It is time for...

I absolutely did not drink 6 iced coffees this weekend in trying to adjust to a 3 hour time difference.

And along with those, I most certainly did not drink so much Pepsi that I had to keep pestering the Grandpa next to me on the plane to let me out of my seat so I could run potty the whole flight home!

I did however eat my weight in one Vegetarian Chocolate Raspberry Filled Cupcake this weekend.

After purchasing "goodies" to fly home with for everyone, I did not feel sad and left out that I had not purchased myself anything (even though the trip should have been enough) and therefore buy myself the cutest flip-flop heels at Target before getting on the plane.

After watching how excited and happy Toby is with his new "squeaker" toy and laughing at his joy, I most certainly did not then HIDE that squeaker toy before I hurt someone from the nonstop "squeaking" that last for hours...

I loved my awesome hugs and smiles upon my return home from the kids, but after learning my son did not complete his book report he knew about for two weeks until the night before it was due (just happen to coincide with the night i flew home) I did not wish I was still in Ohio for a few more days.

I did bite my tongue upon my return and learning my DH not only found my stash of hidden Easter M&M's but ate the entire bag and proceeded to blame the kids when I questioned him!

And while on my trip to Ohio - I did not for one moment let the mommy guilt creep in - after my daily phone call home that is...

XOXO

Ellyphant trip...

Ok - Now that I have caught my breath and unpacked, I can post some more pics I took and post some stories from my fabulous "girls" only weekend I took.

My flight there was uneventful other then A LOT of turbulence on every leg of the flight. And Kaci and Elly picked me up and off to a late lunch we went. I was so excited to see them. Elly was my little buddy right away! Which made my heart soar.

That night the four of us drove around town showing me some sights and running some errands. Apparently that Bright, Shining sun I brought with me was the first warm spell Ohio had seen this year! :o)

Saturday morning we all went to Bagels and Coffee for breakfast and then Kaci and I were off to Cleveland to see the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame! I was super excited to be going. I think a time or too I might have mentioned that I am a Sammy Hagar fan on this blog? LOL...anyways...DH and I are huge music lovers. I was also super bummed to learn that cameras are FORBIDDEN inside the museum! WTH? Stupid rules.

Afterwards, Big J and Lil' El and Nana Joan met Kaci and I for Dinner at this wonderful, Yummy restaurant called VegiTerranean that is owned by Chrissie Hynde from "The Pretenders" singing group! I am still raving about my dish and how good it was!

Sunday we had a nice and quiet breakfast at home and then off to go shopping we went. We then went home to rest and wait out the heat of the day. I believe "someone" took a cat nap on the couch but I won't name names. ;o)

That afternoon the Ellyphant fam took me to this really awesome park that had walking trails through some pretty woodsy areas. Then off to show me their town and where they use to live. We came home and made a picnic dinner and ate outside where it was so nice out.

After baths and PJ's - little El knew it was my last night and was glued to me like PB on J! I was eating it up! She was right smack on my lap and hugging me all night. It was then we came up with the plan to sneak her in my luggage. She was all for it. But then she realized Mommy and Daddy would miss her so I should just bring Emily and Austin to her instead. She was adorable.

Monday morning came early and faster then I wanted it too. It was hard saying Goodbye, and I had to do it fast or I would never leave. The weekend was absolutely relaxing, enjoyable, and fun! And it reminded me how much I miss Kaci...

But coming off my plane (which was 45 minutes late landing due to our pilot disappearing in Denver and having to find a new one) I saw my DH waiting for me in the lobby! So good to be back in those arms. We got home to kids and a puppy jumping all over me! I would have thought I was gone for a month! They were so excited to see me! Even the puppy was climbing all over me with tail wagging. After shaking them loose, I made it to my baggage to get the goodies for them I brought and then it was "You are the best mommy in the world" when they took off playing! LOL - Even Toby got a present and has played nonstop with his new toy!

And my best surprise was walking in to find a clean home!!! DH and kids wanted to surprise me, and they rearranged furniture, cleaned, mopped, vacuumed, laundry folded and put away, and dog washed when I got home! The kids were bathed and dressed, and they only ate out 4 times while I was gone! ;o)

So it seems like the weekend went pretty well for everyone involved!

Maybe so well, I should plan another trip! *wink, wink*

XOXO

I made it home...

With souvenirs and all...I really, honestly tried super, duper hard to hide little Elly in my suitcase and bring her home. But that darn Ellyphant family caught onto me!

I had such a Marvelous time! Wonderful! Fabulous! Awesome! Amazing! Should I stop here?

We had to stop for a drink - it was tough being out in the wind...LOL

Ok - I really did have a good time. Kaci and I were just like old times. Talking so fast we cut each other off. Finishing each others sentences. Filling in conversations from lost time together. We ate, shopped, went sight-seeing, napped, drank (a little), played and laughed!

Lake Eerie in Cleveland (outside the Rock-n-Roll Museum)

Thanks Big J for lending me your lovely wife for the weekend and letting me stay at your house and being such a gracious host!

Big ♥'s to Elly! I miss you already! Remember you promised to call!

And Kac...what can I say? You know already...how special you are to me. I ♥ you!

I will give more details tomorrow - but for now, Austin is hounding me for the computer since his Book Report is due tomorrow and he hasn't even typed it yet! Nothing like waiting for the last minute Kid!

XOXO

Monday Humor...

For the next few weeks I am replacing the "Humor" portion of this segment with a series of "lessions". They are cute, and have little comments that we could all use reminders of. Let's say a little Mantra for your Monday...Hope you enjoy.

XOXO

Green Thumb...

Do you have one? I do. I must have inherited it from my mother. She has one, and our home growing up was always filled with plants. And I can't remember a house we lived in that didn't have a garden in it, small or large.

I love gardening. Indoor or out, I get some kind of satisfaction in it. A calming, proud, and relaxing feeling comes over me. That I made THAT grow! From a seed, a branch, a seedling or a plant, I made it thrive and grow. When I come home from a bad day at work or am feeling overly stressful, I will head straight for my garden and yard. I will water, fuss and pluck in it. I sort my thoughts as I am doing it. I will feel the tension flow from my shoulders down my arms and out into my plants. I love the monotonous feeling of watering them. Of knowing I am giving them life.

I can not explain it. It's magical almost. I feed them love and they shower me back with bright greenery.

This year in my garden, I have planted:
Broccoli (my first attempt and man are they huge already!)
Jalapeno Peppers
2 kinds of Tomatoes
Zucchini
Butter Lettuce
Romain Lettuce
Chives
Cilantro
Strawberries

Last year my garden got so big, I had to pull a bunch of plants in order to keep some thriving and producing. The bigger plants were shielding the smaller. So this year I really put more thought into placement and took into consideration shade from surrounding areas. I also mixed a very good Compost into the soil. I didn't do it last year, and my garden thrived wonderfully just the same. But my sisters Zucchini were double the size of mine and her tomatoes producing much faster then mine. I learned she had used a compost and decided to try my hand with it this year.

So far so good...I will try and snap some pics and document the progress. If I had thought of this sooner, you could see how in just one month time since I planted, my broccoli has tripled in size!

I can't wait to get back home and run to check my garden out! My DH already announced him and the kiddos were going to eat my strawberries that ripened while I was gone. Bummer I missed the first crop!

XOXO

Cindy Lou Who meets Ellyphant...

I am in Ohio visiting Kaci and the family! So Dad (A.K.A. DH) is on Kid duty for 4 days! I am very curious to see what condition my house will be in, if my kids are still dressed in their PJ's when I get home, if they ate anything homemade or just all fast food, and just how much they missed me.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder ~ isn't that the saying? I guess we'll find out if it's true. I've been away from them before, for work. But they were short trips. And this one is much farther away. And involves a plane, and seeing their most favorite person, Elly. So they are having a hard time with Mom being gone this time.

And every time I leave, I am bombarded with "what did you buy me?" So I guess I will need to walk in the door with some goodies they just can't wait to have, but then I will find lying on their bedroom floors days later forgotten.

I miss them and DH, and I always feel guilty when I leave them. But someone told me the other day to stop feeling that. Because I am not JUST a mom, I am also a woman, a person and a friend who needs time for just me. There is plenty of time for me to be mom when I come back, so to enjoy myself while I am gone. And I thought that sounded like some pretty good advice! So I'll report when I arrive back home, how much guilt crept into my trip.

For now, I'm off to play with little Elly and get my Ellyphant fill before I have to board that plane back home.
XOXO

Happy Friday Quote...

"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
Ronald Reagan

P.S. I'm on a plane to go see Ellyphant!! :o)
XOXO

Toby...Where did the time go?

Well, Toby sure doesn't seem like our little puppy anymore. He turned 7 months old and is already his full adult weight and size. He is a Miniature Dachshund. And the Love of this family. He definitely has stolen all of our hearts. Of course, DH claims he really could care less, but I have caught him on more then a few occasions with him on his lap or playing catch with him. So I know Toby found his way through the walls and won his heart too.

Emily still kisses him too much. Carries him everywhere, although she is now saying he is getting to heavy to carry, but she tries.

Austin still has to have his goodnight kiss from Toby before crawling into bed. And he loves to play with him when he gets home from school.

And I? Well, I love to stare into those big, black eyes. I swear he can see right into my soul. He is such a good dog! A perfect fit for our family. I love his fluffy ears! And will play with is hair to make it stand up. ;o)

I have to say Kudos to DH ~ He definitely picked out an awesome match for our family.

We love you Toby!

XOXO

To Tell or Not To Tell...

Thank you Tanja for allowing me to steal this thoughtful post idea from you. I really like it, although it would be basically telling on myself. ;o)

So let's begin our To Tell or Not To Tell:

* I may or may not have taken the baggie of leftover Easter M&M's and hidden them in my room for when those cravings come.

* And I did not tell Emily that she can not have a Popsicle because she did not finish her homework, and then proceeded to sneak one upstairs and eat it myself.

* Last weekend I did not call my son inside and then proceed to stare at him in a complete loss for words as my mind chose that moment to go blank.

* Earlier this week I just may have snuck up behind my son and given him a big bear hug for doing his chores without being asked and plant a lipstick kiss on his cheek.

* Yesterday I did NOT groan out loud when I received the email that Baseball practice was still on and coincided with our friends party plans.

* I just maybe told a little white lie to Austin when he asked me to go Roller Skating with him at the local rink when I really did not want too just then and told him we just did not have the money too. (Which in reality is not that much of a white lie!)

* I may or may not have let a little sigh escape from my lips when Emily jumped in the car after school today and announced she was in a school play.

* And I may or may not have rolled my eyes when my son informed me he had a science project due the next day and could I help him?

* And I definitely did not proclaim inaudible comments when he then informed I would be the test subject of that project.

That's all I am disclosing! So, I hereby invite you to participate in To Tell or Not To Tell on your own blog! Feel free to borrow the logo! The whole truth and nothing but the truth because we all hear the "Yes you did!", "No, I didn't", "But I saw you", "You only thought you saw me", "Are you sure?", "Yep, it wasn't me, it was definitely Not me!"

XOXO

To all of you...

"To All My Blog Friends"

I had some free time, so what did I do?
I checked the computer to see if I'd heard from you.

I used to walk out to a box to retrieve mail
But I'd rather get it instantly than wait on the snail...

Checking my blog is always fun I usually get a joke or
greeting from someone. I feel so connected because on
the other end I know I've discovered a new found friend.

When I've had a hard day and need to share here I can
find a friend who will listen and care.

And to this friend I hope you know that I am always there for
you also. Isn't it a strange kind of bond we form?

It isn't exactly like the "norm"
But where is it written, face to face we have to be
for you to be a very good friend to me?

That little joke, or note, or even just a simple "Hi"
Could be like a ray of sunshine from the sky.

So my online-pals, this is dedicated to you.
For all the smiles you have given me.

May our friendship continue to grow
and the warmth we feel continue to flow.

XOXO

Monday Humor...

This is what happens when your children take away your driver's license...

We're all gonna be there some day.

XOXO

Baseball Time...

Austin playing first base...

WOW! What a day Saturday was. Beautiful weather, 90 degree's, sun shining and birds chirping! So off to baseball we go...and sweat! LOL - it was hot...WTH? We had 40 mph winds 4 days ago, and now 90 degree weather??? Make up your mind Spring!

Austin getting his friend out on 1st base...
It was this pitch that Austin hit it high to Center Field! I was screaming...

I am so happy I grabbed my camera on my way out the door to Austin's game. What a surprise when Coach threw Austin in to pitch half the game! I got some awesome pics of him playing first base and pitching.

What a pitching stance...Go Austin!

It was one of the best games he has played this season! He was catching, pitching and hitting on the mark all game! I was screaming, jumping and hollering the whole game! WhoHoo...

You can see the ball coming at him as he starts his swing...

We lost the game, but we played remarkably well. The other team just had stronger hitters then us. But we can hold our heads high!

I just love watching him play sports! It is such an immense feeling of pride, love and joy. I have seen him conquer so much in his life medically, and for him to be able to have these moments in life is awesome! I am his biggest cheerleader. Even though he rolls his eyes and says I embarrass him with my cheering, he always walks away grinning so I know he likes it deep down.

I am so proud of you Austin! I love you...

XOXO

Scrapbooking tonight...

I am so excited! In February, we started our scrapbooking club back up again after taking a break for a year or so. So a group of friends meet one night a month and we get to scrap for 5 hours nonstop without interruptions or little ones wanting to "help"! Aaannddd we get Adult conversations! LOL

So ironic little story of my two friends BUGGING me to join Facebook a few months ago. I really had no need too, no desire too, didn't think I had time for it. So I put it off for as long as I can. Well, I Caved under the PEER PRESSURE! So I joined! And OMG is it awesome, and addictive, and I have met up with so many people from my past, present and now my future! I love it. Peeps from High School, past jobs, neighbors, friends, Sammy Lovers, Family and even Family I've never met!

So that leads me back to my scrapbooking night tonight...I posted a comment last month that I was scrapbooking and way excited about it, and I instantly received a reply from a friend from WAY back in High School that she would love to come scrap with us! And she lives in my town!!! How cool is that? So tonight is our big scrap night, and I can't wait to reminisce and see her!

So I'm sorry Facebook...for all the months and years I put you off...you really are a good thing. Although my laundry doesn't get done as much now, and dinner has been late a few nights, and the kids were almost late for school one morning, and DH is not too happy with you...But I LOVE YOU! ;o)

(totally kidding on the kids being late for school, I would never let that happen!)

XOXO

Happy Friday Quote...

"If you can dream it, You can do it"
~Walt Disney~

XOXO

Can I just say...

8 days until I go to Ellyphants!!!!

I am just a little bit excited! Just a smidgen...wee lil' bit...not much...doing flips excited!!!

Ellyphant has been in my life for, well...seems like forever...but since we worked together many moons ago, around 6 years ago. But we didn't really become close friends until 2005. And now she has become one of my bestest friends. My heart broke when her DH and her decided to move to Ohio for a new beginning and a new home. I was super excited for them, but so sad that I was losing my hanging out buddy and just as sad that I was going to miss Elly.

Taken a few hours before they drove out of town on the way to their new life.

Since moving to Ohio 2 years ago (seems like an eternity without her), Kaci has visited me twice with little Elly in tow, and my kiddos have been eternally grateful for that! So now it is my turn to go visit her and the fam! Did I mention how excited I was? ;o)

Our last Dinner out before they left...

They have their new home now, and little Elly will be starting Kindergarten in the fall, and Jon is now a Marathon runner and Kaci...well...she's always been a kickboxing freak! LOL (I say that with love Kac...).

Aaaannnddd....knowing what a Sammy Hagar FREAK I am, they are taking me to the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame where Sammy was inducted last year!!! And some good eats and some sites, and just some plain ole fun with my peeps!

Can you tell we were crying? Saying goodbye before they drove away...

Now...my kiddos on the other hand...I never thought they would care if I was gone. And they probably wouldn't care if I said I was going to someplace like Timbuktu, but the pure fact is that they know I am going to see Elly. And I have not heard the end of it. My son, Austin, has begged, pleaded, bartered and cried to get me to bring him on the trip. He told me Elly would rather see him then me! And Emily, has cried, stomped her feet and pleaded that LIFE IS SO NOT FAIR if she can't go see Elly too! And Elly is HER friend, and SHE wants to go on an airplane, and why do I get to go and not her????

Their reaction has cracked me up!!! I love that they feel that way about the Ellyphant Family ~ Because I do too. But don't they realize that Mommy NEEDS this trip for her sanity? That Mommy is in a BIG funk and needs a break? That Mommy will be a better Mommy after she gets to go on this trip? And for Pete's sake...it's only four days!

So Ellyphant Family ~ Get ready...cuz here I come!

XOXO

A Blustery Day...

Yesterday was super windy! And not just a normal wind, a COLD CHILL FACTOR RIGHT OFF THE SIERRA MOUNTAINS FILLED WITH SNOW kind of wind. And not just a "breezy" kind of wind, a BLOW THE BRAND NEW CONTACTS RIGHT OUT OF MY SONS EYE kind of wind.

And we had baseball last night. A late game, none the less. And I had Snack Bar Duty (which ended up being a blessing) to work all night. Can you guess the #1 item we sold??? HOT CHOCOLATE!

It was so freaking windy and cold, we had moms with babies coming to stand inside the snack bar with their little ones to get them out of the wind. I ended up bringing Emily in with me too and sat her on a stool in the corner, it was so cold. The boys played good, but we had a horrible Umpire this game. Both teams complained of the horrible calls he was making. We lost the game 4-2. With that wind though, every hit we got, the ball just wouldn't carry that far.

And Yes, Austin really lost his brand new contacts he got last week, in the wind...sigh...good thing Momma thinks ahead and went on Saturday and bought more boxes of them, so we had a back up pair. ;o)

It's still windy today, but NOT nearly as bad or as cold as yesterday. It's just plain MEAN to have the sun shining, birds chirping so you think you can wear your Capri's, and walk out and FREEZE to death!!

Didn't God hear that it's SPRING??? ;o)
XOXO

Easter and Kids...

What is about Easter that makes little ones giggle with delight at the prospect of finding plastic eggs filled with unimaginable goodies and treats? That the idea of a BIG, HAIRY, TALKING Easter Bunny doesn't make them squirm at all or fear one in their house? That the pure thought of that Easter Basket filled with Toys, Candy and Who knows what else the Easter Bunny might think of is enough to make a little girl squeal with delight and run into my room at 7:30 AM screaming "The Easter Bunny was Here, The Easter Bunny was here!!"My 12 yr old on the other hand would have preferred to sleep in. But sister is not allowed to go downstairs until we are all up and together, so she bounced into his room and made sure he was awake. Being 12, He really wants to believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but common sense tells him he knows better. We've milked it out as long as we can, but he informed me the night before Easter, that he's pretty sure there's no Easter Bunny, so could he just skip the Easter egg hunt in the morning...I almost cried. My baby is growing up! Doesn't he just look thrilled to be hunting for eggs?

We had a great Easter though. We did our own family stuff in the morning, and then off to church. After Church all the extended family came over and we had an excellent day visiting and eating! The weather was gorgeous!

Grandma and Grandpa always bring Easter Eggs - only the kids have learned their eggs are the best - there filled with MONEY! So it's always a race to find the eggs and see who got the one with the money. Very funny...

Hope your Easter was just as good!

XOXO

Monday Humor...

Gawd...I hope they can't...LOL

XOXO

Happy Easter To all my Peeps...

Peep Show...

Happy Friday Quote...

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”

Happy, Happy Friday!
XOXO

Busy, Busy day...

I'm not sure if I volunteered or my name was pulled out of a hat, but I get to Host Easter this year for all the family. I actually don't mind. Because it's spring weather and everyone will be outside. Hunting Easter Eggs!

So DH and I have been moving furniture all night, getting the carpets cleaned in the morning. You see...we got this puppy for Christmas...need I say more? Then because the kids are home from school for spring break, I need to get them out of the house to keep them off the carpets while they dry.

A few errands left to run before Easter. My niece is coming to stay the night and clean house for me. (Yea - love nieces who clean!)

I am not sure who wound up Emily this week, but someone turned her key really tight and she has been bouncing around this house being the little chatterbox. I can't get a moments peace. Which is really ironic ~ She didn't speak for years and it took years of speech therapy to get her here, and now she doesn't want to be quiet! LOL. She is normally a very quiet little girl. Speaks only when spoken too. Or when fighting with her brother. ;o) But this week...well, she is talking about everything. Small or big, she has an opinion to share. It's been quite cute. Listening to her personality as it shines through. But it also makes it quite hard to concentrate when you work from home.

I get to chop, cook and bake all day Saturday for Easter Sunday. Everything needs to be made ahead of time to "set". Which isn't too bad, then I get to actually sit down during Easter. ;o)

With this being Easter week ~ I am feeling so loved and blessed. I have a great group of friends and family that support me. I put out a request today for help for a family member, and my email is blowing up with support! I am so lucky! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Angels are watching us and they walk among us. Peace out ~
XOXO

Random Thoughts...

1 ~ Why is it so much harder on a parent when a child is sick in the hospital? Your gut is torn, your heart aches, your soul bleeds and your mind is lost to everything but that sick child. Why isn't a Mother's kiss good enough anymore to make the pain go away?

2 ~ Why is it when a child is sick and hurting all they want is their Momma. Not Daddy, Not Grandma, Not sister, Just Momma! Momma's arms and voice always makes it all better (or seem like it's better for awhile)

3 ~ Why is it when you have a sick, hurting child, #2 child chooses that moment to become the incredible hulk and scream, terrorize and disobey just when you need them to cooperate?

4 ~ Why is it that you never feel so loved and supported as when you have a sick and hurting child?

5 ~ Why is it that the Children's Hospital is so wonderful, it makes going back so much easier so we can see our favorite nurses and staff? That they always manage to put a smile on my child's face and that said child eat up all the attention?

6 ~ Why is it when I look into my child's face in the recovery room, as that child is soundly sleeping, that I fall in love with that child all over again?

7 ~ Why is it that as I type this, that said Child is curled up in my bed, sleeping away the meds, clutching tightly to "blankie" and looking so adorable?

8 ~ Why is it that even though I have my child home safe and mending, that my tummy is still in knots?

9 ~ Why is it that DH becomes such a good listener and avid conversationalist during those long hours of waiting for news?

10 ~ Why is it that God blessed me with this family?

XOXO

Parent's Wanted:

POSITION :

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Mum, Ma

Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organ- izational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES : For the rest of your life you must: Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair,mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION : None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION : Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

PARENTS in appreciation for everything you do on a daily basis, please know that you are appreciated for the fabulous job you do.

** THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!

Monday Humor...

Honey, I feel ya...
XOXO

The Arm...

Thanks Leah for the suggestion of posting pics of Austin's arm injury from last nights game. He still has very limited arm motion, and it is pretty swollen. He has a great imprint still from the ball, a contusion from the impact and it will look even lovelier in the next few days as the bruise comes to surface. Poor guy! But please do not feel too sorry for him ~ he is milking the situation to his benefit!

12 hours after impact ~ you can see the seams from the ball Side view ~ You can see the bump over his elbow where the swelling is.

Mom, can you make me something to eat, I can't bend my arm. Mom, can you cover me with blankets, my arm hurts. Mom, can i eat popcorn in front of the TV instead of in the kitchen, because it makes my arm feel better laying down. Mom, I can't do my chores today, it'll hurt my pitching arm. Geez...If only you could see me rolling my eyes! Nice Try Austin ~ it worked the first five times you used it, but now i'm on to ya! ;o)

This one was a little blurry, but you can see the bruising starting already.

Thankfully we have a week off from Baseball for spring break and Easter, so his arm has time to heal up before our next game in 10 days.

XOXO

Well...We ALMOST won...

It was a really close game ~ Again! And a long night. We went into overtime again, 7th inning to break the tie game. There were so many homeruns, I lost count. I think it was 2 Grand Slams, and 2 out of the park homeruns. 6th inning we were tied at 9-9.

Red Sox are up first to bat and they come out swinging. They hit - and hit - and hit. They finally put Austin in to Pitch with 2 outs. He walks 1 batter. And then they hit, and hit and hit.

The score is now 20-9 and we are up to bat.

Austin is the first one up to bat! Gawd I can't take the pressure and I'm outta my seat clenching my hands. They are throwing balls. The third ball hits Austin square in the back of his arm. He takes his base, but I can see he's crying. Coach is talking to him, and then he calls for a runner and Austin comes off the field saying he's can't move his arm.

I run and get him ice, but the hit was bad. His arm is pretty swollen, and he is gonna have a helluva bruise. The seams from the ball left an impression on his arm. He's in bed with ice and tylenol and we will see if it's doctor needed in the morning. But I think it will be ok.

The game ended at 20-11. Our kids played great though! And they gave it their all. Way to go team!
XOXO

Where did the time go?

So speaking this week of Austin growing up...got me thinking. How life just goes right on by if your not paying attention. DH and I met in 1991! Shh...don't tell anyone, it was Senior Cut day from High School, 2 days before Graduation, and me and a carload of Girlfriends went to the local lake to hang out for the day and low and behold...two boats of "boys" pull up and beach next to us. Long story short, I met DH that day. Although we never actually went out on our "first date" until two weeks later (due to graduation ceremonies and Grad Trip). We were inseperable from that first date. It was like meeting my very bestest friend and knowing he would be there forever. We would talk for hours, about everything...and absolutely nothing! It was amazing.

He would surprise me with flowers, treats, surprise dates. And just to let you know the kind of guy he is, my dad was gone in Saudia Arabia serving in Desert Storm. So my DH would not only take me out on dates, but he would take my mother too! How sweet is that? He would take us out to dinner, rent movies, bring ice cream over. He would stop by on weekends and mow the lawn for my mom. It was the little things that he would think of. A break from life for her.
We dated for 3 years before getting married. And I knew we would be together forever, but getting him to realize that...well...that was another story. But when that day came, flaws and all (mishaps at the wedding), it was my dream come true.

I'm sure many couples have a hard beginning in the first few years of being married. Financial struggles, emotional struggles (being responsible for another person), and making a new life together adds it's tolls. And although we had a few times when we would look at each other and say "how did we get here?", he always made me feel like it would be okay. He has a way of calming me down, knowing just what to say.

I confide my inner most secrets to him and they are safe. We have been married now 14 years, and with each passing year we become closer in our relationship. Better friends, Better partners. We communicate more (kids have a way of making you do that) and balance each others lives out.

Honey ~ Thank you for the wonderful life we have had together, Thank you for giving me a future to dream of together, but most importantly, Thank you for the Present you have given me!
I love you...
XOXO

Happy Friday Quote...

"When one changes the way they look at things, the things they look at change."

Happy, Happy Friday!
XOXO