Homecoming Mums

This week me and my friend Erin made Chandler and Hunter mums for Homecoming. Those two stinky boys informed me they had dates for Homecoming 1 week before Camden was due to arrive. I informed them (with smoke coming out of my ears) that as soon as I got the baby here safely and had a day or two to recover that I would make mums. And, true to my word when Camden was 6 days old I took my hot post pregnant bod to Michael's with Erin and shopped for supplies. Of course I left Jon in charge of all the kids and he did splendidly even though the baby screamed for breast milk almost the entire time. It was nice to get out even though I was a bit scatterbrained and Erin had to pretty much shop for me. Making them was fun if not a little interesting, simply because we kept burning our fingers on the glue gun and I had to stop and breastfeed ALOT. Thank goodness I had Erin on diaper and rocking duty... she swore she didn't mind! On another note- I just want to say how absolutely grateful I am to Miss Erin. I have known her for about 4 years but it feels like a lifetime. She is an AMAZING friend and has been there for me so many times and I can never thank her enough. She arranged all of our dinners to be brought in for a solid week, brought me lunch, sat with Camden so I could shower, helped me make and deliver mums, and even ran over at a moment's notice to watch the baby so I could run all the way out to Jon's shop (what? we live on almost 2 acres....) She has been a lifesaver! Love you Erin. Anyway- I'll shut up now and show you the mums. I will hopefully get awesome pics of the boys and their dates up Saturday.

The silver and white mum is for Chan's date. Apparently all Seniors do a silver and white mum. The pics don't show the cute stuff we added (my camera stinks). But there is a whistle, a lipgloss, Sharpie marker, musical notes, Tootsie Rolls, and Dum Dum pops in addition to all the footballs (him) and tennis stuff (her). It was gonna have bubble wands too, but I forgot... Either way-I love it and I hope she does too!!






The blue and black is for Hunter's date. She's a freshman and he's in 8th! Hers has alot of the same stuff as the other one except his date is on the swim team and she has a rabbit's foot on hers. I am kinda bummed that I didn't get a chance to add bubble wands or a BMX bike like I had planned and I was gonna do lights but they would only last 8 hours. But, she loved it as much as I did so that's a good sign!

Calling all Twilight lovers!

So, there's this story of a crafty lady... follow along! I met Sarah through my sister Kelli and the wonderful world of blogging. We have hung out a few times, planned Kelli's shower dinner, crafted together, etc. Well, she has this friend Krista who lives in Las Vegas and Krista and I have become blogging/email buddies. Which has been great, because I dig these two chicks! They haven't seen each other in awhile, since they are now separated by a few states. So, Sarah had this awesome idea to make Twilight T's to sell which celebrate/commemorate/show their love for the movie coming out. Which is a perfect idea because she's gonna use the proceeds to get Krista a plane ticket to Texas! I think it's an awesome, brilliant idea because they get to hang out and I get to finally meet Krista. Now, I may have creative spurts here and there, but Sarah blows me out of the water with her crafty ways. Anyway, long story short: if you love Twilight and want to help get some chicks together in good 'ole Texas, go here, and order your very own Twilight T.

Hope and Faith

No, this is NOT about the election....

Yesterday evening I got a much anticipated and highly welcomed visit from some lovely ladies. I got a house call from the Relief Society Presidency and the sister missionaries in my new ward. I felt the Spirit the moment they came into my home. They were all just so nice and the visit went so well. I quickly got over being bummed about my other ward. While I am gonna miss several really cool people, I am beyond excited about my new ward. I haven't even been to church yet, and it already feels so right! I can't even describe it. I firmly believe that Heavenly Father has big plans for me in this ward and I am so stoked! I am very much looking forward to Sunday and all that this path in life has to offer me. I found it very intriguing when I was told by the Relief Society president that the members of my new ward had been fasting and praying about the state of things in their ward for over a year. They had been losing families left and right due to various factors and it was causing them alot of anxiety and sadness. They really were unsure as to how things were going to end up for their ward. Then this boundary change happened and they feel as if their prayers were answered, and so do I. I will let everyone know how Sunday goes, but I think I may already know.

Redneck Halloween

For the record, I don't really think me and my neighbors are rednecks. It just sounded like a funny title, and we did eat hot dogs in the driveway...

Tonight we did what we do every year- we loaded a flatbed trailer full of blankets and kids and went trick or treating. It seemed as if there weren't as many houses participating this year. Maybe it's the economy? I mean who likes giving away free candy when bread costs $4 a loaf...? Maybe it's because it was a Friday, who knows? We still had a blast. One thing we changed up was what we did after. Since it wasn't a school night, we had a cookout. I made chili, my friend Erin made queso with sausage, and my other friend Mia made Ro-tel dip. And, Nona's husband Jesse grilled up some tube steak (hot dogs). We had chili, chili dogs, plain hot dogs, nachos, chips, sauerkraut, cookies, soda, and of course: CANDY! The kids ran around and played and we even did a movie (Casper) on the projector outside. The trick or treating was a little chaotic, it always is, but the "after party" was AWESOME! I definitely broke my diet tonight. But, I am down 17.5 pounds and I am starting to see my cheekbones again, so who the heck cares! I am kinda bummed though, as my big boys (Chan and Hunter) are at an age where it's no longer cool to hang out with mom and dad. They both hung out with friends tonight. I remember when we used to be the center of their world. I miss those days, but realize that's just how life is. Either way, I love them to pieces and I am so proud of my sweet, handsome boys. Also, a big thank you to Chandler and his friend Cameron for carving 2 pumpkins and passing out Halloween candy for all 10 trick or treaters that came to our door.

our barfing pumpkin


the trick or treaters


Chloe and Lyndsi


Hayden (crypt master, Jon let him choose this. Ugh!)


Chloe (punk rock princess fairy thingy)


dinner


driveway theatre


Hayden, Chloe, Madison, and McKenzie


Princess Vince


trailerful of trick or treaters


Chloe and Hayden and their loot


Hayden's CANDY!


Chloe's CANDY!


me and the spousal unit (look at my dark circles! Strep throat sucks!)


Hayden!

Make new friends, but keep the old...

Today I had the awesome opportunity to get to hang out with one of my oldest and dearest friends, Maranatha. I have known her since I was in 8th grade and she was in 6th. Unfortunately we both went our separate ways and it's been a loooong time since I've seen her, 14 years to be exact. I last saw her at my reception, May 11th, 1996. When I found out she was gonna be in the metroplex I jumped at the chance to get to see her and meet her two boys, Inti and Ocean. We met at a neat little park in Grand Prairie for a picnic. But, not being a planner I didn't bring lunch. Which was fine, because I got to try some of their hummus and I was so excited to be with my friend, that I didn't even notice I was hungry until my drive back home. Even though lots of things have happened in our lives and we are older and a little different now, I know she would do anything for me and I the same. I just adore her. And, it was pretty darn neat to see her with babies of her very own. She is like a sister to me. I really had fun hanging out and playing with her boys. Good times. I can't wait to see her again and for sure it will be sooner than 14 years!

Inti testing out some fake zombie eyeballs


Ocean, worn out


Ashley and Maranatha: self portrait (I look so freaking tired)


opening the goodies Miss Ashley brought



group shot

Never too busy to blog!

I have been super busy and have done nothing blog worthy this week, other than my casseroles. But, I will update y'all on things around here:

I am in a frantic fall cleaning mood. Meaning, put Summer stuff away and get the house clean and cozy for Winter. Yes, I know Texas and Winter sound funny together, but you know what I mean. I am getting frustrated because my to do list keeps getting longer and I keep getting things half done. Like cleaning the linen closet in the bathroom while the rest of the bathroom looks awful!

Our ward Trunk or Treat is Saturday and I am helping get things ready, but still feel like it's sneaking up on me. I have ballots to make and shopping/cooking for chili. There are bounce houses to be picked up, hay bales to load, face painting stuff to be gathered, and on and on... Thankfully I am just a helper. If I was in charge, I might have lost it by now!

I haven't walked AT ALL this week, and haven't even thought about starting my running program. Plus, I ate pizza tonight. I guess today's my cheat day. Thankfully the scale is staying put. It's not going up, so I'll take it.

Hayden mentioned to me the other day that he hates the new school year. And when I asked him why he told me because that's when the barfs and the sniffles start. And, I agree. Chandler has had a bad case of sniffles and Hunter now has a super bad sore throat. Chandler was diagnosed as having sports induced asthma today. It causes him to vomit multiple times during football practice. Basically he coughs so hard he throws up. They have him on 3 different pills and an inhaler. Not to mention he has poison ivy BAD! I have never seen it that bad, and he has to use 2 types of cream. In case you are counting that is 6 prescriptions!

I get to see not one but TWO old friends next week. I am super excited. I am meeting my friend Maranatha and her boys for a picnic Tuesday. I have known her since 8th grade but we haven't seen one another since my wedding day. And, I am having dinner with Barbara on Thursday, we were both single back in the early 90's and were always at the dances trying to meet Mr. Right. It just so happens that she lives a stone's throw from me. How cool is that? A couple of our kids are the same ages.

And, in case you haven't heard, my sister Kelli is having her baby boy Wednesday. And, I am her doula, stand in husband, support system, nurse, and of course big sister when she has her babies. And, I can't freakin' wait! Seriously, I am way excited!

And, last but not least: Today, Chandler and I had lunch after his doctor appointment. And, the funniest thing happened. Our waitress actually thought I was 25! Now, I am not sure if she was jerking my chain or what. But, she seemed genuinely surprised that I was 34 and that the big bearded dude across from me was my kid. I had to tell her many times, that no he wasn't my boyfriend and yes I did give birth to him. It was really funny. I don't think I look that young and I certainly don't think Chan looks that old. She had said that she thought we were a couple and that we both looked 25. I hear something similar almost every time we are together. Makes me laugh, and I will admit it's an ego booster.

Now, that's all folks. I have a ton of stuff coming up in the next few days and I am sure something blog-worthy is sure to occur. So, til we meet again...

Happy Family

Just wanted to let everyone know that Hailey is doing great! I kept teasing her that she just wanted attention. She is such a little sweetheart. I took this picture of her and her family (minus her cute little bro Dalton) before she went home from the hospital. Thanks so much for your prayers and well wishes. I know her family appreciates it.

Please-

keep my friends Nona and Jesse and their daughter Hailey (she just turned 7) in your prayers. Little Miss Hailey isn't feeling well and just had surgery this evening. At this time I don't feel comfortable disclosing her condition. As soon as I am able to visit her and talk with her family, I will update y'all. I love this little girl as if she was my own and was very sad to hear that she was sick. As of now, she is doing great, and came through her surgery like a champ. Best of all, she should be able to go home soon. And, Nona and family we love you guys bunches and you are in our prayers as well.

Teenagers are like, so annoying...

Chan had some friends over tonight, which is fairly normal around here. They were using our house as their meeting place before heading to the football game. But tonight, they were seriously out of line and on my nerves. I was in the kitchen putting away groceries when my front door opened and in walked Julie, one of his friends. No knock, no ringing the doorbell, nothing? WTF? Then, not 10 minutes later I am in my room and I hear my cell phone ring (it's on the bar) so I head in there to answer it. I was kinda wondering why it stopped after 2 rings and I kid you not that same chick has my phone in her hand!! She looks at me as if nothing is amiss and tells me it was Hunter calling. I am still stunned. I am wondering if she was just being nosey and didn't realize my phone had a touch screen that picks up as soon as you barely touch it or what? Either way, I was a little peeved. So, I grab my phone and head back to my room and wait for them to leave for the football game. And, lo and behold here comes Chloe and she tells me that Evan, another one of Chan's friends took the whole 12 pack of Mr. Pibb to his room! This is the same kid who got into my pantry a week or so ago and grabbed a box of Cocoa Puffs. He was attempting to walk out the front door while simultaneously cramming cereal into his mouth. Anyway, I walked in there tonight and said to him, "we must have been fresh out of cereal." Then, I plucked the drinks from his hand and shooed them out the door. I would have never behaved that way at a friend's house, ever! The worst part of it is Chandler acts as if it's no big deal, because these kids are "just being themselves." Oh, ok, being rude and nosey and having no manners is acceptable? Wow, me and Chan need to have a talk.

Baby Shower

On Saturday I was lucky enough to get to hang out with a bunch of cool chicks and a couple of sweet little boys. Cristina, a close friend of the family had her little boy Ethan Paul on May 24th. I love showers when baby has already arrived. So fun! I was so glad to be able to see Cristina and her mom and sister. They are amazing people. Although I was only able to stay awhile, it was still fun. Hayden and Chloe were more than ready to leave. They were cranky. Don't they know how fun showers can be? Thanks Grace for the pictures! I can't wait to see y'all again.

me and baby Ethan. I need one of these!
me and Chloe

me and Cris, the baby mama

me, Grace, and Chloe

Me and Kelli

Hayden bored!

Chloe and her Aunt Kelli

Happy Mother's Day!

No matter what your mothering style is, you are wonderful and you are doing great! Being a mom is a hard but fulfilling "job" and no one can love and care for your children the way you do. Remember: one mom's strength is another mom's weakness. There is no perfect way, just your way. I hope y'all all have a relaxing and wonderful day, you deserve it! Do what makes you happy and content. But, remember your manners, eat your vegetables, finish your dessert, and wear clean underwear!! Have a GROOVY Mother's Day!!

Stages

Do you ever feel totally alone, even though you are surrounded by people? My life feels pretty alone. Like no one truly understands me, or like I am waiting to be picked for kickball. I went from being a depressed teenager to being a mom, and I feel as if I have made so many wrong choices all these years. I have been looking for happiness in all the wrong places: Cars, home decor, clothes, makeup, magazines. Lately though, a lightbulb has become increasingly bright in my mind. Some of you may or may not know that I am LDS or Mormon. But, I have been inactive for 5 years. And while I won't start preaching, I have come to realize that the time has come for me to return. To surround myself with goodness. There has been something missing for way too long. I am however, fighting an uphill battle so to speak. My hubby isn't a Mormon, and my kids have been away too long. This week, I have encountered a ton of resistance. And, even though I know my decisions are right, I still feel kinda alone.
Then there's the matter of being out of it. So many women I know that are Mormon are young and just starting their families. For the longest time I felt as if I needed to have a baby just to fit it. I am older than alot of them too, which is super hard. Then there's the issue of how different things are for Moms now. Yes, there are always diapers, feedings, and tantrums. But, now it's playgroup, scrapbooking, digital cameras, blogs, cell phones, etc. It is just so different than even 6 years ago. So, even though I feel like I have made the right decision, I still feel like I don't fit in. Old, overweight, no little babies running around, non-member spouse, kids who can't remember who Nephi is, etc etc. So, tomorrow is surely gonna be a challenge, as are the days and years to come. Wish me luck or better yet, pray for us! And Shannon, Sarah, and Krista- thanks for befriending me through Kelli, it means more than you will ever know.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

I hope everyone is having a happy holiday! It is 7:55 in the evening and we are finally winding down. It's been a fun, crazy, busy day. Last night we sat around FOREVER and waited for the kids to go to sleep. The three youngest crashed at 1 in the morning, but Chandler held out until 3 o'clock!!! I finally forbid him to leave his room, so Santa and I could get busy. We finished laying out presents and stuffing stockings and climbed into bed at 4:00. Let me tell you, 9:30 came early. Everyone really loved their presents. I tried really hard on our limited budget this year to fulfill all of their Christmas wishes. They all seemed very pleased, and for that I am glad. We got really lucky this year that we had not one thing that needed to be put together! YAY! After opening gifts, we had a big breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage, cinnamon rolls, and orange juice "spritzers". (OJ mixed with Sprite) The kids and Jon then headed outdoors to play with their new goodies and I headed down for a long (3 hour) winter's nap. Which I really needed, as I am still getting over strep throat. My biggest issue now is laryngitis and a nasty cough. I can't wait to be well again! After my nap, I spent over an hour in the kitchen making dinner: shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, and cheddar biscuits. Red Lobster eat your heart out, the kids all went back for thirds!! We are all stuffed! I am fixing to usher everyone to the showers and then we are gonna watch Elf and have dessert. I would love to have everyone in bed by 10, we'll see what happens?! I want to say thanks for all of the nice gifts that the we were given. Even though we agreed we wouldn't do adult gifts!! It means alot. We are very blessed to have such amazing family and friends. We truly hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! We love you guys!

Good friends...

I am so thankful that I have been blessed with such amazing friends. I have met some of my dearest friends since we moved here. Sure I had plenty of friends before who are very near and dear to me and always will be, but I have met some in the last 3 years that I know will be lifelong friends as well. They go above and beyond normal friendship. I mean who else would fax an important paper because you are out of town and need that paper, NOW? Who else would pick up your child from school and let them have an impromptu play date because you need to finish running errands? Who else loans you crutches, Cascade, suitcases, etc, etc? Who would sit with you in the ER when your appendix is about to burst? I love that the friends we have met here, will come for dinner on a school night, or hang out playing board games until the wee hours of the morning. The guys get along great, the kids can't get enough of each other, and the girls get along even better. I constantly have a shopping partner or someone to listen to me vent. Last year we even shared Christmas dinner with Erin and her family. Many a friend has bailed Jon out when he ran out of gas, in the convertible, with the kids, in the middle of a busy street! The friends we have made here are definitely heaven sent and mean the world to Jon and I. So this post is in honor of friends! Thanks for being there when we needed it most, and when we just needed to unwind after a long crazy week. Or just because. We truly treasure all of ya'll. It is my hope that we have been as good of a lender, shoulder to lean on, there for you just because, make you laugh or smile, had the answer or advice you needed kind of friend that you have been for us. Thanks again...