Tuesday, December 28, 2010

My Navy Nephew...

The last few weeks have gone by in a blur, full of excitement and events. Let me start from the beginning...On December 2, my Nephew Nick, came home for one month on leave and got to spend Christmas with all the family. And I think I might have mentioned a time or two how much I miss that kid??? Yea, I do. So when he first got home, his parents had a family dinner so we could all come over and see him. Little did they know I was stalking outside waiting to jump him when he came out. ;o)

It was so good to see him. To get my arms around him. He has had a tough last year, being out at sea, homesick and stuff, and its killed me to not be able to hug him or be there for him physically. Although I was there via Facebook IM chats late into the nights, email, phone calls and care packages. He knew he was never alone.
Nick and his sister, Stephanie and dad/my brother.

The cousins all missed him too. Nick is the oldest grandchild/cousin, so everyone looks up to him and adores him. He's always one of the ones who gets down on the floor and plays with them. And Emily has a special place in her heart for him. She always gets a special hug from him. She always has a place on his lap. And he always goes looking for her when she plays shy and hides. And then you can hear her giggles when he captures her in his arms and tickles her endlessly.
Austin adores him too, although he's a little more subtle about it. He has to play it "Macho" you know. He would pull out the Xbox every time Nick would come over and get him to play games with him. He would stand close by him and listen to every word, absorbing as much as he could of his big cousin. Even trying to fit into the conversation. He would ask me almost every night if Nick was coming over.

So Nick's last week here, we had him over by himself for a home cooked dinner and some quiet family time with him. It was so awesome. The kids almost jumped him when he walked in the door. After dinner, we visited and played card games for several hours. He looked relaxed and I couldn't help but sit there thinking to myself that this man before me was the little boy who would curl up in my lap and cuddle and watch Barney with me. Who would come spend the night and I would take everywhere pretending he was mine before I had children. That this man before me was going to be leaving soon and I just hadn't had enough time with him. That I hadn't said all I needed to say. That I hadn't hugged him enough. And then...I knew. I knew that he knew. That he knew he had a very special place in my heart. That I didn't need to say it. That he knew I would always be here for him. Because that's all I've ever been or shown him all his life. I've always been there. I've always loved him. And as much as I want him to stay, he must go out into that sometimes ugly world and make his way. He has to find his happiness. But there is no doubt in my mind that the foundation all his family has built for him, will help guide and hold him up no matter what he may face.
His ship is underway as soon as he gets back, and with the threats and status of the world today, he will be sent to god knows where to defend and assist whomever may need it. I worry about him. But I also believe in him. I know he is right where he needs to be.

Nick, I love you more then I can ever say. And I am more proud of you then I've ever been.
Just don't forget to call once in awhile.
XOXO

Thursday, December 23, 2010

A message from...

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Be safe, Be jolly, and Be happy.
XOXO

Friday, December 17, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past as better then it was, the present worse then it is, and the future less resolved then it will be."
Marcel Pagnol
XOXO

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Trees and...

Ok, I admit I tend to be a LITTLE bit of a perfectionist or maybe a little OCD about decorations being perfect. I will follow behind the children and "fix" what they hung, or adjust lights, or move tinsel around the tree so it looks "perfect". I do the same thing with the Christmas Decorations. They must be evenly spaced, facing the right direction, set in certain spots, etc. I have no idea why, or where this came from. It can be stressful and frustrating at times, especially when the kids were little and pick something up to look at.

This year, we decorated very little. Out of the 6 tubs of indoor decorations, I only used two. Part of the reason being that we are taking it all down before Christmas anyways, so it was hard to make myself put it all up.

We weren't even going to put a tree up. We have an artificial 4 ft tree, we were just going to plug that in and viola! But the kids begged and pleaded, and honestly, the house didn't FEEL Christmasy at all without one.

So Austin and I ran up and bought a 6ft tree and came home with it. DH was not too happy with us, since he had just put all the tree stuff away in the shed since I had said we weren't doing one. Oops. As soon as we got it up, Austin started begging to do the lights himself, and the star and was relentless. So I started thinking...I could totally use this to my advantage.

I let the kids do the tree all by themselves! I literally did not hang one thing. And it was GREAT!

The stinker of a son of mine, rubbed it in that he could reach the top to put the star on without a step stool! Emily hung Christmas Ornaments and tinsel with her brother.
I may have "suggested" that they make sure all sides of the tree got decorated, but that's as far as I went. I merely sat and handed out the ornaments.

We only put about 20 ornaments on and about 20 bulbs. But Austin loved putting lights on and used 6 strands on this tiny tree. LOL
They had a blast, laughing and giggling. And it was great to see them working together.


"Austin, you need to hang this one up there" Emily would say.


"Emily, Do you want me to help you with the tinsel?" Austin would say.

And I sat back and relaxed!
In my defense, I have only "fixed" one clump of tinsel that was in danger of catching fire on lights because it was so thick a clump and hanging on lights. I have not touched anything else!

And if you know me, that is really hard for me to do. But I'm proud of myself and the kids!
XOXO

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Black & White...

Everything takes a whole new perspective when you go black and white.
I absolutely love how the photographer captured these poses and how much better they looked in B&W then in color. I think I just might keep this family after all...pretty good looking bunch they are! ;o)

Do you see the world through color lenses where everything is bright, cheerful and colorful? Or do you see the world through Black & White lenses where everything is sharp points, as it is, no gray area?
XOXO

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Family Pictures...

Every year at Christmas I make sure to get some kind of family picture taken to help document our family history. Now DH hates having his picture taken, no matter the cause. So usually he puts up with it for me the few times I ask, but he usually grumbles a lot. So I've taken to alternating years between family ones and just the kids. Last year, it was just the kids, so this year, it was time for the whole Fam to be in it.
If you've ever had to coordinate pictures, then you know it's a lot of work. You have to decide on a color theme, then find outfits that match somewhat in that color family, and then make sure everyone has the right accessories. You have to get everyone there on time, showered and hair perfect, clothes pressed and make sure every ones smiling.
So to be able to look at the final project and be pleased with it, is a major feat.

And boy am I pleased!!!
And a little sad.

Because it's not until you look at your family all dressed up, standing next to each other, that you really see how grown up they are. That those years are slipping by. You see from year to year, how their faces change, who they start to look like, how tall they are, how their hair has changed, braces or no braces, glasses or no glasses, babies or teenagers.
I just want to freeze time. I want to capture the innocence of the moment. The joy on the faces, the happiness of childhood, captured in a flash.

I mean really, I'm still young, why do they have to get older??? ;o)
XOXO

Friday, December 3, 2010

Do you believe...

Do you believe in Santa?
I mean really believe.
The Magic that Santa brings. The Feeling that Santa brings.
Do you believe in Santa?
I do. I believe in Santa.
My Son informed me that he KNOWS about Santa this year, and that he's cool with it. But a little part of my heart felt a tug when he said that. I want him to believe in Santa. I want him to remember what it felt like each year to run into the room believing in Santa being there the night before. I want him to feel and remember what Santa resembles about Christmas.
It's not just about a man in a red suit. It's about believing in the good. i believe in the good in people. I believe that people can change. I believe that Christmas is a reminder for us to be good unto others. To give to the less fortunate, but remember those around us who help us day in and day out.
I love Santa because for a few short weeks of the year, the children behave. I love Santa because you can't help but smile when you see one. I love Santa because he reminds me that no matter how dull or crazy life can get, that there is always more i can do for others.
Santa promotes Hope. Santa embodies the very symbol of selfless acts and kindness in the world. He loves everyone, no matter what color, size, shape, age or breed we are. He will hug you, love you, listen to you, sit with you, read to you and talk with you. he keeps your secrets, knows all your names, and reads every letter. He answers most, brings a toy for all, and eats nibbles of anything left for him.
Santa is the epitome of what a perfect parent would be. He gives kids the world without consequences, and gives parents an excuse to spoil their kids. He lets our kids believe all is good in the world, and peace on earth. He has songs written about him, books read of him, stories passed down from generations, pictures that last a lifetime. He is the one constant in an ever changing world.
He goes by many names. St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Santa, St. Nick, and many more. But no matter what the name, we all know him. We all believe. We all wish for those feelings as we grow older, and we try and teach that to our children to cherish. And when they reach that age, of being "too old" to believe, we hope that the feeling carries on with them.
We hope they can still hear the bell ringing...
Because I can.
XOXO

Happy Friday Quote...

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our Gratitude."
Cynthia Ozick
XOXO

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Perler Beads anyone...

Have you heard of them? It's the craze right now. The kids love making their own designs and then making key chains out of them. A few weeks ago, our neighbor and BFF's, hosted a Perler Bead Party/BBQ for kids and adults. The company sent the host this whole kit full of packs of beads for everyone, and man they had fun!
They started out slow, taking their time as they went. And then the race was on to see how many they could do, and how many different colors or designs they could make. Even Austin who stated he was "too old for this kinda thing" eventually sat down and made a few.
When your done designing, you then iron all the beads together. They then melt into the design you created. And you then attach the key chain clip and viola'!
It was pretty enticing, even for adults. Some got creative with themes, seen here making a San Francisco Giants one.
Adults and kids alike had a good time. Even though hours later we were finding little beads EVERWHERE! I'm not kidding.

After most of the invited kids went home, the adults then had yummy food and sat around the fire pit all evening enjoying the great company.
XOXO

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Soccer Mom...

Austin has played Soccer since he was 4 years old in his tiny little cleats running in circles on the field and sitting on the ground picking grass. He is now a linebacker 10 years later and mowing these boys down like their breakfast and it's a whole different game watching him play now. He's been fortunate enough to be on the same team all 10 years.
And I've been fortunate (or Crazy) enough to be the Team Mom/Manager for 9 of those years. We've always kept the same 7 or 8 players that come back each year and add in a handful of new ones. We've met and made some great friends along the way. I've had such joy in watching these boys grow up over the years. They all refer to me as "Mama ----" (insert last name here), and when we had sweatshirts made up this year for the team with our names on it, that's exactly what I put on mine. I enjoy it when they refer to me that way, or come up and give me hugs or know they can talk to me about anything. They email me themselves, call me and I know I've left a memory with them of someone who supports and cares for their well being. I make sure they have water at each game or I give them mine. I make sure they stay cool by squirting them down with misters. I make sure they are out of the rain by sitting under my pop-up tent. I make sure they have a place to sit at half time by giving them my chair. And if they are hurt, I am the first standing up checking on them, many times before their own parents.


The boys are at an age now where they are all going off in their own directions as they start High School. Playing High School sports now and not the leagues. Journeys that will take them in all sorts of new directions full of hope and promise. The future is theirs to conquer. I can only hope that they take with them a small part of what they have learned while being a part of our team all this time. That something I said or did will stick with them. That just maybe...these "big boys" will remember their "Mama ----" and think fondly of me. Because I'm gonna miss these boogers. The Stinky, Sweaty, Dirty, lovely little messes they are, I'm gonna miss every one of them.

I wish them all the best on their new adventures!
XOXO

Friday, November 19, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"Walk with the dreamers, the believers,
the courageous, the cheerful, the planners,
the doers, the successful people with their heads in the
clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a
fire within you to leave this world better then when you found it."
XOXO

Monday, November 15, 2010

Trick r Treat...

Its funny how the original "Trick OR Treat" has changed with slang to now your lucky to get a "Trick r treat".

The kiddos went out robbing the neighborhood of their goodies and bringing the Yummy little treats home to Momma. What? Oh like you don't go through the loot and snag one or two (or a handful) of your favorite kind!
Anyhoo...Emily went as Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place. I seriously doubt anyone (other then kids) knew who she was suppose to be. But she just "had to have it". And guess what? It was apparently a very popular costume this year. Although I never saw another one dressed as one, every store in town was sold out, and 15 websites I checked were sold out. I was near tears as I tried UNSUCCESSFULLY to convince her to be something else, but she was firm that she "just had to be" Alex. So I googled and googled and clicked and clicked and lo and behold, I found some website I had never heard of that had ONE costume in her size left!!! And it was $5 cheaper then I saw on the sold out sites. Momma scored!!! And the Lil' girl was delighted! Austin decided on HALLOWEEN DAY that he wanted to trick or treat, and needed a costume. I was so mad that he waited til the last minute, that I only went to Rite Aid and told him he gets whatever I find is left on the shelves. Which lucky for him I found this:
Ok, who has seen the scary and gory movies SAW? There's like 7 or 8 of them out now. The latest came out last months in 3D. Imagine seeing a leg getting severed in 3D? No thanks. Anyways, the first 4 or 5 the DH's and I were into. It was a story line that kept you trying to figure out who did it and then why. So even though it was a squeamish for me, I just couldn't stop watching. Then it just got dumb. After all the questions were answered, they had a copy cat killer and it just was lame. But Austin scared allot of adults that night! Most kids didn't know who he was, probably because sane parents didn't let their young kids watch such gore, but all the adults walking around knew! LOL. What's even funnier, is his shirt is a Jeff Dunham shirt that says "SILENCE, I'll Keel you!" hahahaha...

They had a blast.

XOXO

Friday, November 12, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"Promise me you'll remember:
Your Braver then you believe,
and Stronger then you seem,
and Smarter then you think."
Christopher Robin to Pooh
XOXO

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Up, up and away...

Austin took his first (that he remembers) plane ride a few weeks ago to go see his Grandma. He flew on a plane when he was 2, but he slept through it all. And his Grandma (My MIL) moved out of state when he was 4, so he doesn't really remember her. Let's just say we aren't that close with the in-laws.
Anyhoo, the MIL's health has deteriorated and she was going in for surgery and we knew it was the last shot that DH's and son would have to go see her. The timing of the trip was the worst ever (just a little thing called hospital visit) but it needed to happen for several reasons, and I knew that. So after the decision was made to go, I thought it was a great idea to take Austin along. One, he really needed some guy time, and two, he really needed a chance to meet his grandma and was old enough to remember her.
We didn't tell her he was coming. She thought it was just DH's. So DH walks in room when he gets there and visits for 5 minutes or so, then says he has to go get something outside. And brought Austin into the room. It was a great shock, once they explained who he was. He had grown so tall and "manly" she was expecting a boy still. The hotel had the coolest Atrium with an indoor pool, cafe area, game area and lounge area.

Austin had a great time. They went swimming at the hotel, shopping at the mall, visiting relatives. It was a short trip but packed with activities.
And DH's took evidence that some pups couldn't run with the big dogs! ;o)

XOXO

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Do you know...

How to Copy and Paste on Blogger? Can someone please enlighten me? This is driving me crazy!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Do you even want to know...

Where I've been? I mean, I don't even want to know. It's depressing, it's exhausting, and its down right no fun!

After getting Emily home from the hospital, the following week was spent scheduling numerous appointments, meetings and tests for her. I spent the whole week on the phone or in meetings. By evening, the pure exhaustion of very little sleep from the week before and the stress would hit and I could barely keep my eyes open by 7pm!

It has been one really long couple of weeks.

And to top it off, they think her seizures are related to the mystery illness of my DH's. So Friday I had to take him to the hospital and he underwent the same testing she did. We are now waiting to hear back on all the reports.

Waiting is the hardest part. I promise to post more later. And I will get around to visiting you all more regularly. I pop in and out when I have a few minutes, but i may not have time to comment. So know I am there! :o)

XOXO

Friday, November 5, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"It is good to have an end to journey toward;
but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
Ernest Hemingway
XOXO

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Just a little thing called Hospital visit...

What a week last week was. This week isn't starting off any better. I've been in a mind fog from lack of sleep, stress, pain, heart break and pure exhaustion. Just when I think I'm coming out of it, WHAM! It hits me again.

We took our daughter to a new doctor to be evaluated and LOVE him. He listened, he acted, he reassured. Immediately upon hearing our tale, he ordered a round of tests which we promptly started a few days later.

Last Monday I took her to the hospital to have her hooked up for a 24hr EEG test and brought her home, and returned with her Tuesday morning to have it removed.

Tuesday afternoon we received a phone call from the doctor telling us our daughter was having multiple seizures and he wanted to admit her to the hospital first thing Wednesday Morning.

Imagine the bottom of your world falling out. Imagine a Nuclear bomb going off. That was what those words were to me. I wasn't sure i heard them right. I asked them to repeat it. But the information was going so fast. Bring her here, do this, don't do this, plan for this. All I heard was my heart stop beating.

The doctor had me meet him in the morning at his office (he canceled a big meeting to see me) so he could explain what they found. He then instructed us to go straight to the hospital for a 3-4 day admit for further seizure testing. And she couldn't be left alone, ever. Because of the type of testing, i had to stay with her 24/7.

And just to throw a wrench into the mix, let me tell you the rest of the story. Wednesday morning my DH and son got on a plane and flew to the east coast to visit my MIL who is ill. So I was left alone with Emily and the hospital. I immediately got on the phone Tuesday night and called my support system of family and friends to step in and help. Whether it was to be there physically, mentally, emotionally or a shoulder, I knew I needed help.

DH and I talked forever in what to do. Should he still go, should he stay. The decision was made for them to go and I would stay with help from my family. It was so tough for him to go. His heart was wanting to be here, but his head told him he needed to go. And my heart wanted him here but my head knew he needed to go. And thank goodness for text and cell phones.

It was an excruciating 4 days. She continued to have multiple and major seizures in her little brain. We still do not know why she is having them. They did an MRI and Spinal Tap on her, and numerous blood tests. Now we wait for the results. In the meantime, she is on lots of new meds to stop the seizures and calm her brain down. They seem to be working after having to work through the honeymoon stage of them. The side effects made her stoned. She was loopy and dizzy and said some pretty funny stuff.

She spent 6 days in and out of hospitals last week. I spent countless hours watching her. Endless hours sitting in folding chairs. Few hours sleeping on a cot. Hardly ate, watched no TV or heard any music, and only had texting to entertain me. I had family show up to relieve me so I could shower and change, friends show up to make me laugh, long distance friends reach out to me through text that kept me sane and grounded.

I still don't know where this journey is going to take us. But it is one I am sure she will come out shining like the star she is. She is my hero. Not once a complaint. Not once a whimper. She took it all. The wires, the cameras, the computers, the machines, the needles, the noises, the food, the medicines, she took it all.

And when it was time to go home, that smile that warms my heart to the very bottom of my soul came on her face and she said "it's time to go home mommy, and don't forget to stop for my McDonald's on the way."

XOXO

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Where have I been...

I apologize that I have been absent from blog land. You see, it was beyond my control and my very limits of parenthood were tested this last week. My daughter has been in the hospital all week. I just brought her home last night. Trying to catch up on MUCH NEEDED sleep and rest. Please bare with me while I recoup and recover and will be back sooner then you can blink (OK, maybe not that soon, but you know what I meant).

XOXO

Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"The difference between school and life?
In school, your taught a lesson and then given a test.
In life, your given a test that teaches you a lesson."
Tom Bodett
XOXO

Sunday, October 24, 2010

You are...

I saw this plague and fell in love with it:

You are the cheese to my macaroni
you are the horizon to my sky
you are the bacon to my eggs
you are the laces to my sneakers
you are the jelly to my peanut butter
you are the smile to my face
you are the gravy to my mashed potatoes
you are the bubbles to my bath
you are the milk to my cookies
you are the ink to my pen
you are the ketchup to my french fries
you are the water to my ocean
YOU are the icing on my cupcake
XOXO

Friday, October 22, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"The truth is, Everybody's gonna hurt you. You just have to find the ones worth suffering for."
Bob Marley

XOXO

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Life...

Does Life ever beat you down? Wear you out?

Does Life stress you out and make you want to cry?

Does Life ever feel like it's going so fast, you can't stop to catch a breath?

I think the older my kids get, the faster it goes. They are so busy being involved in "Life" and living it to the fullest, that it makes my life whizz by. I am so grateful they have the opportunities that I didn't growing up. And they have our support for each practice and game. Each School event and Church event. They ask, we deliver.

So it doesn't surprise me to sometimes sit back and wonder, what have I done for myself lately? Am I enjoying MY life? Am I living my life to it's fullest?

So I ask you this...When is the last time you laughed?

Not the slight chuckle you give your kids when they tell a story of their day, not the fake laugh you give a co-worker telling a story of their kids accomplishments, not even the social laugh you give to a spouse or group in a meeting or event.

I mean REALLY laughed. Holding your side, tears rolling down your face, about to pee your pants LAUGH!

That's living life. That's enjoying life. That's life. Life will always have stress of jobs, house, errands, sports, school, friends, events that we can't put off. Life will always go on, whether your there or not. Life will evolve and change depending on our surroundings, peer influences and family events. Homes will change, cars change, towns change, and jobs change.

But Laughter...is always the same. Did you know it's contagious? Try it. Stand next to someone who has the giggles. They can't stop. They are giggling for no reason. They are crying they are laughing so hard. Pretty soon, your smiling watching them. Then you start chuckling. Before you know it, your laughing with them.

Laughter is not only good for you mentally, it is good for you physically. It makes a surge of hormones and metabolic acids flow through your blood streams. The hormones go to your brain and stimulate your attitude, personality, heart pumps faster, calories burn more and your day improves.

"Laughter is the best form of exercise. It's like jogging on your insides."
Unknown

So go now and LAUGH, and have a good day!
XOXO

Friday, October 15, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"I am the Master of my Fate, I am the Captain of my Soul."
William Ernest Henley

XOXO

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

I'd like you to meet someone...

My Beautiful Baby Girl, Emily:My big girl has grown so much this year. She has excelled with her social life this year, making several new "BFF's", having sleepovers, play dates and swimming parties. She has developed several new hobbies, is learning to roller skate, idolizes her big brother and loves her puppy dog with all her heart.

She hurts easily, gets frustrated often, cries at the drop of a hat, but has a BIG heart and loves honestly and truly. She adores babies and toddlers, loves her grandma and has always been a "papa's" girl. She is patient, kind and caring. But don't cross her, she has her mommas Tiger spirit in her. And she is the best daughter anyone could ask for.

XOXO

Friday, October 8, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart."
Josiah G. Holland

XOXO

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Soccer or UFC...

We had a BUSY weekend full of High School Homecoming Football games, Bonfires, Floats, Royal Court, Marching Bands, Fireworks and Formal dances. And in between all that, we had a Soccer game.

It was an EARLY game. 8am on a Saturday is wayyyyy too early for a game. I'm just saying!

I grabbed my camera on our way out the door. And I'm so glad I did. I grabbed the best shots! We played the #1 team in our division, so it was an excruciating, violent, powerful game the entire time. We are battling for 2nd place, so our boys not only wanted the win, but to knock the undefeated title from the other team is priceless. And the other boys wanted that win like there was no kidding. And at the age of these boys, play time can get a little rough. We had a few injuries, a few knock downs and lot of shoving.

And then there was this:
Which was none of the above. Austin was merely booting the ball and the other player ran in front of him and realized he was gonna get hit so he ducked. The ensuing picture looks like Austin is decking the kid between the look on Austin's face and the kid flying forward. LOL!Austin plays Fullback/Defender position. So he normally does not get allot of ball time. We have a great Offense team. But this game everyone was playing hard. And Austin was a key player in ball time.
I love watching my kid's sports! I get so caught up in it. By the last quarter I couldn't sit in my chair and was pacing the field.

Being Team Manager doesn't help me either. It makes the boy's feel like my boys and I need to coach, cheer, heal, kiss boo-boos, water, feed, pat on the back and all around feel the pain and glory with them.

We ended the game in a Tie - which is great for us! The other team didn't handle it so well. The Coach had a hissy fit and was threatening to turn our coach in for rough housing, when his boys started it! Oh well, you roll with the punches.
XOXO

Saturday, October 2, 2010

How Nervous are you...

About Internet safety and your children's pictures? About sharing too much personal information? About predators or thieves getting the information? Or just about protecting your children's privacy for their future?

I carefully guard the personal information that may affect other's, but if it is in regards to me, I'm pretty much an open book. I don't talk about other family members, post their pics or give full names out. When it comes to my children, I do not discuss anything that I or they may deem personal. If I share information, it's past information, and nothing that "may" happen or may affect their future.

As for posting their pics, I feel like there is much worse out there in the world to worry about. I don't post anything that may be or can be taken the wrong way, altered, or deemed inappropriate. I post school pictures, family shots or group events.

My sister is extremely private person and refuses to share her family information on the Internet. She has made her point of view recently to us all to not post pictures of her kids on any sites. She does not want to divulge their information and compromise their future safety. I understand where's shes coming from and I respect her wishes.

So it made me start thinking...we all share information so freely among us here in blogger world. We kinda all feel like family from afar, following each other's adventures and journeys in life. Do you worry?

And now that I have you thinking about it, will this affect how you share or will you alter how you post information?

It doesn't change anything for me, but it will make me analyze my pictures more closely before posting them.

I read a story recently about a girl who was on a social network site and was posting her school team mascots and how they won a game, plus had pictures of her up and how old she was. She also in one of her pictures had the front of her house showing in them, with her house number on it. An undercover Federal Agent googled school mascots, found what town she lived in, had her picture and her street number and what the house looked like. He waited outside her house and watched her walk home from school and enter the empty house alone and noticed she was alone for several hours. When her parents came home, he rang the bell and introduced himself. He explained what he had done and why. His teenage daughter had been kidnapped and murdered because of her Internet safety being violated. His mission in life was to protect other girls from this happening to them. This agent had flown from 3 states away on his own dime to protect and warn this family. The parents called the daughter down from her room and talked with her in front of the officer. She broke down crying when she realized how close she had come from danger.

That Officer could have easily been a Predator.

Be safe out there...

XOXO

Friday, October 1, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"Don't let insignificant people have significance in your life."

XOXO

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

What is your favorite...

Fall brings with it New TV shows, Series and Drama's. It means new addictions, new loves, breakups, affairs, murders, liars, cheaters, best friends, accidents and family. It means reality TV, in your face game shows, wipe outs, fired from job interviews, survival on an island, alliances, enemies, medical malpractice and new careers.

So my question to you is, what is your new favorite show?

What is your returning favorite show?

Can I just say that I Love Fall TV! My fav's that I wait for all year, all summer return. Hub's and I have our fav's that we DVR. But then they also come out with some new ones. Some of our favorites include:

Survivor
Grey's Anatomy
Apprentice
Deadliest Catch
Sons of Anarchy
House
Undercover Boss
Rules of engagement
American Chopper

I'm sure I am forgetting several, but you get the idea.

So fess up and tell me your fav's!

XOXO

Monday, September 27, 2010

Little Girls...

I'm going to cry!! Seriously...going to bawl my eyes out. I don't know how to handle this. What to do? What to think? I mean, isn't one child enough? Seriously!

OK - so this last week...I had to go and buy...gasp...a BRA for my 10 year old!!!!

WAAAHHHH.....

You have no idea how fast it happens. Over night. It went from a little something to "Hello!" To having the talk of "You can't get dressed in front of brother anymore", to thinking "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?" My baby is growing up.

It's not bad enough I am dealing with a Hormonal, temperamental Teenager that you had to throw in a PMS'ing, hormonal and out-of-control Pre-teen?

And people wonder why I cry allot.

Have you seen my house? Don't come in unless you dare...

I have to go now, it's time to hide under the bed...

XOXO

Saturday, September 25, 2010

More Sammy pics...

Our weekend away to see Sammy was too much fun for just one post!

*Warning - these pics appear in reverse order (end of the night and forward) because Blogger would not cooperate in my upload process!*

So here are some more pics:
Hard Rock Cafe - DH and I after the show. That's my $13 drink in front of me - I about had a hernia when I found out. Apparently you get to keep the glass. I tried to give it back. They wouldn't take it. Yikes!
Hard Rock Cafe after the concert - our usual hangout! Dinner at midnight and drinks to wash it down!
Some of the guys' from our Redrocker Group!
Part of our Redrocker group! My DH's is in the middle in the back. Good Times!
My Redrocker BFF! Finally a show where we got to rock out together. Stacey fell down her stairs in February this year and broke two bones in her ankle. She's had two surgeries already and been tied up in casts and wheelchairs at the other shows. She was finally well enough to stand and rock out with us!
Redrocker Friends - our Redhead groupkeeps growing! So much love at a Sammy show!
Redrocker friendz - Both Hubs behind us having a good time!
We played many games of Quarters. The big winner was DH's! He walked away with $6 in other peeps money! Woohoo..
XOXO

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Happy Friday Quote...

"The most important trip you may take in life, is meeting people halfway."

XOXO

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Sammy Weekend...

DH and I got away last weekend for another Sammy Hagar/Chickenfoot weekend! It was the last concert for Chickenfoot and Sammy's son, Aaron Hagar was going to open for the band with Sammy's band, The Wabos, so we got a double thrill!






We got up there early with our friends and headed to our favorite restaurant for lunch, Wolfgang Pucks! It is so freakin good. We eat there every time we go to Lake Tahoe. After lunch we headed back to our suite to start the party off.
These Limes are from my tree! They are so juicy...mmm...











More friends arrived as the day went on and soon it was time to get ready for the show. Excitement is in the air!!!
Aaron put on an awesome show and ended with a great rendition of "Summer of '69"! We know Aaron. He's an excellent artist and we have two of his paintings he did of his dad. We've met with him several times up there and him and I email back and forth. So I was super excited for him as I know his passion is his art and singing. But it's hard to break into the business when your dad is Sammy Hagar.
It was really neat because Sam came out and introduced Aaron, and then he stood on the side of the stage rocking out through Aaron's whole set. He was a proud papa!

Chickenfoot did not let us down. They did another great show. I am so incredibly bummed that we won't see or hear from them for another 2 years! :o( Chad Smith (the drummer) has to return to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Joe Satriani is touring right now on his own. That's what happens with a super group. Everyone has commitments that must be met.
I had a great time at this concert. I made sure to keep a buzz but not get drunk enough that I missed the show, and I got to dance and sing with one of my BFF's through the show whom I haven't been able to for some time. So it was a great weekend.

Those spouse weekends go so quick and before you know it, kids are whining your name and demanding things again. May is a long way off before our next Sammy weekend. *sigh*

XOXO