Life In My Lane!

Hi There

2012-01-23T21:41:00.000-06:00

I have about 5 seconds to write a post and I don't really have much to talk about but I wanted to drop by and let everyone (ok, all 2 people who read this blog now) that I am still alive and kicking!! I am actually waiting for my supper to finish cooking (yes, at 9:26 pm) and not wanting to grade any papers. Which is what I did Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We have been back in school for two weeks but this is the first week that is actually a 5 day week. It is gonna be a killer week!! My kids have forgotten how to behave while they spent their three week break with their parents! We aren't back to square one but it has been close. I am trying not to start counting the days until spring break!!

Well, I think dinner is done (it is now 9:40) and I have to finish filling out a questionaire.

Hope you are having a great 2012 and a great week.

Show Us Your Life - Singles over 40

2012-01-07T21:33:00.000-06:00

If you are here to find out more about my sister you can go here to see updated pictures and info. Please leave a comment if you want to contact her and I will pass on the info.

2012

2012-01-04T09:42:00.000-06:00

How is 2012 treating you so far? I am still on break so it is treating me very well! I am trying to get some house work done before I have to head back to school next Tuesday. Did you make any resolutions? I didn't. . . . .I don't every follow through so I didn't even waste my time. I will be continuing my Weight Watchers journey (I have lost about 25 (I had lost about 10 before I started WW) which puts me back to where I was before my Mom went into the hospital for her stemcell transplant). I hope to have more time to blog and to catch up on the blogs I have neglected reading! And with that being said, I need to get back to the housework and work on school stuff!!

Happy New Year to you all!!!

What I Learned in 2011

2012-01-04T09:34:00.000-06:00

I have spent the last few days reflecting on 2011 and the things I have learned (or was reminded about) over the last year. Some lessons were easy and some well, not so easy.

Here are some of the things I have been thinking about:

~ I love my husband even more today than I did the day we got married. We have been through some difficult times and he is always by my side with his arm around me protecting me.

~ It doesn't matter that it has been almost two years since my Mom passed away, I still miss her as much today as I did the day she left us.

~ It doesn't matter that it has been four years, one week and four days since we lost our baby boy, my arms still ache to hold him.

~ I still wonder what our little boy would be doing, what he would look like, what kind of relationship he and Mr. Giggles would have and so many other things.

~ Those who love you the most can also be the ones to hurt those you love the most.

~ Even the most solid of friendships can be shaken and sometimes all you can do is pray that you eventually find your way back to each other.

~ I won't ever have the relationship with my sisters that they have with each other. They have a very close relationship and yes, I do envy them because of it but I am going to work on not letting it bother me (too much anyway).

~ When you are our age and you don't have kids. . . . . . .you don't really fit in with those who have kids.

~ My Dad does a really good job at trying to do things the way my Mom did but things will never be the same and sometimes that is really hard to deal with.

~ I love my Dad more than I ever thought possible.

~ Second graders have a crazy ability to talk and talk and talk!

~ Even though this has been a tough school year, I love teaching and never once thought that teaching is not what I am supposed to do. No matter how bad the day before was, I never dreaded getting up and going to school.

~ I am making a difference for my students. . . . and that makes me smile.

~ I have the greatest nephew and niece. . . .they are loving, caring and so much fun to be with. I love them both more than they will ever know.

~ And that the love of my Dad's puppy is unconditional. . . .he loves us all but he really loves my Dad!

And now I would like to introduce you to Cooper (my Dad's puppy). This was in November when he was around 9 weeks old. He is much bigger now! We all love Cooper very much!! My Mom would love Cooper too. And Cooper loves to tear up anything he can get to in the backyard! Oh, and he loves my Dad (and the rest of us too)!

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-25T23:03:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

I am in denial that it is Christmas Eve already. I guess I am ready (doesn't really matter if I'm not because it is coming and I can't stop it!). . .the trees are up (no real tree this year :(! ), presents are bought and wrapped (most of them anyway), Christmas cards are almost finished (I know, I know) food will be ready after I get off of the computer and get it started, all Christmas parties attended and enjoyed, Christmas on the W side of the family done, and Christmas with Dad, sisters, b-i-l and the kiddos done! Today will include Christmas on the P side of the family today and with the in-laws on New Years. Like I said. . . .it is coming like it or not!
I finished school on Tuesday of this week and I do not have to go back until January 10th. I am so excited about the long break. I will be able to get caught up on school work, house work, sleep and I will be able to get ahead with lesson plans (at least that is my plan).
Well, I had better get off this computer and get some work done so we can eat!!

Merry Christmas Eve to you all (I do hope there are at least one or two people who stop by even though I don't blog as often as I would like to!).

Weather. . . . .or Not!

2011-12-04T14:38:00.000-06:00

It finally feels like we are heading toward the holidays weather wise. We are having a beautifully cloudy, rainy, cold day today. I hope it is going to help push me into the holiday spirit. This month is so overwhelming to me. I have so much I need/want to do and no time to do it. Add to it the fact that I miss my Mom during this time of the year (she loved this time of the year) and that we are quickly approaching the "birthday" of Baby Giggles who would be 4 years old. Sometimes I can picture myself with a four year old but most of the times I can't. I wish it were something that I didn't have to picture but were actually experiencing.

What are you wanting for Christmas this year? I have no idea what to ask for but I have got to come up with a list for Mr. Giggles and my family. Any suggestions?

December. . . . . .already?

2011-12-02T23:23:00.001-06:00

So much to do. . . . . . . .so little time! You probably won't hear much from me until after December 20th. I have way to much to do with grading papers, Christmas shopping, host a Ladies Christmas party at my Dad's house, preparing for a Christmas program at school, shopping, cleaning house, and the list just goes on and on. I am still not in the holiday spirit but I am enjoying the Christmas music I have been listening to on Pandora.Well, I had better go for now. Gotta hit the sack so I can get to work on my to do list tomorrow!!

Hope you're having a good week.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:11:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends in blogland. I hope you are able to enjoy the holiday with the people you love.

Busy

2011-11-19T21:57:00.000-06:00

I never in my life thought that it would be over a month between blog posts but I am so busy at school during the day that by the time I get home and I am ready to fall into bed. I know that isn't a really good excuse but it is all I have. . . .that and the fact that nothing interesting has been going on in my life and the fact that I have been in a funk and haven't really felt like "talking".

School is busy. . . .very busy! I love going to work everyday and I enjoy being with my students BUT the discipline is something that I can't seem to get a handle on. My students talk and talk and talk and talk and then talk some more. My fit throwing student is doing much better with his behavior and fits. Thank goodness we all seem a little less stressed because we aren't always waiting for the fit to erupt!

The first weekend of November, Mr. Giggles and I went to Canton for the Trade Days. I only bought one Christmas present but I did enjoy looking at the different things there were to see BUT I can always do without the crowd. I do not like crowds and when you add the dogs, strollers, wagons, carts and people not paying attention to anything around them, I am a little stressed. We camped at a nice campground we just happened upon! We made reservations at another park and Mr. Giggles let them know that we would be late getting in that evening and they said it wasn't a problem. Well, we got to the park around 11:30 pm and there wasn't anywhere for us to stay. We were tired and not sure what we were going to do. We stopped to get gas and I looked through the phonebook to see what other parks I could find and found two on another road we were familiar with. We drove into the first park and almost didn't make it out because the roads were way too narrow and the turns too tight. We found the next one and luckily found a place to park. The park was very nice and we plan on staying there again. This trip was much easier on the road because of our new truck.

I don't think I have mentioned our new truck. At the end of September a friend who has been waiting for us to decide to sell our suburban totaled his van. His wife is expecting their third child and they were needing a bigger vehicle and now they were needing it NOW instead of later. Long story short. . . .we traded in my Honda Accord, sold the suburban and bought a 2011 Chevy 2500 HD pick up. LOVE IT!! First new vehicle I have ever owned!! Now that we have finally gotten where I can get into it, I am loving driving it! We had to get running boards and then had to get them lowered because I am vertically challenged! You can see how much taller it is than our old truck! Until we got the running boards put on I had to use a little stool to get in!!

I was going through some files on one of my flashdrives the other day and found some pictures that I had forgotten about. Since the picture below was taken so much has changed in our lives. The picture is of Mom, Dad, Tatortot and Madcow and it was at Thanksgiving. We had such a wonderful time and enjoyed spending time all together as a family. At this time Mr. Giggles and I were waiting on the arrival of Baby Giggles in April of the next year. We were all so happy to be expecting another grandchild for my parents. Little did we know that in less than a month, our dreams would be shattered at the loss of Baby Giggles four days before Christmas. And that just a few short years later we wouldn't have my Mom around anymore either. I still miss them both every single day.

I have been in a funk lately because I still do not have babies to call my own. I feel that my time to become a mother is quickly coming to an end. I am not sure if I could another loss if I did become pregnant. I have such a hard time being genuinly happy for people when they tell me that they are pregnant. I know that God has a plan and that I don't need to worry about it but I really won't to be a Mommy who gets to hold their baby everyday and not just one day.

I think the holidays in general have put me in a funk. I am not in the holiday spirit no matter how hard I try. I am mainly thinking about the break I get from my students. Mr. G keeps asking me if we are going to get a tree this year and I guess we will but I am just not excited about it. Ugh. . . . . .I just don't know anymore.

Well, I need to go so I can get some sleep. I hope one or two of the five people who read my blog are still stopping by to see if I am still around! I do miss spending as much time as I used to visiting everyone's blog but I just don't have time or I just can't stay awake! Have a great weekend.

Happy Birthday

2011-10-16T21:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my G-mom P and my brother-in-law celebrated birthdays. My G-mom turned 88 and today we celebrated with her by eating our favorite food. . . . .mexican food. We had yummy little bite sized cupcakes with colorful sprinkles. My in-laws celebrated with us. My brother-in-law turned 40. Happy birthday to them both!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-10-15T23:26:00.000-05:00

I really do miss having time to blog and to read all of my favorite blogs. School keeps me so busy that most days I don't know if I am coming or going. And so much of the time it is so overwhelming. The overwhelming days are when I really, really miss my Mom. She is always on my mind. I love teaching but I am really struggling with my class. I can not get my kiddos to stop talking. Nothing fazes them. When I get home in the afternoons I just want to sit in the quiet! Some days I just want to come home and scream my head off because I am so frustrated. I continue to hope that I will one day be caught up so that I can post a little more often. Now, I am going to call it a night. . . .I am tired. . . .for that matter I am always tired! I hope each of you is having a great fall and enjoying the cooler weather. We are out of the 100's around here but it is still pretty hot.

Happy Birthday

2011-10-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

to me! Today I got to celebrate my birthday with two of my very favorite people and their parents. We spent the weekend with my sister and her family and we had a good time. We enjoyed a weekend of being homebodies most of Saturday and Sunday after church we went to mine and the short people's favorite place to eat. . . . .Don Pablo's. Yum yum yummy chicken fajitas!! I hope that 41 is a good year for me.

Oh My!

2011-09-25T20:46:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I missed my own blogging anniversary. September 15th 2008 is when I jumped on the blogging wagon. Hard to believe I have been doing it this long. So much has changed in my life some really good and some really bad. I hope that since I began that I have grown, grown in my relationships with my husband, my sisters and especially my relationship with God. I still pray that one day Mr. Giggles and I will become parents, that we will move into a newer home, that I make my parents proud, that I am the wife my husband needs me to be. I hope that in three more years when I celebrate my blogging anniversary that I can say that I have done those things.

Have a great new week.

Really?

2011-09-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Another day of 100+ degree temps??? I am really tired of the heat. Waiting for winter because I don't think the temps will change too much even though we are now in my favorite season. . . .fall. Gotta go to bed now. Good night. I promise that one day I will have real posts again. . . .maybe. . . .if I ever get my life somewhat organized again.

Two Posts In A Row!!

2011-09-18T21:41:00.000-05:00

Weekly Menu:
Monday: Swiss 'n Chicken Casserole, broccoli
Tuesday: Salad or leftovers
Wednesday: fend for yourself
Thursday: fishsticks, tatortots
Friday: out to eat
Saturday: fend for yourself

I keep forgetting to update you on my Weight Watchers journey. It is very slow going. I have lost 11 pounds which means that I have 9 more to go to lose what I gained while my Mom was in the hospital. Last week I got off track some but I am back on and hope to make it to my water aerobics three times this week.

Well, I had better go so I can finish grading papers and getting ready for the week.

Have a great week!!

I'm Back. . . . .For Today Anyway!

2011-09-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

And another 8 days has passed since I last had the time and the inclination to post something on this here blog!! By the time I get home in the afternoons I am so pooped that all I want to do is go to bed!! Things at school are still having some pretty big ups and downs but yesterday I received two compliments that helped some. One of my parents told another teacher how happy they were about how their child was doing and how much better school was for him. I was concerned about how this student would do in my class because of my inexperience but so far so good. Also the lady who is in charge of education at the church where our school meets complimented me on how clean and reorganized our room is every week for their Bible classes. I received both of those before 8 am which was wonderful because the day headed downhill after that but. . . .we made it through and we all went home once school was out!

This weekend will be filled with more school work and trying to get the house back in order. I really need a maid! There will be lots of dish washing (I so need a dishwasher), clothes washing, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, sheet changing , grading, organizing and oh so much more! Don't you wish you were here for a visit so you could help???? But with all of the yucky things I have to do at home, I am so thankful that I am not one of the thousands of people in the state who have lost their homes to the horrible wildfires that have hit our state. The big one about 2 hours away is about 75% (I think) contained. Over 1500 homes have been lost in that fire. Also one of our state parks is in that area and of about 6000 acres in the park, only 50 to 100 acres of it have not burned. Bastrop State park was beautiful with tall pine trees And speaking of wildfires. . . .hopefully we have seen the end of the 100+ degree temps. It has been an absolutely horrible summer temperature wise. This week my Dad has had to put up a hotwire fence at our lake because it has gone down so much and the cows were getting out.

Finally got the dishes done. Now it is time for bed. Happy Saturday friends. I hope to be back tomorrow with next weeks menu. If not, you aren't missing anything!!! I am so not creative right now.

Checking In

2011-09-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I really have been missing my blogger friends. I haven't forgotten about you all but being a first year teacher is hard! I am not complaining, just making a statement. I don't have much time to do anything. I keep thinking I am almost organized and then the week is over and I am working on lesson plans again and then I am behind and not a thing is organized!!! I have a Methods student two days a week beginning Monday so maybe I can get a little more organized while she is there. Monday we have picture day so this will be my first one in. . . .well more than I want to count!!

I hope everyone is doing well. Texas is still desperately dry and there are still wildfires burning in so many places. We will be getting important docs and picts and misc. things together just in case we have fires around here. We just want to be prepared should something happen.

Well, I had better go. Church tomorrow and then I have to do progress reports for school. . .not looking forward to that. Hoping to have more time to post some next week. You really haven't missed much around here. We lead very boring lives!! Happy Sunday.

Prayers

2011-09-04T23:48:00.000-05:00

To those who happen to stop by here tonight and tomorrow and the next few days. As you know Texas has been suffering a terrible drought and we are still in the midst of it. Over the summer there have been some devastating wildfires and today there have been a terrible outbreak of them. One fire is near Austin which is about two hours from us and it has already burned over 14,000 acres and spans a distance of 16 or so miles and I think it has burned 300 or so homes. This is a populated area. This fire is not contained at all. Another fire is near where my Gmom W lives. She has not had to evacuate but she has her bags packed and in her car in case she needs to. I do not know if any of it is contained. We also had a fire in our town today but it was put out before it did too much damage.
I ask that you take a minute to pray for the safety of the firefighters, those whose homes are in the path of the fire, those who have already lost their homes, those who are helping the people who have been evacuated and for the rest of us in Texas as we are all afraid that fire will breakout in our part of the state at any time. Please pray that we get some much needed rain. We are well over 10 inches behind in rain in our part of the state. Nothing is green, cattle are being sold off, hay is having to be purchased from out of state (ours came from Arkansas), cities are restricting water usage and people are weary of the heat. This week is supposed to be cooler but we are having terrible winds. We had gusts today of up to 40 miles/hour which doesn't seem too bad but when the fire danger is extreme. . . .the winds are extreme. Your prayers are appreciated by my family and friends because we know that God answers prayers. Thanks.

2011-09-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

One good thing about heading east on the way to work in the morning is that I get to see the sun as it is coming up. Some days it is really beautiful and other days it just reminds me of how stinking hot it has been here this summer.

This is how it looked the next day after we got 2/10's of an inch of rain. This is also the day that broke out string of 100+ degree days and caused us to not break the record although we have broken the number of over 100 degree days overall. This one is a little blurry because that sometimes happens when you are driving and taking pictures! I love how the clouds look.

This week at school was better but I am still so very tired at night when I get home! I did make myself go to water aerobics three days last week and I am always glad I am when we are done. School is still not as smooth going as I would like it to be. I feel like I am stumbling around and I am still hoping that it gets better. I am really glad that we have the day off on Monday so I can continue to gather my thoughts!! Well, I am tired and have several more things to do before I can hit the hay. I hope you all are having a great weekend!

Weekly Menu

2011-08-29T21:22:00.000-05:00

Monday: chicken quesadilla (me) mushroom pizza (Mr.)
Tuesday: Salad
Wednesday: fend for yourself
Thursday: beef enchiladas
Friday: out to eat
Saturday: fend for yourself

Gotta go grade some papers!

Weekend Weather and Such

2011-08-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

As Texas continues to suffer through a drought, the east coast is suffering from too much water from Hurricane Irene. I hope that my blogger friends on the east coast are safe with minimal damage. Yesterday and today the heat in Texas was unbearable. Yesterday's high was 109 and I am pretty sure that today's was close to that.

I have to admit that last week was a very hard week. But on Friday I had an incident that made me smile. One of my sweet darlings (whose Dad I have been friends with for years) came to school in boxers instead of pants. Dad brought the student to school and he thought that said boxers were shorts. We all had a good laugh about it and it is one thing that I will remember forever! I am anxious about this week because I have so much going on with the differences in my students. Yes, I know that all teachers have that but a public school has pull out help and I have to be the regular ed teacher, the special ed teacher, the dyslexia teacher, the pe teacher, the elective teacher and the english as a second language teacher. And since this is my first classroom it is truly overwhelming. I know that it will all work out but it is still pretty scary. And with that, I had better close for tonight because I still have some school work to get done. I hope you all had a great weekend.

This & That Ok, Not Much of Anything!

2011-08-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Three day so of school down (with the kids). . . . .172 or so left!! I will wait to post about the first week at the end of the week. It has been a roller coaster ride for sure!
It rained here today. . . . .we got a whole less than 2/10's of an inch. We are expecting 108 degree temps on Friday and Saturday. Joy, joy, joy. I hate to say it but I have begun praying for a hurricane to hit the coast so we can get some rain!
It is time for bed and a skunk just did a walk by our house and left a lovely (NOT) calling card. Oh the joys of country life!! Well, I will leave you with the scent of skunky plums dancing in your head!!

First Day of School

2011-08-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness. . . .the first day has finally gotten here and thank goodness it is OVER! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but well, let's just say it wasn't as bad as I had feared. I did forget to take a picture of myself on the first day. Gggrrrrr. I am irritated about that but life goes on! Oh, and I still haven't taken any pictures of my classroom. I guess I need to try to do that tomorrow. Anyway, I have a class of 13 and the breakdown is 5 girls and 8 boys. We had one playground melt down, we have to practice walking in line in the hall and learn not to complain about everything and I do mean everything!
I don't have any back to school traditions but when I was a kid we always went to the big town about 90 miles away to go back to school clothes shopping and we always got a pair of suede shoes to keep our feet warm in the winter! We would go school supply shopping and I loved getting to pick out my school box (and school boxes back then were like cigar boxes) because they always had some really neat ones. I love school supplies even today! On the first day of school Mom would have us dress nice, take our picutre and then she would take us school. Then she would wait for us to come home so she could hear about our day. My Mom always made the first day of school special. I miss my Mom so much.

School. . . . . .already?

2011-08-21T22:59:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of school and I am terrified AND I do not feel like I am ready. . . .at all. I am really wishing my Mom was here because she would know all the right things to tell me. I promise to write a longer post and tell you all about school. That is if I survive.

Open House

2011-08-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Tonight is Open House and I am just a little (ok a lot) nervous. I am not ready for school to start. I still have so much to do!! Will I ever get it done? Will Monday go away? Oh goodness, I have a headache!

Tuesday

2011-08-16T20:56:00.002-05:00

Really wanted to tell you about teacher in service today but I am so tired I am going to get my stuff together and go to bed. Goodnight.

And So It Begins. . . . . . .

2011-08-14T22:06:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we begin teacher inservice. I am not going to lie and say that I am excited. . . .I will say that I am very apprehensive. I don't feel prepared but I hope that after inservice I will feel better about it all. I know that one of the problems is that I am really missing my Mom. She is supposed to be here and she would be helping me get ready and I would feel much better about everything. I have been cutting out all of my laminated items and I was working on my calendar and the numbers along with some other calendar pieces when I discovered that two of my dates are too close together but I can work those out. One of my weather pieces and another date over lap so I am going to have to cut one or the other. This really irritates me because we are not allowed to do our own laminating, we have to get the "laminator lady" to do it. So now my brand new calendar set will be messed up. I know that in the overall scheme of things it really isn't that big a deal but it still makes me just a little (ok a lot) upset about it getting messed up. I hope to have some pictures to post later in the week.

I hope everyone has a good week. There has been rain in the area the last two nights but we still haven't gotten any. Praying we get some soon.

Proud, Heat and Weight Watchers

2011-08-09T12:35:00.002-05:00

This is going to be one of those random kind of post, oh who and I kidding! All of my posts are pretty random (kind of like me). I guess I will start with the heat (I know, I know if you don't live in this furnace we call the great state of Texas, you probably really don't care). Last week our temps were 105+ every single day. They are talking of putting us on water restrictions and have warned of possible brown outs. There have been 13 heat related deaths. As you drive down the highway in the countryside, you see lots of brown and lots of stock tanks that are drying up (and doing it very quickly). When you pass a truck and trailer with hay you know that they just spent a lot of money and more than likely had to drive a pretty good distance to get some that is good quality. Cattle herds are getting smaller and no one wants to have to do anything outside.

I drove around our place and took some pictures to show you what it looks like around here.

Our big pasture that usually has so much grass in it.

Our smallest pond, this is just part of it. There is only a little bit of water on the other end.

This is our hay field. We have two fields and were not able to get hay from either one.

This is my front yard. Most of the yard is brown with just a little bit of green.

I think they recognize my car. When I first pulled up they all looked up to see who it was and this one looked like, when are you going to feed me. We never have to start putting out hay this early and we have fed all summer long.

Hanging out near the mineral tubs and in the shade. This pasture is pretty much dirt.

And another picture of the tank. It has been this dry for over a month now.

This past weekend we headed up to the big city to see my sister's family. My nephew had decided that he wanted to be baptized so we went up to see this big event. We are so proud of him and his decision to give his life to the Lord. My Momma would have been busting at the seams. She loved her grandson so much (and her granddaughter) and would have hardly been able to contain her excitement.

This week for WW was much better. I lost what I had gained last week and then some. I am 6.2 pounds so far. If you have any incredible WW recipes, please share. Oh, and I need some good lunch recipes. I found out that my good old standby for lunch won't be allowed in my classroom because I have a student with peanut allergies. Ugh, I had planned on having a lot of peanut butter sandwiches because they are easy and filling.

If you are ready for fall. . . .raise your hand!!

Have a great week.

Nephew and Niece Love

2011-08-04T22:55:00.001-05:00

I had such a good time with my nephew and niece this week. But all good things must come to an end and today they went to the other g-parents home. They really enjoyed getting to spend time with my Dad and he enjoyed spending time with them. He took them to see the Smurf's Wednesday and they all really liked it! My Dad is willing to go again. I love when the short people are here!! BUT their being here + my dad's retirement party = bad weigh in at WW. Hoping next week is better!
Well, I have worked on school stuff all day long but I haven't gotten anything accomplished and it has given me a headache so I am going to bed. Hope you are having a great week! Tomorrow is Friday!!!
Oh and since starting WW I haven't had one coke but I have found something yummy as a replacement. . . . .diet sprite with cherry. . . .yummo!!

Busy Weekend and Fun Week

2011-08-02T22:55:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was a very busy one for us. My dad retired in May and due to busy summer schedules this was the only weekend we could have it. It was a surprise and even though it was at the building where our church meets and the entire church was invited. . . .it stayed a surprise!! My sister and her family surprised him, several former students and his siblings were just a few of those who helped us celebrate. We did have an almost disaster but it was averted thanks to my hubby. We had taken the punch fixins and fruit and veggie trays to the community center on Saturday so we wouldn't have to sneak them in. Well, the refrigerator stopped working so our fruit trays went bad. Ggggrrrrrrrr. Thank goodness hubs was able to head over to Sam's for replacement trays and ice. Everything turned out beautifully and my Dad seemed very pleased. My brother in law spoke for us kids and of course he made us cry because he talked about my Mom and how there was a big part of our lives missing for the special occasion. I hope she was pleased with what we did.

This week has been busy so far because my sister and kids are finally able to spend some time with us. Yesterday was swimming, Dairy Queen and hamburgers while today was swimming for me and Madcow, going to see Captain America and bbq with some of our favorite people from church who just happened to show up at the restaurant and came over to eat with us. Tomorrow I will be tied up most of the day with a continuing ed course I am taking and then Thursday we will be taking the extra family to the other grandparents house for a visit.

And to end tonight's blog. . . .it is HOT here in Texas. The temps are supposed to be 102 to 106 all week. We are burning up around here. Since it has been so hot here, I thought I would share this picture my sister posted on facebook last week. I hope you are all having a great week.

Catching Up

2011-07-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

Went to weigh in at WW on Monday and was down 1.6 pounds. I have swam three days this week and I have done water aerobics two days this week. I am loving all the time in the water. . . .I so wish I had a pool. I am not sure what I am going to do for exercise once school starts and it starts getting cold (if that ever happens). I will be able to do water aerobics because it is in the afternoon but I have been swimming in the mornings.

Tuesday morning I took another teaching certification test. Still waiting on the scores. Really hope I passed! It is to teach 5th and 6th grade. Which according to state rules when I first graduated from college the tests that I took then covered that but the US Dept. of Ed has a different understanding so I had to take another test.

And that is about all that has happened this week. Can't believe that summer's end is quickly coming to an end. Oh and something to give you a chuckle. This is a Texas Rain Gage and it has been a long time since it hasn't been full in a looooooooooong time!! Have a great Friday.

More Marriage Advice

2011-07-24T22:13:00.000-05:00

Ok so Friday I linked up with Kelly's Korner and her show us your life best marriage advice. While browsing pinterest (I am now addicted) I saw this and it is some of the best advice I have heard, well read!!
If we all applied this to everything in our life just think of how much better off we would all be.

http://dearinspirationblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-simple-really.html

A Hill Called Mount Calvary

2011-07-24T14:11:00.000-05:00

God's amazing handiwork.

A Hill Called Mount Calvary

There are things as we travel this earth’s drifting sand,

That transcend all the reason of man;

But the things that matter the most in this world,

They can't ever be held in our hands.

I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary,

I'll believe whatever the cost;

And when time has surrendered,

And earth is no more;

I'll still cling to that old rugged cross.

I believe that the Christ who was slain on the cross,

Has the power to change lives today;

For He changed me completely,

A new life is mine;

That is why by the cross I will stay.

I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary,

I'll believe whatever the cost;

And when time has surrendered,

And earth is no more;

I'll still cling to that old rugged cross.

I believe that this life with its great mystery,

Surely someday, yes someday, will come to an end;

But faith will conquer the darkness and death,

And will lead me, yes lead me at last to my friends.

I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary,

I'll believe whatever the cost;

And when time has surrendered,

And earth is no more;

I'll still cling to that old rugged cross.

The first time I remember hearing this song was around the time my Granddad passed away. When he found out that he had cancer, he told my Grandmom that he wanted his family to sing for his funeral. We knew that we would be too emotional to sing at the service so we recorded our music the night before (just fyi: at church we sing acapella (no musical instruments)) and this was one of the songs. My grandmother has told us that she wants the same tape (yes, we recorded on cassette tape because this was 1994) used when she passes away. I have loved this song since we sang it for granddad. We played the tape for my Mom's funeral while people were coming in and when they were leaving. We had congregational singing (still acapella) and it was beautiful and this was one of the songs we sang. A friend of our family used it for is wife's funeral back in January also. When the tape is played you can hear my Mom's voice loud and clear and so beautiful. Today at church my Dad led this song and I could hear Mom's voice loud and clear as we sang it. I love when my Dad leads singing and I especially love it when he leads this song (that is if I can make it through without crying). He and my Mom were always a team, even when he was leading singing. He knew that she was sitting on the front row (or close to it) and would sing out so he could hear her. I miss my Mom so very much. I still have thoughts that I need to call her and tell her something or just to talk and she has been gone for a year and four months. As a matter of fact, I did that just last week.

Last night I chatted with one of her nurses from MDAnderson and she has such wonderful things to say about my Mom. She told me how much she thinks of my Mom and how it is still hard for her and one of the other nurses to go into my Mom's old room, even after all this time. My Mom made such an impression on people because she had such a kind heart and I hope that I am able to do the same.

Well, I guess that is all for today. I have cried all of my makeup off and I need a nap. I hope you all have a great week and remember to hug the ones you love because you never know how much time you have to spend with them.

My Best Marriage Advice

2011-07-22T11:35:00.001-05:00

Today I am linking up with Kelly's Korner for Show Us Your Life marriage advice.

Mr. Giggles and I have been married for 14 years, 4 months and 2 weeks. And we have been through a lot of tough situations: the death of both his grandparents, my aunt, his uncle and my Mom, two miscarriages, and the stillbirth of our son but even though it has been hard there was never any doubt that we would be together. Before we got married, I told Mr. Giggles that he was going to be stuck with me forever and that I was stuck with him! Although I don't feel the least bit qualified to be giving marriage advice but here are some things that I have learned along the way:

Laugh: have fun with each other. Sometimes life gets too serious and a good laugh will help. I love hearing my husbands deep laugh (and the occasional snort!!) especially when he is laughing with the nephew and niece.
Smile: I love it when he smiles at me and it makes me feel better when I smile at him.
Put God first and the rest just kind of falls into place.
Don't air your dirty laundry with others, if there is a problem between the two of you, keep it between the two of you. . . . .don't involve friends.
Respect each other.
Spend time together that doesn't involve tv, computers, other distrations.
Hold hands, share kisses and hugs.
Talk. . . about important things, not important things, life, your day. . .just talk.
Love each other unconditionally.

Well, I am sure that there are 100 more things I could put because my parents were wonderful examples of what a marriage should look like but I can't think of anything else right now (and the hubs is telling me to hurry up and get in the shower!!!)

Have a GREAT Friday!!!

Weight Watchers Weigh In

2011-07-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

One week of WW down and to with it. . . . .3 pounds down. I had hoped for a little more but 3 is good. Actually 3 is really good considering the fact that we were away from home and in a hotel from Thursday until Monday. . . .and we ate out every meal. Yesterday I swam for an hour and a half in the morning and then did water aerobics for about an hour in the evening and I am glad that I can do that for exercise instead of walking or something else. I don't mind exercising and not sweating which is a real success in the hot state of Texas! So, there you have it for week one.

It's Wednesday. . . .Again. . . .Already!

2011-07-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

I guess the week has gone by so quickly since we were gone from Thursday until Monday. It was just me and Mr. Giggles and we had a good time. We went shopping for teacher supplies and got some really good deals on books. I bought probably 10 books with activities for kids and I most of them for 75% off! I also got some cute decorations for my room. . . .our back to school theme will be owls. . . .Whooo's ready for 2nd grade! We also went to Galveston and walked around on the strand for several hours but we didn't buy anything, drove around on the seawall and ate dinner at Salsa's where I have grilled shrimp tacos and Mr. G had shrimp chili relleno. If you are in Galveston you should eat there! We also went to visit friends in Sugarland and my friend had a bunch of teacher stuff for me. It was so good to get to catch up with them. We only get see them every few years or so.

Today I have my weigh in at WW. I hope I did well. According to my food log I did good so I hope it translates into a loss for the week. I went to water aerobics last night with my sister RAW and LEH. It was nice, I am a little sore in places!

Here are a few pictures from our trip. I am still in a photo taking slump.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T22:50:00.000-05:00

Just a few things I would like to see during this very hot and dry summer.

Has This Ever Happened To You?

2011-07-12T22:03:00.000-05:00

Well, it has happened to us twice. I guess that is what happens when you get old!! You are probably wondering what in the world I am talking about so let me tell you. Today I was at Michael's and went to open my car door so I could get out and go into the store and my door handle broke. You read that right, my inside door handle broke. Thank goodness I have small fingers and can get the door open. And yes, this happened to my husband's truck a year or so ago. And the reason I say it is what happens when you are old is because our newest vehicle (the hubby's truck) is a 1996 model. Our other two vehicles are both 1995 models. And that was the excitement of my day!

I didn't realize last night when I posted that it was my 500th post. I can't believe that I have had that much to write about!!! My husband would say otherwise. I would love to have a giveaway but since I have been unemployed since 2007, I better not. Yes, I have a job but I won't get a paycheck until the end of August or thereabouts. Maybe after the next 500 ramblings.

I survived my first day of Weight Watchers. Yeah me!

Well, that is all for tonight. I am tired. Oh, the weatherman just said 14 days of 100 degree heat. It seems like it has been 1400 days of 100 degree heat.

Summertime

2011-07-11T21:14:00.000-05:00

I really like summer because I enjoy the sun, swimming, traveling, and most other fun activities associated with summer but I am going to say that this summer has been too much. This is our forecast for the week. Don't let the clouds fool you. The sun is not hiding behind the clouds here in Texas. It will melt you whenever you walk outside. I got up this morning and started mowing around 8:20 or so and it was miserable (and I was on the riding lawnmower). I will be getting up much earlier in the morning to try to get everything finished up. I don't like wishing away time but I am now looking forward to fall and winter.

Tonight there was finally something on tv that the Mister and I wanted to watch. He has got me hooked on Eureka and Warehouse 13. If you are into science fiction, these are pretty good shows. Tomorrow night we will watch Gene Simmons Family Jewels. . .that is my guilty pleasure!

Today I signed up for Weight Watchers. I am excited but a little scared. I really want to lose weight so I am hoping that I can stick with it and do what needs to be done. I had planned on having lap band surgery but my insurance company had other plans for me. After I had done all of the pre-surgery prep, they would not approve for me to have the surgery locally. I was going to have to go out of town and I didn't want to do that so here is where I am. If you are on WW, leave me a comment and let me know how it is working for you.

Well, I had better close for the night. I need to do some dreaded housework! Have a great evening.

Weekly Menu

2011-07-10T22:12:00.001-05:00

Our exciting menu for this week.

Monday: sloppy joes and potato salad
Tuesday: fish fillets and velveeta shells and cheese
Wednesday: fend for yourself
Thursday: tbd
Friday: tbd

This weekend Mr. Giggles, Dad, RAW and I went to see Cars 2. Cute movie. Even Mr. Giggles enjoyed it (he doesn't like animated movies)! Got a busy week coming up. There will be mowing for sure! Yes, even dead brown grass needs to be mowed.

In case you have wondered (and I am sure that you have just been so worried about this) why I haven't posted any pictures lately is because I have been in a picture taking slump. I didn't even take any pictures on our vacation! I am hoping to get back in the groove soon. I know that you are dying to see more pictures of cows standing in the water!!

Have a good week.

Random

2011-07-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

I am going to warn you now. . . .this post is going to be random so if that makes your head hurt, you may want to come back later!

• This was my FB status for today: Giggles is thinking about this day two years ago when Mom, Bec, RAW and I were sitting in her hospital room and Dr. Jenkins came in and told us that she had leukemia. And then we had to wait for my Dad to get there so we could tell him. So I will spend today thinking about a wonderful woman who I was lucky enough to call my Mom. This has been on my mind all day. I remember this day like it was yesterday. The four of us were just sitting in her room chatting and wondering when she was going to be released so we could go back home and get back to life as normal. And as of that day our lives would never ever be the same. If you want to read about our journey with leukemia you can go here.

• If you are looking for some good side dish recipes you should stop by Kelly’s Korner. I have some new dishes I can’t wait to try. If you are interested in what I posted, you can go here.

• I have been super duper lazy today. All I have accomplished is watching tv with my hubby (he is off on Friday’s during the school year), reading recipes for new side dishes, visiting some new blogs from Jenna’s Journey’s challenge (and there are so many that I can’t comment on and it is really irritating me. . . .what is up with blogger?), showered and went to dinner at Ozona with my hubby, Dad and sister RAW. Tomorrow I have so much to do.

• I am picking up a few things for my classroom here and there. I am trying not to get too much though. Our school meets in a church and we only have so much that we can do in our rooms. Every Wednesday and Friday our rooms have to be disassembled for Bible classes and then reassembled the next class day so you don’t really want to have too much to move and put away.

• I am excited about finding so many neat blogs from Jennas challenge. I get really excited when I find bloggers from Texas and when I find teachers. What makes it even more exciting is when I find Texas teachers!

Well, I am going to say goodnight so. . . . . .goodnight!

Just thought I would post a picture of snow to help you stay cool!

Housework

2011-07-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

I HATE housework. . . . raise your hand if you do too!!! I need an organizer and a cleaning crew to come through here and get everything cleaned and in it's proper place and then I will try to take over from there! Anyway. . . . .Are you having a good day? My day was pretty good. . . I went to my first teacher workshop and it was awesome! I have three more to go to and I am really excited about it.

My hubby has a few more days he needs to take off before school starts and I have no idea where I want to go. Plus we are trying to decide if we should take our trailer or stay in a hotel. It is summer time. . .I shouldn't have to think so hard!!!

I have procrastinated long enough so I guess I had better get back to the dreaded housework!!! Atleast I don't have to cook dinner tonight!

And your laugh for today:

momnamedmindy.com

Do You Ever??

2011-07-06T18:02:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have those days when just about everything that is said or done just annoys the snot out of you? I think that today is going to be one of those days. I guess what has annoyed me most today is that my nephew and niece are busy until August so we won't get to spend any extra time with them this summer. I miss getting to see them and spending time with them.

I have just been weepy today. . . .not sure why. Guess I am just missing my Mom so much. Somedays the fact that she is gone is just so overwhelming. I still catch myself thinking that I need to call her about this or that or just because I hadn't talked to her that day. We would have been working on things for my classroom but now it is just me thinking about things and I am just not interested.

Today I had a meeting with a potential student's parents. Hoping it went ok. Hope they choose our school. I found out that I will have about 11 students. Several of them I subbed for last year so they know me and I am familiar with them. I picked up all my teacher edition books so I can get started on lesson plans and figuring out what in the world I will be doing. I am scared of the unknown and this year is definately an unknown.

Well, I had better go. I have to get ready for church. It has gotten really windy and it would be super nice if we could get some rain. . . . .but I am not holding my breath. Our part of Texas seems to have a big rain shield over it. The weather just came on and it is showing rain but I am not seeing it yet. Keeping my fingers crossed. Before I posted, I heart thunder. . . .come on rain!!!

Hope you had a great day.

I Am

2011-07-05T16:48:00.004-05:00

I am

I found this on another friend's blog and thought that it was really neat.
I first did this in September 2008 but thought I would change what needed to be changed for 2011 for me and so that anyone stopping by might get a glimpse of who I am. 2011 Answers will be in purple.

i am...a Christian, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a teacher, a friend.
i dream...of one day having a family of my own.
i think...that my husband and family bring out the best in me.
i know...that I am a terrible housekeeper.
i want...children and to find a job that I will love.
i have...an amazing husband, an awesome family and great friends. And I finally have a teaching job!!
i wish...this year would have turned out differently. I wish everyday that I could hold my baby boy and that my Mom was still here.
i hate...feeling bad about the things I sometimes say and do. That my Dad is alone and that he misses my Mom so much.
i miss...my baby boy. My Mom.
i fear...never having children.
i feel...like I am alone (sometimes)
i hear...the noise of the tv.
i smell...cinnamon candles! An old house.
i crave...Mexican food.
i search...for knowledge and a better understanding of my Christian walk.
i wonder...will I ever be a mommy?
i regret...that I am sometimes not the person I should be. That sometimes I speak without thinking.
i love...my family so much it sometimes hurts.
i ache...when I know someone I care about is hurting.
i care...about my family and friends.
i always...try to be a good person.
i am not...going to let anyone get the best of me.
i believe...in Jesus Christ.
i dance...when no one is watching.
i sing...a lot!
i cry...when my heart is hurting or when I feel overwhelmed. When I think about the things my Mom will miss.
i don't...want to hurt anymore.
i hope...next year is better than this year. That my first year of teaching is successful.
i fight...for what I believe in. And for those I love.
i write...because I can say things better that way. So that maybe someone else will be inspired in some way.
i lose...my train of thought often.
i listen...when someone needs to be heard.
i can usually be found...at home.
i need...to count my blessings. Be more understanding and love more freely.
i am happy...when I am with my husband. When I get to spend time with my nephew and niece (and the rest of my family).
i desire...to always be the best that I can be!

Having a Challenge With the Challenge!!

2011-07-04T23:07:00.001-05:00

I have been traveling around blogland through Jenna's challenge but I have been having a challenge with my computer. This past weekend Mr. Giggles completely reworked my computer to see if it would help with the slowness of my beloved computer. Well, now I am having to break it back in and put all of my "stuff" back on it. Unfortunately there are some blogs that I cannot comment on and I really want to comment on them all. I downloaded Mozilla because in the past it has fixed the problem with commenting but it isn't even working tonight. So. . . . .I am going to head to bed and hopefully with a good night's sleep (well, hopefully a goodnight's sleep but I watched a show filled with snakes so we shall see) I will be able to get this ~~stupid~~ lovely piece of electronic equipment working again so I can comment. So that being said. Good night and I will check back in with some of y'all tomorrow.

Commenting Challenge and Misc.

2011-07-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

For the next 7 days, Jenna over at Jenna's Journey is hosting in commenting challenge. This is a neat way to meet new blog friends. A quick run down of the rules. . . .link up on her blog, visit and comment on 10 blogs for the next 7 days. Go visit here to find out more info and join up! Hope to meet you there!!

It is hard to believe that it has been over a week since I last posted. We were on vacation last week and we just relaxed. I didn't even take one picture (that might have to do with the extreme drought conditions in Texas and the fact that everything is the same shade of brown!). I am working on a run down of what we did on vaction and hope to get it finished today.

What are you doing for the 4th? Ours will be low key as usual (except no fireworks at all) with lunch and family time at the in-laws house and then over to my sister's for some more family time. I will also be dreading the fact that the hubster has to go back to work tomorrow.

My plans for the rest of the week are to get things put back in place in the house and in the travel trailer from vacation, mow (if I can get the mower fixed!), start working on things for school because. . . . .I have a job!! and study for a certification test (yes, another one for teaching. this one is so I can teach 5th & 6th grade) and hopefully lunch with friends! Oh, and hopefully get back in the blogging groove!!

Have a great one my friends!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday America!

http://www.bsatroop780.org/basics/images/PledgeOfAllegiance.jpg

Have a safe and enjoyable 4th! Ours will be quiet this year because all fireworks have been banned due to extreme drought conditions!

Meet My Sister!

2011-06-24T23:09:00.013-05:00

**Rae sent me some more recent pictures. I put my favorite one at the top!**

Meet Rae Anne, my sister. There are so many things I can say about my sister and I don't know where to begin (these are in no specific order, just my random thoughts).

*faithful member of the church of Christ with a great love for the Lord

*teacher and coach - senior English, softball and volleyball

*enjoys watching and playing sports
*is a TEXAS AGGIE fan Fightin' Class of 99!!
*loves kids, especially her nephew and niece whom she calls Rin and Stimpy :)
*enjoys spending time with her family
*enjoys vacationing in Colorado
*doesn't drink or smoke
*is 30 something
*lives in the great state of Texas
*cares about her students, her friends, her co-workers and of course her family
*loves to have a good time out with friends and doesn't mind staying at home watching tv with a fire in the fireplace

*she is an AWESOME cook (she loves making Paula Deen recipes)

*is HiLiArIoUs! She will make you laugh until you cry (or wet your pants!)

*deserves to find that special person to spend the rest of her life with

*is ready to find that special someone to spend her life with

*loves to sing and does it well as a matter of fact, she broke out into song today at McDonalds!

*is an accomplished pianist
*has a cat named Bud
*enjoys fishing
*has really good quick comebacks!
*enjoys listening to Il Divo
*enjoys musicals

Add caption

*likes to camp

*likes to read (of course she does, she is an English teacher!)
*loves a good, cold Dr. Pepper
*enjoys playing a game of softball
*enjoys a lively game of Mad Gab!!
*is a straight shooter – if you don’t want an honest answer, don’t ask
*is the youngest of three girls
*sarcasm is her superpower (it runs in the family in case you are wondering!)
*laughed when I told her that I was going to do a post about her and link up with Kelly!

Well, that is all of the randomness I can come up with tonight. There is a lot more to know and love about my sister. If you would like to “meet” her, leave me a comment and I will forward the information on to her.

Answered Prayer

2011-06-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

After nearly three years of looking for a teaching job. . . .I finally got one! Starting in August I will be teaching second grade at a private christian school. I have subbed at this school and know the teachers and the students. I am excited but scared because there is only one teacher per grade level so I don't have anyone to "copy"! I am glad to finally be doing what I am supposed to do! The damper on the joy is that my Mom was supposed to be around so she could help me get stuff for my classroom, help me decorate and just be my cheerleader. I miss her so much. I know that she would be happy for me and would already be thinking of things to do in my room and so many other things. So that is my answered prayer. I hope that there are more answered ones in the near future.

Fire Danger

2011-06-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

If it seems that all I seem to be able to ~~talk~~ complain about is the weather. We have been over 100 degrees now for atleast a week, maybe more and we haven't had substantial rain in I don't know when. Add to that wind that blows constantly and blows hard. Right now in the great state of Texas there are three wildfire burning and two of those are relatively (and I say relatively because Texas is huge in case you didn't know!) close to us. The closest is about 45 minutes or so away from us and the other is around an hour from us so when you think about it. . . .they are really close. The other is several hours away. The fire that is closest to us has already burned over 30 homes and this area is country so there are lots of animals in the fire path also. So, if you have a minute could you say a prayer for those who have lost their homes, the firefighters and all those helping.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day to the three men in my life!

Happy Father's Day to my hubby. You are an amazing husband and I love you. You are an incredible uncle to Tator Tot and Maddie Moo, they love you so very much. My prayer is that one day you will get to hold our children in your arms for more than just a few short hours. You are what makes me whole and I appreciate your love, support and encouragement.

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy. Dad, you are an amazing person and I love you. I know that the last two years have been difficult for you but you have set a great example of how to live through heartbreaking circumstances. Mom knew that she found gold when she found you. Thank you for all you do.
Happy Father's Day to my father in law. Thank you for raising such a wonderful caring son. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and for always supplying me with hard candies!!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! I hope that you all had a great day.

7 Day Outlook - Not a Pretty Sight

2011-06-16T23:25:00.000-05:00

This is how our weather is looking for the next seven days. Our heat index for the next few days is 103 - 105. Oh how we need rain and cooler weather.

Country Living

2011-06-15T14:24:00.000-05:00

If you have followed my blog for long, you know that I love living in the country. I love looking out my window and seeing three of these ladies babes everyday.

I love the room we have, not having close neighbors on our side of the road, the quiet, the moon and stars at night but there is one thing about country living that I DO NOT enjoy at all. Finding these creatures outside is one thing but having one in my house is another. Last night I was walking towards our bathroom and looked down and saw a snake coming towards me. I screamed and the snake headed back into the bathroom and I headed back to the living room. Thank heavens for Mr. Giggles who removed the snake. But let me tell you, I did not sleep well last night. This is not the first but the second snake we have had in our house. I am very, very, very scared of snakes so I am not comfortable being in my house at all. I told Mr. G last night that I wanted to move right then. Needless to say, we didn't and won't be moving anytime soon (thank you economy. . .being unemployed stinks). Anyway.
As I write this post, the outside temp is 103 degrees. It is so dry and so hot around here. We need rain so badly. One of our ponds is nearly dried up (I will try to remember to take a picture soon) and we will not be cutting any hay this year. The three young calves that live around my house are drinking the water trough down everyday so I am having to remember to fill it up everyday! So I tell you this to ask that when you say your prayers, please pray for some rain for us. We really need it.
Well, I need to go and do some cleaning (yuck). I decided that I would be better off if I have a little OCD when it comes to cleaning!!
Have a good day and stay cool.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-06-13T10:42:00.000-05:00

40th Wedding Anniversary party

Once in a while,

right in the middle of an ordinary life,

Love gives us a fairy tale.

I believe in magic,

in happy ever after,

...and fantasies that really come true.

For seeing is believing,

and I have living proof,

because I found forever love in you.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my parents 42nd wedding anniversary. My heart is heavy that my Dad is spending it without the love of his life. The poem above is one that he posted on her fb page today. Theirs was a marriage that was a lesson for others. To watch them as a couple was to see two people who always put God first and then everything else just fell into place. They loved each other totally and without reservation, they were kind and thoughtful to each other and all you had to do was watch them watch each other and you just knew their love was special. If all married couples treated each other they way my parents treated each other and their marriage, there would be fewer unhappy people in the world. To watch my parents was to definately see the fairy tale, the magic and the forever love of a happily ever after (it just ended too soon).

Dad, I love you very much and know that Mom is sending you all her love today.
Mom, I love you and know that Dad is sending you all his love today.

Menu and Such

2011-06-12T21:31:00.000-05:00

I didn't cook at all last week so I thought that I would cook one night this week! Here is the plan for the week.

Monday: chicken and swiss, corn, texas toast
Tuesday: taquitos, chips & hotsauce, guacamole
Wednesday: fend for yourself
Thursday: leftovers (me) and salad (hubs)
Friday: out to eat
Saturday: tdb

This weekend was pretty laid back for us. Friday night we took Dad to dinner for his birthday. Saturday we had to change out the window unit a/c in our bathroom. Yes, we have an a/c in our bathroom because there is no central air in there and friends, it gets very hot in there in the summer (and very cold in the winter. . .thank goodness for our little heater). Then the hubs had to go to work so I stayed home and did some work here. Saturday evening we took Mr. Giggles parents out for dinner to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. We went to Olive Garden and it was yummy as always. I got the chicken alfredo pizza. . . .yummy! Today we had church with one of the other congregations here in town and had two really good sermons (well, it was actually three). The reason we had to do this is because there are four Sunday's a year that we can't meet at the community center were we usually meet. June happens to have two of these dates so we visited one of the small congregations. We are so very ready to be able to start our building which we hope to be able to do towards the end of this year. And that is how we spent our weekend. I hope that you have a great weekend too. This week will be spent frantically trying to come up with Father's Day gift ideas. If you have any ideas, please feel free to leave a comment. I need three. . .hubby (I always try to get him something small), my Dad and hubs Dad.

OUCH!

2011-06-09T22:42:00.000-05:00

This evening I was outside trying to reset the plug on our outside light so it would come back on. Well, I stuck my hand under the plug cover and guess who was in there waiting for me. You guessed it! It was a relative of the guy in the picture. This is the first time in my life that I have ever been stung and I hope that it is the last time that ever happens. It hurt then and it is still hurting. I will most definately pay more attention next time I go to stick my hand near something in the almost dark!

Does anyone know why no ones followers show up anymore? I can't even get them to show up when trying to look at them on my dashboard. Any ideas on how to fix it?

Hope you have a great Friday!

Happy Birthday!

2011-06-08T15:49:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Happy birthday to the best Dad in the world!

I hope that you have a great day.

I love you so very much.

I am thankful for the time we spend together and the things you do for me.

Mom and Dad

Suzy Homemaker I Am Not

2011-06-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

I hate housework with a passion. I hate all aspects of housekeeping. I have put off switching my winter clothes to my summer clothes until today. The only reason I feel like I must do it today is because yesterday it was 101.5 and that was on my shaded front porch (as I type this it is already 100.2 on said porch). I have been wearing the same shirts over and over and over and . . . .well, you get the picture. I also need to do a lot of housework. I have neglected it since before my Mom got sick. I know that sounds horrible and well, it is what it is. When I was growing up my Mom always used to complain that I would keep my barn spic and span but my room looked horrible. For years (15 to be exact) I have used the excuse that I don't have enough storage in my house and well that is the truth but if I ~~could~~ would just get rid of some stuff I would have a place for everything so I am going to try to start purging some things.
And on to other things. . .I am looking for some super summer meals. Easy to fix, light and yummy. Any ideas?? If so, please share. So, do you have any ideas for Father's day? I have no idea to get my Dad and I always like to get Mr. Giggles a little something. And then Mr. G's birthday is coming up at the end of the month. . . . .and I have no idea about what to get him.
Last but not least, I am back on the job hunt. Right now I am still looking for a job in education and I pray that I can find something in my field. If not, I will begin looking for something else. I pray that I find the job that God wants me to have. And that is all for now. I hope you are having a great day.

Pennies From Heaven?

2011-06-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

Tuesday on my way to work I decided to treat myself to a coke and a sausage biscuit from Mickey D's. As I was digging for change in my wallet I found a wheat penny. I turned it over to check out the year and it was 1951. That was the year my Mom was born. As I thought about my Mom on my way to work I wondered if me finding that penny was her way of telling me that I had made it through the five weeks of subbing and that I had done the best I could given the circumstances. I miss our talks especially on hard days. She always knew what to say or do to make things better. I love you Mom.

School's Out for Summer!!

2011-05-31T21:57:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness. . . . .I never thought that I would be this excited about summer!! I have spent the last five weeks subbing in a first grade class at my hubster's school. I will not go into great detail but let's just say that it was the most stressful, difficult, sad job I have had. I loved the kids but not the discipline problems and the fact that these kids will struggle in school because they have not learned what they needed to know. But although I am glad that the school year has ended, I am once again unemployed. Well, that is all for tonight. I am exhausted and fighting a cold. Hopefully I can catch you all up on the exciting life I lead!!

Oh My!

2011-05-09T20:25:00.000-05:00

Today our high was 99 (average temps for this time of year is the upper 80's). We are still in extreme drought conditions. There were two large grassfires around town today. What are we going to do this summer?

Please pray that we get some rain.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are lucky enough to be Moms.

I don't care much for today. I would have been pleased as punch to just skip over it completely. After church Mr. Giggles and I took flowers and a balloon to Mom's grave after church. And then told my sweet little boy that I loved him and how much I wish that I was holding him and enjoying spending the day as a Mom instead of looking at his headstone with empty arms. After we left the cemetery we met Mr. G's parents for lunch along with his sister and brother in law. Then we went home and didn't do much of anything until it was time for church again. Now we are home getting ready for the next week. Hope y'all have a good one.

From Not Busy to Way Too Much!

2011-05-03T20:44:00.000-05:00

Last week was such a busy week for me. We had Easter lunch with my Dad, my sister RAW and my G-mom P. We had spent the day with Mr. Giggles family on Saturday and had a huge meal with them. Last Monday I went with my Dad to my sister's home. I got to spend a little time with the nephew and niece. It was just a day trip but it was good to see them. And since Administrative Professionals Day was on Wednesday I worked on gifts for the ladies at Mr. Giggle's school. I can't take credit for the gift idea but I can say that it turned out really cute. I spent at least 2.5 hours separating M&M's (5 big bags) and that wasn't enough so I had to wait until Tuesday afternoon to get some more. Why did I wait until Tuesday afternoon you ask. . . .well, I started a possible long term sub job (first grade) and Tuesday was my first day. This day included a field trip with kids and water. This also included sorting another two bags of M&M's and the creating of the gifts. I will post a picture. The next day was another field trip to a pizza place. Then we met my Dad, RAW, and LEH at Outback to celebrate my Mom's 60th birthday. Missed her so much that day and everyday. On to Friday. . . .I planned a Ladies Day for the ladies of our church and we went to the B&B where we were having the event to get things set up. Once I left there I picked up Mr. G so we could go grocery shopping so I could make my food for the Ladies Day. Finally went to bed at 3 am and was up at 6. Had an awesome day with the ladies from church. I had to stop and put gas in my suburban on the way home. Nearly died when it cost me $131.64 to fill it up and it wasn't even empty to start with! Got home and watched some tv with the hubs but fell asleep. After finishing all of my usual work to get ready for church the next day and crawled back into bed around 12:15. Sunday was spent running around getting supplies for a reception for our graduating seniors following evening services. After the errands were run, I made a poster collage for our high school senior and a powerpoint for the three college grads. Back to church for services and the reception. And home to get ready for the week.

Yesterday and today were spent teaching. Well, I say teaching but it is really like trying to be a warden in a prison full of people that just won't stop talking! Needless to say, tonight I am exhausted! So, with that being said I am going to get off of here and start getting ready for bed. Goodnight!

Easter Sunday

Secretarys Day Gift

Another view

Senior Reception Cake

Happy Birthday

2011-04-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Mom:

Today is your birthday. You would have been 60 years young. I remember the last birthday we got to celebrate with you. We went to Johnny Carinos for dinner and presents. You looked beautiful as always. Dad has a picture of you from our dinner and you looked so happy. I hope that you are enjoying your birthday with the loved ones you are now with. I hope that you spent the day playing with your grandbabies. I also hope that you were able to see how we celebrated without you. We went out to eat for supper and Dad put beautiful yellow roses on your grave for his Yellow Rose of Texas. Rae got you some beautiful sunflowers and tulips. I was going to get you some balloons but I couldn't get to the store but it is probably good because the wind is still blowing so hard around here that they wouldn't have lasted long. We want you to know that our love for you hasn't diminished at all and neither has our missing you. I love you Mom and hope that your birthday in heaven was good.

Love,
me

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T14:35:00.000-05:00

Last Night

2011-04-20T23:04:00.000-05:00

Last night we had just turned off the tv, hubby had already dozed off and I was close when the phone rang. I looked at the clock which read 11:30 (or so). I picked up the phone and it was my Dad who proceeded to tell me that the house across the pasture and through the woods from us was on fire. And then someone was knocking on our door to let us know about the fire (I still don't know who the lady was!) Although it was almost midnight, the wind was still blowing pretty strongly and again, no measurable rainfall since September. Since you just don't know what a fire will do, Dad suggested that we be prepared. We started deciding what vehicles we were going to be taking if we had to leave and what we were taking with us. In no time flat we had our suburban loaded with computer equipment, photo albums, all my jewelry that would be next to impossible to replace (along with what I received of my Mom's). On a trip to the truck I went out the back door and could see the orange glow of the fire over the treetops. Very scarey. Got back in the house and continued packing our medicine, important papers, etc. I went and took all of the pictures off the wall and got them put together. My Dad called back and said that it looked like the fire department (remember, we live in the county so it was the volunteer fire department and local) had everything under control and that we should be ok. We went down to my Dad's (which was very close to the fire) to see what there was to see but due to the trees, we couldn't see much. Thankfully the fire was put out completely and our home and land was not in danger. Unfortunately the house that burned was a victim of arson but luckily it had been abandoned for 8 years and better yet was the fact that no one got hurt. We found that we could get a lot of stuff ready to go in a short time, that if there is a fire we will take our truck and suburban and leave my poor little car (wouldn't hurt my feelings too bad) but most importantly we realized that with all our packing we forgot about getting any clothes and I forgot my glasses and stuff for my contacts!!
We got back home a little before 1:00 am and I wasn't able to go to sleep until after 2:00 am. Dad said it took him a while to wind down also. Hopefully tonight we will not have any excitement.
Again, I ask that if you think about, pray for us to get some rain. Our state is in a terrible place right now. There is a huge fire near the DFW metroplex.
I hope you are having a great week. :)

MIA

2011-04-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

I have been MIA for the last few days for no other reason than I haven't had anything to write about. I have been sick with a sinus infection and probably bronchitus. I say probably because my Doctor's office has changed their checking out procedures. I pay before I go see the doc so now I don't get the receipt telling me what the diagnosis is and we talked about a lot of things when I was there and forgot to ask what I had. I thought that the sinus infection was going to killl me. The pain it was causing in my head, ear and jaw was so painful that I wasn't able to sleep or think for that matter. I am hoping to be fully recovered this week so I can get some things done.
I saw something on tv today that made me think of the expectations I have always had for myself. It was an interview on Rachael Ray with Sarah Brokow where she talked about the expectations that she had for herself that were based on what her Mom had done. I have always done the same thing and have always felt inferior because I couldn't do what my Mom could do and did. I thought that I would get married young and be done having kids by the time I was 23. Well, I wasn't even married until I was 26 but I still thought that I would have my kids soon after getting married because that is what Mom did. Mom didn't have problems getting pregnant so why would I think that I would have a problem. Well, 14 years of marriage and my 40th birthday have passed and there are still no kids in our family or in our future. My Mom could do anything she set her mind to and well, I don't have that ability. I was always calling her for help on most things I did just to make sure I was doing it right. And the last three years have done nothing to help with my feelings of inferiority. I mean, I went to college to get my degree so I could do the job that I felt was my calling. . . three + years later and I still have no job. I don't want to settle for a job, I want to do what I was trained to do. I want to teach. Then six days after graduation our little boy was stillborn. Then another miscarriage. And last but not least my Mom gets sick and passes away. Life has not been easy and I feel like I have failed in so many ways. Well, I am not really sure where I was going with this but I guess I said all that to say that sometimes I set really high expectations for myself and am really unhappy with myself because I feel like I don't meet them. And what this has to do with Sarah Brokow is that she has written a book called Fortytude: Making the Next Decades the Best Years of Your Life and I think I need to read it. So there you have it. Something that I have thought about writing about but wasn't sure about letting the world read about my most private feelings. And I know that it isn't very well written but well, that's life.
And now on to other things. The weather here has been so hot. Today I think the high was 95. Where did Spring go? Yes, Jennifer we usually have spring with very nice temperatures and rain but not this year. I was looking at the grass as I was driving to town and it isn't green, there are hardly any wildflowers but there is lots of dirt. Our state is in drought conditions and our county and those surrounding us are in extreme drought conditions. According to our weatherman we have not had any measureable precipitation since September. There are huge wildfires - over 1 million acres burned this year and I pray everyday that the not so smart people that live around us will not start any fires because of the lack of moisture. Please pray for those whose lives have been lost, homes have been lost, the fire fighters and all others affected by the fires and drought.
And last but not least, I had the a/c people come look at my a/c because it was starting to have a water leak and wouldn't you know it. . . .tonight it isn't working right. And the temps are not going to be very cool tonight so thank goodness for fans!
I hope you are all having a good week. I have felt better today. That is until I went looking for an Easter dress today and couldn't find anything!!! Maybe tomorrow I will have better luck. That is after the a/c guys get here.

Rain. . . . Where are you?

2011-04-10T22:46:00.000-05:00

The temperature today was 92. . .in April with winds blowing constantly at at least 20 mph. If things keep going like this, it is going to be a very miserable summer. We are so far behind on rainfall. Tomorrow I am going to have to water my yard because it is starting to look really bad. There have been some big wildfires in our state including one that burned a friend of mine's place but their home was untouched. Thank goodness. Prayer would be appreciated for some much needed rain.

Just Random

2011-04-06T18:12:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I told you that I had made a baby shower gift and flowers for the cemetary (at least I think I did. . . I am pretty sure I did. Anyway) and I finally downloaded the pictures. And the only reason I finally got them downloaded is because I took pictures of my couch so I can try to sell it. Anyway, here are the pictures.

Picture frame for baby Smith

Arrangement for my Granddad

Arrangement for Baby Giggles (I love orange)

Arrangement for Mom. I thought the pinks were pretty.

Well, that's really all I have for today. I have been teaching art at a private school for about 2.5 weeks so I haven't really been doing anything else. Tomorrow and Friday I will be teaching art at a public school and then the next week will be some random sub jobs.
I have really been missing my Mom the last couple of days. I had a good cry on the way home from teaching today and one yesterday coming home from my walk. I called my Dad just so I could hear his voice and to tell him that I love him. It just really stinks that she isn't around for me to talk to anymore. Somedays I am not sure that I will make it through. Somedays are just too hard.
Gotta go get ready for church. I hope you all are having a great week.

National Champs

2011-04-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

For the first time in school history. . . . . .the FIGHTING TEXAS AGGIES WOMENS BASKETBALL team are the national champs. We are so proud!! GIG'EM AGGIES!!!

Thank you all for giving us such a great season! Ya'll are AWESOME!

Today Is The Day!!

2011-04-05T11:40:00.000-05:00

Well, make that: Tonight is the Night that the Lady Ags play for the national championship. I am sporting my Aggie tshirt and I am sure that when I go to town later I will see that much of the towns people are doing the same thing!! Good luck Coach Blair and the Fightin Texas Aggie Womens basketball team! Beat Notre Dame! Bring home the championship!! Show 'em how Texas girls bring it home.
Yes, I am excited and I just can't help it.

GO LADY AGS!

Weekly Menu

2011-04-03T20:38:00.001-05:00

Monday: salad
Tuesday: Mexican chicken and rice
Wednesday: fend for yourself
Thursday: TBD
Friday: out to eat
Saturday: fend for yourself

National Championship Bound!!

2011-04-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

No, I still don't like basketball but I am sooo very proud of the Texas A&M Ladies basketball team and their win against Stanford. Folks. . . .we are headed to the national championship game!!!! GIG'EM AGGIES! The excitement around here is going to be crazy! I wish my Momma was here to see how well the Ags have done. She would be so proud! Do it Lady Ags!!

My Church- Brazos Valley Church of Christ

2011-04-02T21:13:00.000-05:00

This week over at Kelly's Korner her show us your life is about your church. Five years ago Mr. Giggles and I decided to leave the church that I had attended all my life, my grandparents had helped start, we were all baptized in, I met my husband at, my sister and I were married in and where many lifelong friends attended and place membership at a church that was just being started. That move, although it was very difficult was the best move for us. We had become stagnant at our old church but when you become part of a church that is just starting, you have to become involved! I do most of the secretarial work which includes the weekly bulletins, monthly calendars and many other things (!), teach classes and help with whatever needs to be done. Mr. Giggles creates the worship order and makes sure that those who are leading singing, saying prayers, preaching, or serving communion knows what they are supposed to do and helps with set up and clean up. We are so much happier being so involved in the work of the church.
First, here is a letter from the elders of our church that will give you some information on our church:
We are one of some 27,000 congregations of the churches of Christ around the world with more than two million adherents, made up of wholly autonomous congregations. Whether more or less, God knows. Church of Christ are not bound together by any kind of church hierarchy or written creed authored by men, but by a common faith derived from the inspired revelation from God through His Spirit, the Bible.

We share a common love for God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who redeemed us by His own blood. We also share a strong commitment to being biblical in our faith, our work, our worship, and our teaching and preaching.
We call ourselves the Brazos Valley Church of Christ. This is our legal identity to satisfy the requirements of the State of Texas in establishing a recognized tax-exempt religious entity. We do not hold this to be "the biblical name." It is merely terminology of identification. We live, work and worship in the Brazos Valley, and the church, the "called out" body of believers, simply belong to Christ. That the church belongs to Christ is well attested in Scripture. Christ is the builder and the foundation (Matthew 16:18). He purchased it with his own blood (Acts 20:28), is the Head of it (Ephesians 1:22,23), its Savior (Ephesians 5:23), and Redeemer (1 Peter 1:18).
What you will find here are people just like yourself who believe in the God of the Bible who as Creator and Sustainer knew all our needs and has by His grace planned for man's eternal salvation by sending His Son to procure it and His Holy Spirit to reveal it. Further, we believe the Bible to be the inspired authoritative word of God as it claims for itself, and that is completely supplies the child of God with everything for the direction of his/her life, for every good work, for acceptable worship and ultimately one's eternal salvation.
With a troubled world of doubt, relativism, political correctness and multi-cultural-pluralism being adopted into a fragmented denominationalism, a restoration of New Testament Christianity based on God's eternal truth will give new meaning and purpose to life. We invite you to come and explore the eternal truth of God and thereby grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
If you would like to know more about us, or like to study further, please don't hesitate to talk with any of our members. We will be happy to study with you, provide a home study Bible Course for your personal study, or assist you in any way we can.
Sincerely with Love,
The Elders
Our congregation is not large and we don't have our own building but we are a group of people who love the Lord and love each other and we would be delighted to have you come worship with us. If you are in the Bryan-College Station area, come visit with us. For more information, please visit our website here.

Final Four

2011-03-29T22:32:00.000-05:00

I am by no means a basketball fan but I am so excited about the fact that the Lady Aggies beat Baylor last night and we are in the Final Four!! They will be playing Stanford next. Danielle Adams was named First Team All American!!! So so happy for Gary Blair and the Lady Aggies. Gig'em Ags!!

Hope you are having a good week. We are having cooler weather this week thank goodness but are still really needing rain.

Where Did it Go?

2011-03-27T23:12:00.001-05:00

I can not believe that the weekend is already over. It was busy but I really think we must have skipped a day or something. Yesterday I got up and got finished making a baby shower gift, made three flower arrangments to take to the cemetery, went to a baby shower, went to a surpise 50th birthday party, met my honey and my Daddy at DQ, went to the grocery store, came home and made broccoli salad & macaroni salad for gospel meeting, washed dishes, finished up church work, and finally went to bed at 1:00 am. Today we got up, I finished the broccoli salad, went to bible class, church, luncheon and then came home and took a nap. A much needed nap! Went back to church for a third wonderful lesson by our guest preacher and now back home getting ready for the work week to start.

The baby shower was for my sweet friend Shell and Dave's little boy. He got a lot of good stuff. It was great to see old work buddies and to catch up with them (most of them are retired so I got to hear about the fun stuff they have been doing). Baby showers are so bittersweet, I so hope that we get to have a shower one of these days. And while I hope to have one it breaks my heart when I think about who will be missing. My Mom won't get to be there, I won't get to see the cute things she would have gotten for her grandbaby or see what cute thing she would make to put on the door at the hospital or just having her to be around when I need her. Still missing her so very much.

Today kicked off a gospel meeting at our church. The visiting preacher has had three wonderful lessons so far. I wish you all could be here to hear what he has to say. I am really looking forward to tomorrow through Wednesday.

Hoping to work some more this week. I don't know what it is like in other states but the chance of me getting a teaching job any time soon is looking very grim. Many school districts are even non renewing teachers and teachers aides. I really hope that they figure out how to take care of education.

Well, I had better close and get some sleep. I really hope you all had a great weekend and are looking forward to the week.

First A Teen and Now A Tween!

2011-03-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago today my favorite niece was born! I remember going to the hospital for her birth and this time Mr. Giggles got to go with me. The whole family was there and it was such an exciting day. She was a little cutie and just like with her brother, I feel in love the first moment I saw her. Her big brother was so proud and somewhere there are some really cute pictures of him holding her. Memom and Gran were so excited to have another grandchild. There was a time that she wouldn't have anything to do with me and would even scream if I got close to her (but of course she would just love on her Uncle Giggles. . . I prayed that one day she would love me as much as she loved him and she does). Thankfully she got over that and then we missed two years of her young life while they lived in Georgia but we have made up for that! Now she plays softball, wants to be in band, loves loves loves animals, has two dogs Shelby and Checkers, a hamster named Snowball and a fish named Scooter, she loves her family and is always in a hurry to say "I love you more than you love me" (but sometimes we beat her!!) and misses her Memom. Last night my sister said that after opening her presents Maddie Moo started crying and finally told them that she missed the phone call she always got from Memom and Gran singing Happy Birthday to her. Totally broke my heart. She is such a loving girl.

Happy Birthday Maddie Moo. We love you very very much!!

Mid Week

2011-03-23T22:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know that the title of this post is so exciting but I couldn't think of anything else. This hasn't been a very exciting week. I have taught art two days this week and will do it again tomorrow. Since there are no lesson plans, I get to do what I want so we are doing one of my favorite activities. You have a bucket of adjectives, one of nouns and one of verbs and the kids draw one word from each bucket (and keep them in that order). Then they have to draw the words they have. One that I used as an example was polka-dotted bird skiing and another one was green lion sailing. The 7th and 8th graders who did the assignment yesterday seemed to enjoy it (one of them even said that it was kind of fun). I didn't dare tell them that it was an elementary activity!! Tomorrow 3rd - 5th grade will be doing the same activity tomorrow.

Oh before I forget. . . .I tried out a new recipe this week from the Pioneer Woman. It was really good. I posted it on my cooking blog here or you can check it out at PW. I haven't tried too many of her recipes because they almost always have things that we don't keep in stock at our house but this one looked too good and too easy to pass up!!

Hope you're having a great week. The weekend is getting closer!!

Happy Spring and Other Stuff

2011-03-21T22:57:00.001-05:00

Happy Spring friends. We are having unusually warm and dry weather already. To say that I am not looking forward to summer is a big understatement. BUT I will not start complaining just yet. Well, not much anyway! I hope to get a few things done around the yard this week. Keeping my fingers crossed! I have a couple of things that need planted and need to do some pruning (yes, I know I am behind but whats new!).

I have decided that I don't really have spring fever this year but I have found myself with baby fever. I showed Mr. Giggles a picture of a cute little blue eyed boy from a blog I read and told him I wanted one. His response was "I will run to Walmart and get you one". Isn't it nice to have a comedian for a husband? Anyway, I really want a baby (really two but not at the same time!). . . . . .

Tonight for dinner I tried a new recipe from the Pioneer Woman. Mr. Giggles gave it 2 thumbs up (well, almost 2, he said it needed mushrooms). I will try to post the recipe tomorrow. It was easy and yummy. No menu for this week. It will pretty much be a fend for your self and leftovers week. No reason. . .that is just how it worked out!

This season really makes me miss my Mom. She loved working outside and always had the most beautiful looking flowerbeds and yard. I miss asking her the names of flowers and trees. I miss going to Walmart to get plants and the rock place to get mulch. I just really miss my Mom. Today I as I was driving home for the third time, I found myself thinking how hard it is to believe that she is really gone. Yes, even after a year I have a hard time believing it. Does that feeling ever go away? It doesn't seem the same as when we lost Baby Giggles. Maybe because I spent 39 years with my Mom and only got to carry Baby G for 5.5 months and hold him for a couple of hours. I just don't know. It's not fair. I think about them both everyday and miss them both. I cried myself to sleep last night. I haven't done that in a few months.

Well, I appear to be rambling and it is late and I am tired and I am sure that if you are still reading you are bored to death. So, goodnight friends.

Spring Break: Day 5

2011-03-19T10:37:00.000-05:00

Well, all good things must come to an end. :( Now we are having to come back to reality which means that Mr. G is out changing the oil in my car (which turned out to be not good because he found an antifreeze leak) and I will spend time cleaning house. Mr. G will also be heading to work for a couple of hours. But back to day 5 of our break. Yesterday was a pretty lazy day, for me at least! Hubby ran a couple of errands and got a haircut and I stayed at home. We watched a couple of shows we had missed during the week, hubby cleaned his guns and I did nothing. Last night we met my Dad, RAW and LEH for dinner at a yummy restaurant owned by a friend of ours from church. Oh my goodness was it good. Everyone got something different and nothing was left on anyone's plate! After dinner we went to Academy to look for some shoes for hubs and some capri pants for Maddie Moo. After success at Academy we headed to Walmart to do our monthly grocery shopping. I think all of the very strange people were there last night. We saw some very interesting sights and heard some interesting things! Please note that all of the college students are still gone for spring break so these were the locals. Anyway, that was the last day of our break. Nothing exciting but that is how we roll around here!!

Spring Break: Days 3 and 4

2011-03-17T22:52:00.001-05:00

Day 3: Today we celebrated some birthdays. . . .Tatortots was last week and MaddieMoo's is on the 24th. We celebrated by eating hamburgers and grilled sausage, potato salad, macaroni salad and two different kinds of birthday cake. One cake was white with strawberry filling and the other one was chocolate. Both were very yummy! Then we opened presents well, the two birthday people opened presents and the rest of us watched. Then us girls went fishing (I caught two fish and took them off of the hook by myself. . . .I am not a big fan of fishing) and the boys went out in the pasture for some target practice. Unfortunately we had to leave and go our seperate ways. We got home late and went to bed really late and yes, I was too tired to blog last night.

So, now on to Day 4: Mr. Giggles and I went out of town with his parents for the day. We went shopping and out to eat. We had a good time, didn't really find what we were looking for while shopping and ate too much lunch! This evening we have watched the movie Valentine's Day (Mr. Giggles even watched it with me!) and now we are watching old episodes of my favorite show The Big Bang Theory.

Working Bo while he is still in the trailer!

A pickle smiley face!

The first fish I caught.

The second fish I caught.

Bo the Bull

Well, I am very tired but I hope you enjoy some of our pics from the week.

Spring Break: Day 2

2011-03-15T22:54:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning very sore from all of our work yesterday. Thankfully today was much more relaxing. We met Dad, Bec, bil and the kids at the softball field to watch RAW's team play. They won! I got sunburned but this time it was on my arms. We all went to Mr. Gatti's for lunch (except for RAW) and then to my Dad's house. This evening Dad, Mr. Giggles and I went shopping so we could finish up Dad's shopping for the kids. So, with that being said, I am going to get ready to get some shut eye. I am still pooped from yesterday. Looing forward to tomorrow. Hopefully I will have pictures to post tomorrow.

Spring Break Day 1

2011-03-14T23:29:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I have a few pictures from our adventures today but I am too tired to get out of my recliner, walk to the other room, pick up my camera, and walk back. We worked cows, hauled cows, made a trip to the coop and built some fence. Even though it was a lot of work it was a good time because of those working with us. My Dad, Aunt D, brother-in-law, sister Bec, cousin Camel and myself. Now, we don't have a very big herd anymore, we have a bull and 14 momma cows and some babies. But working cows requires a lot of walking and such. My aunt, cousin and bil did a lot of the hard work. At one point my cousin and I were hanging on the arm to close the squeeze chute to get it closed because our bull is so big. Then it was my bil and I and then we were done with him. Next we had to go to my Dad's house to get his bull and bring him down to my grandmother's were everything was set up. He had not been loaded in a trailer except once and he had not been in the new pen my dad built over the weekend. He went into the pen and loaded without incident. Next we were going to unload in through the chute and then turn him around and bring him back to we could work on him. Well, he got stuck between the trailer and the squeeze chute but he was such a good boy and got himself unstuck. We were able to catch his head in the chute and got everything taken care of. I told my Aunt that my Mom was whispering in his ear the whole time telling him not to give us a hard time! Anyway, we kept three of the big heifers and got rid of one momma and three babes.
We ate a quick lunch and then Dad and I headed out with the auction bound animals only to have a flat. Yes, you read that correctly. . . .a flat. . . .on the trailer. . . .with four animals in the trailer. Tire got changed and we were on our way. Dropped off the cows and then headed to coop where we bought fencing supplies. Went home and built fence with my Dad and aunt until dark. I finally got to shower and eat supper around 10. Tomorrow I am relaxing and taking care of my sunburned face! I hope ya'll are having a great week.

A Teenager? . . . . .Say It Isn't So!

2011-03-10T10:36:00.000-06:00

13 years ago today my favorite nephew was born! I can't believe that 13 years have passed since we waiting for his stubborn little self to be born. After 17 hours of hospital time and a c-section later he barely made it here on the 10th. Our little Tatortot was such a conehead when he was born. I fell in love with that little boy the first moment I got to hold him in my arms. Now he is taller than me but that is ok, I love him more and more everyday. He plays football, basketball, alto sax, picks on his sister, annoys his parents, loves his Gran and Memom (misses his Memom), likes spending time with his Aunt and Uncle Giggles and Aunt RAW. He is soft hearted, caring, and just a great young man.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATORTOT! I love you so very much!! (In case you think I am playing favorites. . . .he is my only nephew!)

Memom and Tatortot

Memom, Tatortot and Gran

Memom, Tatortot and MaddieMoo

Happy Anniversary

2011-03-08T15:54:00.001-06:00

14 years ago today Mr. Giggles and I walked down the aisle and pledged to love to each other til death do us part. I remember that day so vividly. It was beautiful. My Mom and Dad did so much work to make it just like I wanted it. I wish I had more pictures scanned in but these will have to do. And no, there are no pics of Mr. Giggles. . . . .yes, there is a Mr. Giggles! Happy Anniversary Mr. Giggles. I love you very much. We have had some wonderful highs and some terrible lows but you have always been by my side. I love you.

Weekly Menu

2011-03-08T08:46:00.000-06:00

Monday: salad
Tuesday: out to eat for our anniversary
Wednesday: fend for yourself
Thursday: sloppy joe's and potato salad
Friday: out to eat
Saturday: fend for yourself

As you can see, I will have a rough week in the kitchen. HAHAHAHAHA. Hope your week is going well.

Mini Vacation

2011-03-06T21:01:00.000-06:00

So my husband had a conference out of town and I got to tag along! Yesterday I pretty much stayed at the hotel and just vegged. He will get finished early today and we will be doing a little shopping and then go eat with his sister. Right now I have started watching the movie My Sister's Keeper. I am pretty sure that I am going to cry many a tear. I hope you are all having a great week.

Yesterday

2011-03-03T10:23:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was overwhelmed by the pictures my friends sent to me of themselves wearing orange. It was great to see how special my Mom was to so many people. My Dad, sisters, G-mom and I spent some time at the cemetery visiting with each other and talking to my Mom. These are the flowers my Dad, sister and G-mom brought to put at her grave. My mom was very talented and floral arrangements was one thing that she loved doing.

Arrangement on left from Dad and the right from RAW

Arrangement my sisters created

Dad's arrangement

All flowers

Pot plant from G-mom

Some sweet person randomly puts little items on Baby Giggles grave. When I got to the cemetery, I found this cute little frog sitting in front of a little bouquet of purple flowers. In the past they have left a rubber duck and a cute little chick. It makes my heart happy to know that others remember our sweet baby (even though they never got to meet him). I think I know who it is!

Baby Giggles little frog.

These beautiful flowers were sent to me by my cousin in memory of my Mom.

One Year

2011-03-01T08:15:00.000-06:00

One year ago today, I got a phone call from my sister RAW asking if I had talked to my Dad that morning. She had been trying to get a hold of him and couldn’t. I told her that I would put some clothes on and run up to the hospital to check on him. I got to the hospital and he was there, Mom had continued to stay agitated during the night and he hadn’t turned his phone back on. Although I had not come to the hospital planning to stay all day (I had planned to go back home and get cleaned up . . .I didn’t even have on any socks with my tennis shoes) but I ended up not leaving. That morning the doctor told my Dad that if there was not significant improvement in Mom’s health, we had probably a week left with her. My sister from out of town came with her family and my other sister came from work (one of her students called his parents from her classroom and they rushed to be with us). Family and friends surrounded us with prayers and much love. We all gathered around Mom’s bed and told her that we were ready to let her go if that was God’s plan. She quietly slipped away as we told her how much we loved her.

Since that day many tears have been shed, many milestones crossed, many memories replayed and many hugs given. For those of you who didn’t know my Mom, you missed getting to know a very Godly, loving, caring, wonderful woman. For those of you did, you understand the loss of a woman who caused the sun to shine just a little brighter.

I take comfort in knowing that she is in heaven and is holding my babies but that doesn’t make the ache in my heart any less. I miss the time we used to spend together, the fun we had as a family, and the projects she was never afraid to take on. I miss knowing that she was just a phone call away when I needed her for anything.

Today we wear orange in your memory Mom. We love you and miss you. I still can’t believe it has been a year.

PS: We are taking care of Dad. He misses you so much.

To Remember

2011-02-28T09:48:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow in honor of my Mom I will be wearing orange. I would love it if you would too and post a picture of yourself wearing your orange (and email it to me). It can be a ribbon, flower, ring, necklace, shirt, socks, whatever (be creative). I just want everyone to remember my Mom and what a wonderful person she was. I also want to remember those who have fought Leukemia/Lymphoma and won and to remember those like my beautiful Mom who fought a couragous battle against the disease and won but left us because her body had fought so hard.

My email address is tls_giggles at yahoo dot com.

Memories

2011-02-26T19:46:00.000-06:00

Friday at lunch I had an ice cream sandwich. For most people that isn't anything life shattering or anything but for me it brought back memories of my Mom. You see for one week while I was staying with her, that was about all I could get her to eat. I would go down to the cafeteria in the afternoon and would get either a regular ice cream sandwich or the cookies and cream kind and we would share it. Which meant that she would take a bite or two or three if I was lucky and then I would have the rest of it. It really made me miss my Mom (as if I needed anything else to help with that) and wish that I could get a hug from her. I need a hug and to hear her encouraging words. She could always make you believe that you could do no matter what it was that you set your mind to. She was just wonderful like that, don't you think?

A year ago today we were able to bring my Mom "home" from MD Anderson. We were so certain that in a few months we would have her home. Oh how I wish that were true. I miss her so much. I know this is not right but I find myself being so jealous of my friends who have their Mom's. I breaks my heart to hear them say that they get to call their Mom or spend time with their Mom. I miss picking up the phone and calling her like when I made meatloaf this week and I couldn't remember what all went in it. . . .it was such a habit that I found myself going to pick up the phone to call. I still think about calling her when a leave a substitute teaching job because that is what I did. When I was doing my student teaching I called her everyday on the way home to tell her how my day went. I hardly ever go to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Kohls or Walmart anymore because that is where we would go to shop or waste time. It isn't fair. I miss my Mom so very much.

Prayers

2011-02-22T10:56:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I wonder why I blog stalk like I do because I usually end up finding blogs that just break my heart. Like the blog I came across a week or so ago that is written by a Mom of three whose husband died from unknown heart problems last November while she was pregnant with their third child. Or the couple whose blog I found this morning who dropped off their 4 month old happy healthy baby at the babysitters house only to have to rush to the hospital to be told that their princess had died. And a year to the day of them finding out that they were expecting, they are laying their daughter to rest. Something no parent should have to do. I wonder if this is God's subtle hint (or not so subtle) to me that although my life is not how I had planned it, that it is his plan and he knows what is best us. Then I wonder, what can I do for these people and all I can offer my prayers for peace and comfort for these families. And I can ask that my bloggy friends lift these people up in prayer also. So if you are so inclined, please pray for these people the King family and the Staats family. Take a minute and hug your husband, your wife, your kids and tell them how much you love them. I heard this on Extreme Makeover yesterday and thought it was wonderful. Family is what you have at the end of the day. And I am so thankful for the one I have. Although we don't always get along, I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Have a great day friends.

Weekly Menu

2011-02-21T11:09:00.003-06:00

I have not been planning our meals lately, we have just been deciding on a daily basis. I haven't tried any new recipes or anything. I am trying to get back into the habit and I hope to find some new yummys to try.

Monday: (me) chicken and Souper Salad fettuccini salad (Mr.) green salad with the works

Tuesday: Jalapeno Chicken enchiladas (thanks for sharing Mrs. H.), spanish rice

Wednesday: fend for yourself or leftovers

Thursday: meatloaf, potatoes (not sure what kind), english peas (for me), and bread

Friday: out to eat

Excited About the Weekend

2011-02-18T08:57:00.002-06:00

So glad it is Friday, that means dinner with my hubby and maybe my Dad. Softball tourney for my sister RAW. Maybe getting a quick chat in with my other sis and the short people (one who sadly can not be considered a short person anymore but I will continue to call him that!) And just spending time with my hubs. I promise you that one day I will get back to my regular blogging but I just haven't been feeling it lately AND there has been absolutely nothing to write about except that now our temps are back up into the 70's and we need rain. Way too boring to write about! Enjoy your weekend.

Oh, I posted a yummy recipe for sugar cookies here.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T21:58:00.000-06:00

I hope that you all had a very happy day and spent time with the one(s) you love. The Mister and I had a romantic dinner at Mr. Gattis (pizza place) and then we went to my Gmom's house to have dessert with my Dad, RAW and LEH . We had Italian Cream cake and angel food cake topped with a fruit mixture and cool whip. Since I couldn't come up with anything to tell my hubby what I wanted for Valentine's day, I shopped for myself and got a yummy smelling Yankee Candle (Hot Cider) and really pretty orange roses (I will take a picture tomorrow to show you) and I got my hubs a picture frame that said MY HERO and put a picture of us in it. So that is how the Giggle family spent today. As long as we are together.

Sunshine and Other Stuff

2011-02-12T21:50:00.000-06:00

Yesterday and today the weather was so beautiful and sunny. We survived the cold and although school started late for some area schools (not where I was subbing) we ended up without ice. Once the ice finally melted out of our rain gage, we had only received about a two tenths of an inch or precip. We really do need some more moisture because they have put the burn ban back on in our county and if we don't get any more, it is going to be a loooooooooooooooong summer and we will have to start buying hay for the cows.

Well Valentine's Day has snuck up on me. I had planned on decorating the house but never got around to it. One reason may be that I have taught several days the last couple of weeks. I haven't gotten my hubby anything and I just got my lovely's (nephew and niece) cards in the mail tonight and they won't go out until Monday. Ooops. We will have dinner with my Dad and sister to celebrate the day.

I have been thinking a lot about my Mom these last couple of days. Last year I helped Mom make a Valentine's Day card (which he keeps in his Bible) while I was there. I went down on to stay with her on Valentine's Day and we enjoyed some really yummy goodies. If only I had known that last years Valentine's Day would be our last, I would have done more things to make our time together even more special. I miss her so much.

I told ya'll that I had a job interview week before last. Well, I didn't get the job. I had really mixed emotions about it. I need a job but it wasn't a teaching job. I want to teach but it doesn't look like that is going to happen anytime soon. Thank you budget cuts.

Enjoy your Sunday.

And the Cold Continues

2011-02-09T10:23:00.000-06:00

The temperature here is 24 degrees. We were supposed to be in the 30's until noon but looks like we might not be in the 20's then! We are not supposed to get any snow but it has been raining this morning so when I head out to go work this in about two hours, I will have to be very careful. I just got off the phone with the Mr. and he reminded me that I needed to turn on the outside faucet on the north side of the house. . . . .I am currently in my pjs with a towel wrapped around my wet head. Guess I need to dry my hair and head outside! Just FYI. . . . I am not going to complain about the weather because I know that if I do, I will be reminded that I was complaining about the heat during the summer! Just got back in from having to thaw the water faucet so I could first turn it on and then again to get the water running! Thank goodness for the new heatgun we bought last week.
Several schools in the area are closing early (including my hubby's) but not the one I am subbing at! I really hope the roads aren't too icy. Thankfully there is no more precipitation coming down. Well, I had better run so I can get ready for work. Wish me luck on my drive in!!

Moody. . . . .Weather that is!

2011-02-09T09:48:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness. . . .last weekend we were up in the 70's and then by the end of the week we had some snow and today we are back up into the 70's. 72 to be exact. I really wish our weather would pick one season and stick with it. And we are supposed to have more cold weather next week. We shall see what happens!

Today of course is the Super Bowl and although we live in the same state as it is being played it. . . . we won't be watching. Neither Mr. Giggles or I care who is playing or who wins. We are probably the only people around the country who won't be watching but we don't really care!

We are expecting more cold weather this week. I have to call the propane people to come out and fill us up so we don't run out and freeze!

I hope everyone has a good week.

New Background

2011-02-05T10:05:00.001-06:00

Well, I tried to change my background to this really cute Valentines one but for some reason it won't completely change. So, it isi going to look funny until I can figure it how to fix it or I just five it up and change it to something else.

Yesterday we had a snowday although we only got about an inch of snow. It was pretty but we didn't play too long or take many pictures. It was just way too cold! Yes, I am a wimp! We were able to get out yesterday afternoon and head to Sam's to buy some essentials. Last night we had our montly 42 party with some of our church friends. We had a good time but got home late. . . . .super late! So now I am up and at it and gotta run!

Happy Saturday to you all!

I fixed it!!!