City attire sponsored by Mimi.

It was "surfin' into summer" at our schools and Ashlyn was all over it. (I plan to have a special Kindergarten reflection post in the near future. For now, I just want to celebrate and not get all sad and stuff.)

Needless to say, we are happy to have summer days and late nights to look forward to. And lots and lots of fun in the sun.