Good Times

Today is the dreaded "yearly"... and boy am I ever NOT looking forward to it. Really- I have floors to scrub, an upper lip to wax, dog poop to scoop, and you get the picture. He is a nice guy and all. But this is the worst day of every year. Which is precisely why I have been putting it off. I was supposed to go back in October, oops. I think I was shopping for costumes instead or something. So, pray for me, that I don't fart or something. And one thing's for certain: I am sure he will proud of me for losing some weight. Yay! And to think I was dreading going. Gosh, I just realized I have blogged about my OB before. Remember? Go here for that bit of loveliness. Anyway, I hope y'all have a great day! As for me, I am not so sure...

BMX birthday

Even though he isn't quite 7, we went ahead and celebrated Hayden's birthday yesterday. Of course we had it at the local BMX track. We did it early since we will be in Oklahoma for the BMX Grand Nationals (biggest race of the year) on his actual birthday. And, after weeks of warm weather, it just had to turn cold and windy just in time for the party. It was the kind of cold that seems to go right through you. It almost seems difficult to think straight when you are out in that crazy wind. But, we survived. We had to park two SUV's in front of the food/cake/present table to stay warm and so nothing would blow away. Most of the kids divided their time between the bounce house and the race track, as did some of the adults. That was the only way to stay warm. We managed to have a decent time in spite of the wind and for sure Hayden had a blast. I had a hard time getting him to get dressed today, he was in pj's most of the day playing with his new toys. I want to thank those that came to join Hayden on his special day. We sent out 25 invitations and not a single kid from his class came, which is disappointing. But, what can you do? Because of the crazy wind and supervising the festivities, I didn't get very many pictures. I am posting the important ones: Hayden, presents, cake and me trying out the track for the very first time.


awesome cake, it was sooo good



Hayden and one of his new presents



funny present, we are gonna have a blast with this one



me on the gate, I was scared...



me, riding the track. My butt is huge! If I continue to ride on the track maybe I can shrink it?

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