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".

Ticked Off!!

Okay, I am tweaking up my blog and I can't get rid of that STUPID GREEN GLITTER on my top bar. I linked it from Photobucket--it was supposed to be a background. And when I try to remove it....well it just won't cooperate. Any suggestions would be mucho appreciated!!!!!!!!!

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. . . . .

The many days of Christmas . . . .

What a Blessed Christmas!

Hope everyone had a great Holiday. Ours was great, I feel very blessed. My brother and I made amends. After 2 years of not really speaking it was a nice feeling to see them again. Maybe a little awkward, but still worth it. I didn't realize how many people in my family read my blog until I posted the one on Thanksgiving day, maybe it was a blessing in disguise. I felt relieved after I wrote it, but it started alot of anger, which promtped me to talk to him and try to mend things. I asked his forgiveness, and from the Lord, for not having a forgiving heart. I think we both grew and changed over the 2 years neither of us realized until now.

Anyway, the Ruiz household voted on the coolest toy received in 2008, and the winner is. . . .

(Check the video at the bottom)

ICoaster. Very cool. Nanny and Grandad got it for Aidan, but the whole family has been mesmerized at one point or another--just sitting there watching it over and over! Our dining table is officially half size now, the other half belongs to the ICoaster!

We went to Jeremy's Grandma and Grandpa Renteria's home for Christmas Eve. It was very nice to see his family. If I would have had my video camera out, I could have taped Ely's strip show during the white elephant and won some money! Aidan and Alek met about 6 - 8 cousins around their age they have never really met or spent time with, and they all live in Amarillo. How bad is that!? Love Jerm's grandparents, they are a hoot!

Jerm surprised me with a diamond "journey" necklace set in white gold--it is gorgeous I love it!

I bought him an Ipod dock. You would have thought he received the diamonds :-)

To the friends and family we didn't get to see before or during, much love and blessings to you & yours!

Random Thoughts

Yay! We have had all our decorations up for a week now, and I already have 4 wrapped presents under the tree. I have never been this far along in December. I purchased @ 80% of the gifts on Black Friday, so I am doin' good! And I have actually nailed down most of our plans w/ family and know what I have to make so I won't be shopping 3 days before Christmas--Amazing!! But sadly, I think our poor Santa out front has been wind beaten for the final year. He is barely making it! He will probably retire after this year. And our tree seems to be a bit of a leaning tower this year!

However, what I am most proud of is that I actually got Christmas Cards ordered this year. I have wanted to the past few years, but never had it together enough to get a picture of all of us and order them. AND I talked Slaton into putting on a Santa hat for the picture--I deserve a special ribbon :)