My demented mother!

To get this story, if you haven't heard it already, you MAY NOT look at pictures at bottom until you have finished reading. Here goes:

Mom & I are leaving Town Club after yoga class. I say "oohh mom, check out that corvette next to my van, it's brand new". So we go over to just check it out, I thought. Then my mom starts putting her hands ON THE WINDOWS to peek in. So I figure the alarm is about to go off. Then she says, "I wonder if it's unlocked". She goes for the door handle as I start panicking telling her to stop it! The alarm is gonna go off! But no, she opens the door. By this point I figure someone's keychain is going off inside and some bodybuilder is gonna come running at us! Then she says"come smell the new car smell" as she proceeds to sit IN A STRANGERS NEW CORVETTE. At this point I am pacing in the parking lot telling my mom to get out of that persons car NOW! But she doesn't stop there. Apparently, the new cars have a push button start so she decides to see if it will start. It does. I am just about on the pavement unconscious. My chicken, shyest person I know, mother is going to get us arrested! I say very sternly: Get out of that car--I am leaving! She says"okay, okay" turns it off, shuts the door. In the back of my pea-sized brain I am still expecting a swarm of cops at any moment. As I start to stomp off to my car she pulls something out of her purse and shakes something at me:
Smiling like the evil woman she is, says, "IT'S MINE!" while shaking her keys at me. Yes, my mom totally punked me :) Then i got to drive it--So I forgave her. I only got it to 95mph because I was in town. Peeled out around one corner, she wasn't too happy about that! Can't wait to drive it outside of town on a highway! It is a gorgeous, beautiful car and her and my Dad totally derserve it!


Alek & Aidan were thrilled! Jeremy's Dad bought a white one about 3 years ago, so they just have the coolest Grandparents ever, huh?

Roller Skating

Tessa & Taylor had their birthday party at the Skateplex Saturday. I had never been. I was pleasantly surprised. It was pretty nice and clean. I got brave enought to put on some skates, and it was just like riding a bike. It all came right back to me! I had a blast. It was Alek & Aidan's first time. I think that is something we will try to make a regular bad-weather afternoon activity when we can. And it is good exercise. My mom & Dad skated, too. There were pretty cute! Uncle Keegan finally got brave enough, and Keita took JJ out on the rink for a while. Aunt Carrie fell, and hurt her arm pretty badly. Family is such a blessing, even when they aren't, ya know? So I looked around at everyone having fun, and thanked God for everyone, just the way they are. God blessed me with a spectacular family.

Waited all winter.....

Waited all winter for a good snow. After I have put away most of their winter gear, here comes a spring blizzard! Not complaining, though, we needed the moisture badly! The boys had a blast playing in it. Can't believe how fast it melted.

Uncle Keegan came over and they built a snowman. If only I could go from round and lumpy to buff as quickly as the snowman did!

We cooked out a few hours after.....crazy weather!

A Recipe For. . . . .??

Start with a backyard more dirt than grass, add just enough snow to make mud,


dog sit an extra mutt,

Let Alek talk me into 2 friends staying over:

mix in a little brother trying desperately to keep up w/ the big boys

Add the necessity of this verbal threat: If my ceiling crashes in, I am calling your parents and ya'll R going home

What do I have? Someone tell me, make me laugh!!!

CONGRATS KEEGAN & RANDALL WRESTLERS

Just wanted to give my brother, Keegan, a big congratulations on their second state champion ship in a row. You guys Rock! But let's show some of Keegans other qualities:


Such as dog lover--Look at my sweet little Zuko!!

Long week

Been a long week. Aidan has been home with the flu all week! And Jeremy has been trying to recover since last week. Of course, he can't take off of work too long, so he can't rest as much as he should. Poor guys! Aidan missed his Kindergarten Rodeo Day today. The class went to Mesquite Ranch to do cowboy stuff. We borrowed stuff from Amy, Kyle, and Caleb to dress up and he didn't feel up to going. So we dressed up this afternoon and went around to Dad, and Grandparents to show them his outfit. What a Cowboy heartbreaker!

I have probably gained 10 lbs just from being stuck at the house all week. All I have done is munch around. And we missed all the pretty weather but we did manage a 10 minute walk around the block yesterday. Aidan and I both were feeling cabin fever. Hopefully it will be pretty next week, too.

Things have been mellow lately. No major drama. Alek is starting spring soccer, I don't know if Aidan wants to do anything. When he sent to see Pediatrician, she checked his heart really thoroughly and said he sounded good. She wants to see him in 2 months to check again. Maybe we won't have to do the EKG.

Aidan and I have a birthday on the 16th. Yay, he'll be 6 and I'll be 29 again. Gift Certificates to the new Awaken Day Spa would be awesome--if anyone reading wants to know

Tessa and Taylor, my nieces had a birthday last month, and JJ, my nephew has one this month, too. My best friend from high school has a bday on the 14th. Also, Aidan & I were born on my Nano's birthday. Wow, a full month for birthdays!

I fell off the wagon

Yes, I fell off the wagon today in my battle to quite Diet Cokes, and anything else w/ aspartame in it. Eight weeks "sober" and I caved today. It's not my fault, though, as any good addict would say. Since Monday, I feel like an anvil has been sitting on my chest constantly. Ya know, we had a great valentine's date for once. We went to an 80's party/prom. Dressed up, danced all night, had a great time (post pic's later). Then I went to the doctor Monday, and Aidan was sick Sunday so the doctor said he would see Aidan. Well, there I was wallowing in my misery, worried about my MRI, my chronic pain that is driving me to the point of madness, when the doctor asks "Has anyone said anything about Aidan's heart murmur?" Thus, the anvil landed. I am being summoned by above mentioned master Aidan, so I will have to pick this up later.

New Year's Party

Thanks Joel & Crystal, we had fun!

Yeah, more like Rock Band Party!

Amy & Darby got better singing scores on AC DC than Jeremy! Hee Hee

Praise

Slaton came by this morning to visit! We talked with him and let him know how much we love him, but these things are what we feel we need to do/not do for him to have some self-motivation. He seems to be in okay spirits, which makes this easier on us, mainly on Jeremy. I thank the Lord for watching over him while ge figures things out on his own. Our God is awesome!

Exceptional Kid Coupons. . . .

Last night was a fun family night for us. I found this really cute "coupon" book--Exceptional Kid coupons. It has all kinds of coupons as a reward. Aidan drew the head of the table out of our reward jar. So he got to pick the menu and dessert, and sit at the head of the table, and it was in honor of what a great job he has been doing finishing his work at school. He thought that was the most AWESOME THING EVER! He was excited all day about it. He picked spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread and cucumber slices. Then we watched Kung-Fu Panda w/ popcorn and M&M's. Alek (for staying on the honor roll and picking up after himself at home) drew one that said he gets to pick a family outing on a weekend afternoon. There is a blank spot for me to fill in the $$ limit. So we are going to Jump n Jive on Monday. They really think the coupons are the bomb, I wasn't sure they would be really motivated. It has really creative ones like "present this coupon to stop one parental lecture" or "present this coupon to have cold pizza for breakfast" and "pick a day to sleep as as long as you like". Anyway, it went over so well, I thought I would share and brag on my exceptional kids :-)

Growing Pains

Whew, what a week. It has been a whirlwind, but I can't exactly say why or what I accomplished! Well, we finally had to cut the last apron string on Slate. We have been struggling so hard trying to get him on his own two feet. It's been like me standing on a table and trying to pull up a grown man by sheer force--yeah, not workin'. The only thing in the world he seems to care about is his cell phone and girlfriend. Not a job, gas, family. . . .nothing. So we dropped the blade. Quit paying for his cell. His world has come crushing down. Nevermind he has no job, no money, no gas, no way to pay the rent, etc. He is just frantic about not having his cell service. He just can't imagine why they won't put the number in his name (nevermind we have told him a million times all the gory details of how jobs, money, and checking accounts are required to obtain these things!)

It is a very scary feeling. He called to chew on Jeremy about it from a blocked number. So, by his choice, we cannot get a hold of him. We have to wait to hear from him. Sux. Well, he is going to be 20 in June, so I think he has had enough chances and help from us to get started, and he has not done it. He is still trying the whole batch of excuses and guilt trips he always does--so hard to fend off the evil spells of teenagers--must have invisble shield engaged--help!

Okay enough sarcasm for tonite :-) Seriously, if you can remember to slip Slaton in your prayers, please help us pray for protection over him as he goes through these "growing pains".

New Year, Looking Back on 08

Well, we rang in 2009--all I can do is pray for this coming year to end as well as 2008 did. Believe me, in January of 08, I wasn't sure that was going to happen! Just to sum up some personal challenges God took us through; Jeremy's 2nd major surgery in 10 months, Sage leaving again to his "mother's", getting Slaton to Graduation, Financial toll of surgery and recovery time, Sage & Mary taking us to court for child support THE weekend of Slaton's graduation, cleaning out and selling my Nano's house, Jeremy's ongoing recovery, the accidental death of Jeremy's brother's best friend and brother-in-law, Slaton moving out on his own. Reflecting on these things all at once reminds me how God has carried us and gives my fears for the coming year a good kick in the butt!!

Thanks Amy & Aunt Carrie for watching my boys during Jeremy's surgery (Both times). Thank you Misty, who always made sure we had food! I want to thank my parents for their finanical and emotional support during the surgery. Also, to all of Jeremy's family and clients who brought food, took the boys, visited Jeremy, to Dr. Gentry who did Jeremy's surgery knowing we would have to pay him out, and most importantly, the PRAYER WARRIORS I know were out there praying for us.

For all of the drama and worry, we were able to squeeze in a family trip with the Lester's to San Antonio in the fall. That was fun and a mucho needed break from reality!

God is amazing and good. History was made with this year's election and it still gives me chills remembering when I heard the announcement. We still have more of a chance in this country than most around the world of living a safe, healthy, and joy filled life, and I thank God for that and pray it stays that way. And I usually have to remind myself daily, or I would give in to pure terror after a few hours of the news. . . . .

Aidan quote of the day

We are in the van. Aidan asks me to roll down a window. I said the side windows don't roll down, are you hot? He replies, "yes." I said okay, and reached to turn down the heater. Then Aidan says, "Not like sexy hot, but regular hot." LOVE THAT BOY!!

Book--The Shack

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to go hear the author of "The Shack". He was in town and had an impromptu luncheon at a church to sign books and speak. My dad gave me the book to read before he read it. Needless to say, I could not put it down! In one day I read it. I had the author sign it to my Dad. Staci went with me. She is a new friend who I met through Amy and we had both loved the book. She is also a new Christian, and so fired up for the Lord--she reminds me of how the fire has dwindled in me and I need to get it going again!

The story of how God worked to put this book out blows my mind. It was really cool to hear that story from the guy who wrote it--not even intending for it to be anything but a story for his children outlining his healing process from years of turmoil and loss. It is hard to explain how the book has such an impact on people. I was sobbing, for joy and sorrow, guilt and hope, begging for forgiveness; it stirred up places in me I didn't know were there. For me, it brought God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit into a whole new light. It also made me look at Creation in a very different way. I am going to give my dad the signed book so he can read it, but I am still buying me a copy because it is something I will want to go back and re-read many times. My Dad and Aunt are going through such a shattering loss with their Mom, (Nano) I hope this book can somehow remind them of the comfort the immense Love of God provides.

Halloween

We invited my Grandma Betty from Dumas to come stay the night with us on Halloween. She was excited. She drove in Friday afternoon and the plan was for her to spend the night, go to Alek's soccer game, let Jerm do her hair, and then she was going to drive back to Dumas. Unfortunately, that DID NOT happen. The first time my Grandma comes for an extended stay with me, I get to tell her first thing Saturday morning that a pumpkin was chunked through her window (not windshield, Dad!). For those of you who know, we have been dealing with several break-ins, thefts, and vandalism of our cars for several years. Well, that was just how I wanted to start her morning here! She ended up having to stay until Monday to get it fixed. Thanks to Uncle Jr. finding all the good places it wasn't way expensive to get it repaired. Jeremy cut and styled her hair--she loved it. Grandma says she rarely gets a cut, she does it herself. She loved it and looked so pretty! Man, the things I take for granted sometimes.

I also got to finally meet my beautiful 2nd cousin Amauriah at Alek's soccer game. We all live in Amarillo, but it took me six months to meet her. Terrible, huh? You did good Ashton, she's precious!

And we can't leave out the costumes, can we??

We had a great time and the boys were thrilled Great Grandma Betty came to visit. Hope she will come again--we'll just park her car in the front of the driveway!

This weekend was pretty mellow. Turned out we didn't have to go to Dumas to unload furniture out of my Nano's house because of the rain. Soccer games were cancelled. Sunday was such a cozy day inside. Jerm & I stayed in bed until about 12:30! Then we caught up on some rearranging upstairs since the older boys have moved out. Played w/ Aidan alot since Alek was at Jake's house for the afternoon. I know my Aunt Carrie was a little relieved we didn't come to move Nano's furniture. On top of all this w/ her mom she has been dealing with her husband Bryan is having the same back surgery Jeremy had tomorrow. Please keep them in your prayers. Their family is under alot of emotional stress and pain right now. On a lighter note, I took pic's of my mother in law's plants she had this summer. She has one of the greenest thumbs I have ever seen. She just puts all this stuff in pots in the spring and "VOILA" her porch is gorgeous!! It's so plush you can even see most of the pots!! I'll put some pictures up. She does it every year, so next year "grasshopper" will pass her secrets to me hopefully!!

Friday

Nothing like a Friday that starts out like a Monday. Dropped the boys off at school this morning. Aidan has been home w/ pink eye, its his first morning back. I come and think, I'll just lay down and close my eyes for 30 minutes. Then I'll get in the shower. But oh no, next think I know my eyes open and it is 10:30!!! Feeling totally lazy, I jump in the shower and actually decide to fix my hair. Ya know, maybe no one will know how long I slept if I do :-). Well, I get all the product in that it takes for my sad hair to ANYTHING, and start round brushing it, and my dryer explodes--not kidding. Sparks, smoke, the whold nine yards. I have no backup, so I have to run to the salon, no makeup, in cleaning clothes, and dry my hair. By the time I get to the salon, it is crunchy and mostly dry & frizzy on the ends. I look horrendous!! So as soon as I walk in April goes, "Gosh what happened to you?!" So the entire salon takes a look of course. So its 11:15 and everyone knows I was just getting my hair and face done. Boy, I felt like a winner. Then I have to style my hair in front of clients and stylists; so I felt scrutinized the whole time. My face was red, I was hot----ugh! I need a happy hour tonite!!!

My Nano

Yesterday I went to Dumas to help clean out my Nano's house so it can be sold. She is in the nursing home there; alzheimers. I have gone the past few Mondays since Jerm is off on those days. He has been great about it, too. Doing all the errands, practices, cleaning I usually do even though he is tired and sore from work and recoverying from surgery.

It is so heartbreaking. Her daughter, my aunt Carrie, is who I am helping. Carrie is so amazing. I don't know how she does it. She has taken care of her daily by herself since the disease starting taker her from us. She kept nano home as long as she could. Bathed her, changed diapers, fed her, stayed with her. She goes to the nursing home several times a day to make sure she gets fed and doing okay. The shock of seeing nano if you haven't seen her in a few months can be brutal. There have been times I get there and I just can't stop the tears. I have been better lately, though, because I have been to see her regularly. I think she knew who I was yesterday for a few minutes. She can't really talk anymore, but she said "love you". And when I was saying Missy Dawn and TonyBoy (my dad) she kept eye contact and seemed to be following what I was saying. I just talked to her about when I was little and would stay the night and how proud she would be of "TonyBoy" and new machine and how well he was doing with the company. A few smiles and nods were amazing to get! She lived in the same house in Dumas for over 50 years! As we clean out, I have found such neat stuff about my family history and who they were. I have seen pictures of her mom's mom! I have so many memories of staying at Nano & Carrie's when I was little. I was there alot! It is so hard to go through her stuff and know she'll never be back or get to enjoy it any more. Carrie was so excited yesterday because she found her nano's wedding band. She said my nano, her mom, was heartbroken because she thought she had lost it. And she didn't, but she'll never know that. This disease is so cruel. It just can't be put into words. I knew my nano as a loving, sweet, caring grandmother who I knew loved me so much. I could just feel it when she would talk to me. She was such a snazzy dresser, too! Always matched--and I mean everything, from colored keds to jewelry! She would always buy me the prettiest outfits when I was little. I remember a specific set of overalls when I was in 5th. White with pretty pink summer colors, matching earrings, necklace, and shoes, too, I think. Anyway, she was also very intelligent, outspoken, and witty and a strong believer in God. To see her the way she is now is still hard to wrap my mind around. I often pray that God has her wrapped up in angels. That she can feel the comfort of his glory and love more that the prison of her mind she is in right now. I know God's spirit is always with us once we are believers, I just wonder how the spirit works for people like nano. That will be one thing I ask Him when I get to heaven!! Okay, now that I have bawled for 30 minutes, I better get back housework.

Spring & Summer