A Day In The Life..........

Bad Weather Days

2009-01-28T19:44:00.009-06:00

We had two days off from school and work! I was really having cabin fever and I was kind of bummed about being off again Wednesday. This means that we have to give up both of our bad weather days in the Spring. Tuesday, I did not get out of my pajamas until about 9 pm-- when I took a shower and put on clean pajamas. Brynn had a friend (Maddie) over and they enjoyed playing outside. It was so cold! I had to bring out the hand and feet warmers.Maddie and Brynn have been friends since they were 4 years old. They used to fight so bad after playing together for about 30 minutes, but as they have gotten older--that has stopped. They had so much fun with each other on Tuesday!

This is their experiment. They put a glass of water outside to see if it would freeze. It only took about 30 minutes for it to freeze, and they were so excited when they went to check it. They wanted me to take a picture of it!!

This is them pretending they are ice skating down the driveway. I did not get a picture of it, but Maddie took a tumble at the bottom of the driveway and once they realized she was not hurt--they busted out laughing!

Their other major project was pushing that shovel around the street and down the driveway to fill this blue tub. They took turns shoveling and filling the tub. Once it was pretty full--Brynn got in it and wanted me to pull her. I don't think so!!

Wednesday was another lazy day. Michael, Brynn, Chance, and me all stayed in our pajamas! Michael worked from home and we just watched TV and laid around. I think Michael did more updating on FaceBook then actually working! I guess it is back to the real world Thursday. BUMMER!!

TWINS

2009-01-23T08:58:00.006-06:00

Last night we got to meet Allison and Brooke Gonzales! My best friend (Jill) gave birth to two beautiful baby girls on Tuesday, January 20th. Mom, Brynn, and myself drove to Plano last night to meet the girls and check on Jill. They were so perfect! Allison is dark headed and looks just like her Dad (Junior) and big sister (Claire). Brooke is blond headed and looks just like Jill.

Jill has had a rough couple days since the delivery but really seemed to being doing better last night when we were there. I am so happy for the Gonzales family--now a family of 5!

Brynn and Allison

Brynn and Brooke

Jill and I have been friends since 3rd grade. Brynn is 3rd grade this year and I hope and pray that Brynn will find a friendship like Jill and I have. Our lives are so busy and we don't get to see each other as often as I would like, but we have one of those friendships that is eternal. No matter where life may take us, I know I can always count on Jill for a shoulder to cry on, a cheerful voice to pick me up when I need it, a partner in crime (more times than anyone will ever know), and someone I can trust with my deepest-darkest secrets. Jill--you are a wonderful Mother and I cannot wait to watch all your girls grow into amazing women--just like their Mom. I love you and please know that I will always cherish our friendship. Congratulations Gonzales Family!!

Stephen & Tasha's Wedding

2009-01-22T14:46:00.007-06:00

Saturday, January 17th, was Stephen and Tasha's wedding. It was beautiful and we are so happy for them. You could just see the love and happiness oozing from them (reminds me of Michael and I) and they were very eager to start their life together. At the reception, you could pay $1.00 and dance with either the Bride or Groom. Brynn and Mallary wanted to dance with each of them.

Mark wanted to dance with Tasha. He really wanted us to get the microphone for him all night because he wanted to sing to them , but they would not let him have it.

I just have to post these pictures of Brynn. I took them at the reception, and they really capture the real her! She sees a camera--she starts posing!!

Love is in the air!

My Children

2009-01-15T08:38:00.002-06:00

I find myself posting about Brynn all the time and not the boys. They are such good kids and I am so lucky to have them all. When Michael and I married, the boys were 15 (Chance) and 6 (Corbin). I kept thinking I was too young to have a child in High School, but Chance is such a great young man--he made the transition so easy. I just tried to be me myself--and hopefully they love me for who I am. I know I don't tell them enough--but I love them so much. Even though I did not give birth to them, I feel like they are mine. I am honored to have the boys call me the their "Step-Mother".

Hobby House Hill

2009-01-12T10:21:00.006-06:00

I spent the weekend in Scrapbook Heaven! I went to place in Bowie, TX (of all places) to a scrapbook retreat for the weekend. I only knew two of the fifteen women I would be spending the weekend with, so I was a little uneasy but very excited about the weekend. I was unsure of what to expect, and I was very nervous about sharing a room with so many strangers. The house was beautiful and the food was incredible. I arrived on Friday about 10:30 am and unpacked all the goodies I had taken to work with. We scrap booked in a house by the pool and it was a room with 15 tables, a kitchenette, 2 televisions, and a bathroom. Once everyone settled in, it was time to get started. I ended up working until about midnight and then headed home to Henrietta because I was having a baby shower at my house on Saturday. I did not get back to Bowie until about 1:30 on Saturday and worked until about 1:00 am. Sunday, we got up and went right back to work. There was a lady there that gives massages, so I had a 30 minute back massage on Friday night and a 30 minute foot massage on Saturday. There was always a good old movie playing or Misti was entertaining us by singing "I Like Big Butts"--and she knew every single word. I was working on Brynn's scrapbook and I ended up getting 24 pages finished. I am now ready to start on 2nd grade. Only a year behind--not too bad, right? I had a blast and cannot wait to go again.

I just have to throw this in here because Brynn is such a DIVA! This morning she was trying to decide what to wear to school (always a big deal at our house), and this is what she came out wearing.

I think she is expecting TEEN Magazine to show up at Henrietta Elementary School for a photo shoot today. Can anyone picture Kelley Gill going to school in 3rd grade dressed up like this?......... I didn't think so!!

Christmas Break

2009-01-05T14:25:00.015-06:00

I know. I know. I was off for two weeks and had so much time on my hands and did not blog once. I kept thinking about doing it--but then just never got off the couch and did it. Our Christmas Break started with Brynn's Christmas party at school. They just had snacks this year with no gift exchange. I was kind of sad about that, but it did not seem to bother the kids at all.

Brynn, Teagan, Addie, and Ashlyn

Brynn and her teacher--Mrs. Davis.

Brynn enjoying the snacks.

We pretty much just hung out at the house or at NaNa's house until Christmas Eve. We had Michael's family over to our house on Christmas Eve, and I was in the bed so sick. Michael kept coming in to check on me and I just kept saying "I'm so sorry". We had Mexican food and every time I would smell it--I would get sick. He did manage to snap a few pictures. This is his Uncle Mark. He is 47 (I think) and has Downs Syndrome. He had a gift for everyone, but to get your gift--you had to sit on his lap like Santa Claus

We woke up Christmas morning and I felt better but I was still a little weak. It was a sad Christmas morning because we did not have a kids this year. I can't really write about it without crying--so I won't. Brynn came back about 1:30 and the boys got home about 4:00. We opened Santa presents at out house and then headed to Nana and PaPa's to open stockings and other gifts.

Yes--Brynn got more Bratz for Christmas and she was real excited about it!!

Along with all Chance's hunting stuff, he got an Air Hog. Even at 18--he still likes to get toys too!Corbin got Under Armor Shoes. He is usually not excited about getting anything but toys, but he had wanted the shoes for about 3 months.

After Christmas, we wanted to take the kids to the Wichita Mountains. Michael's Dad and his Grandmother are both buried in Oklahoma close to Manitou, so Michael wanted to go by the cemetery on the way. We had been there once before, and it is in the middle of no where!! Both times we have gone, we have talked about where we wanted to be buried and I just want to make it very clear to everyone--DO NOT LET HIM BURY ME THERE! I told him no one would ever come to visit us, because they could never find us. Both times we have gone, Michael has gotten lost. I told him that if he could not find his own people, how could we expect anyone else to find us! I took this picture of Corbin kneeling down reading the tombstone and Michael standing behind him. Chance was only 3 when D.A. passed away, so he never even got to meet Corbin.

Once we finished our visit at the cemetery, we made our way to the mountains. The kids loved the groundhogs (they fed them part of a taquito from Whataburger), they climbed on the rocks at Mt. Scott, saw Longhorns and Buffalo, and then finished the day by eating a Meers burger and peach cobbler.

Brynn and Maxine stopping to strike a pose!

Michael and Corbin. Michael was a nervous wreck with the kids climbing all over those rocks.

We did have a lot of fun that day, and the kids cannot wait to go back. They did not think we gave them enough time to climb the rocks.

I enjoyed my two weeks off and definitely did not look forward to returning to work today!!

Positive Referral

2008-12-17T16:34:00.003-06:00

When my cell phone rang this afternoon and I saw it was the school calling me, I automatically assumed Brynn had gone to the office because she did not feel good. She has a tendency to do that! When I heard Mrs. Parrish (the school counselor) on the other end of the line, I really started to panic. I kept thinking, "Oh My Gosh--What has she done?" Mrs. Parrish told me that Brynn had a positive referral to the office and she wanted to share that with me. She said that Brynn was in the office and she was going to read the referral to me and then Brynn was going to get to choose a prize. Mrs. Atkins had sent the referral to the office that praised Brynn for always being such a great student. She said that Brynn really cares about always doing her best and is always willing to help others that are having trouble understanding. She also said that Brynn makes her class better! Brynn got on the phone and I told her how proud I was of her and that it made me so happy to know Mrs. Atkins thought so highly of her. I could hear it in her voice--she was very proud too!! She called me after school and told me that she had chosen to play a game with Mrs. Parrish as her prize. She wanted to read the referral to me again. It put another smile on my face! I know I don't tell her enough, but she is AMAZING. I guess I should not always assume the worst when I see the school is calling! Even though the picture is from this summer--I still love to see her all dolled up.

One Down

2008-12-15T08:54:00.007-06:00

We had our first Christmas get together yesterday with my Mom's side of the family. We changed up the menu this year because I was sick of Turkey and Dressing! I started calling all of the family last week and asking what they would think about having Mexican food instead of the traditional menu we usually have. Everyone seemed to be ok with the idea, and after we all ate yesterday--I think we have started a new tradition. The food was so good and I was so full that I could not even eat dessert. We draw names for the kids and we do Chinese gifts for the adults. Chance and Ryan participated with the adults this year and wouldn't you know--Ryan picked the bottle of Crowne Royale (he is only 17). My Dad ended up stealing it from him and Ryan went home with a set of Craftsman BBQ tools. The guys really did not steal each others presents, except the liquor, but the women were a different story. I ended up with the same gift I had taken-which was just fine with me (I always buy something I would really like to have). Brynn ended up with a Bratz. Needless to say-she was real happy about that! I had made a picture for MeMa from Brynn and T-Bone because she picks Brynn up from school every day and usually keeps T-Bone when we go out of town. She will not let me pay her so every year at Christmas--they give her a gift. MeMa gives each grandchild and great-grandchild an ornament every year and I forgot to take a picture of the ornament she gave us this year, but they are so cute. They are salt shakers filled with gold confetti with our name painted on them. Aunt Clydean called me last night and she took my ornament home with her! We always have such a good time when we all get together--we are a crazy bunch. After everyone left yesterday, Brynn and I took two hour nap and then Brynn did not want to go to bed last night. I finally gave her some Benadryl to help her go to sleep. I know-I know--I am pretty sure I have Mother of the Year in the bag this year! We have another Christmas party at out house this weekend for AirGas, Christmas Eve with Michael's side of the family is at our house, Christmas Day at my parent's house, and the Saturday after Christmas at my Aunt Mollie's with my Dad's side of the family. One down--four to go!

BUNCO

2008-12-10T08:17:00.002-06:00

Last night was my BUNCO Christmas Party. I play in a group of 12 fantastic ladies (OK-really only 11 of them are terrific)!! We play on the first Tuesday of every month and even if I am not in a good mood when I go--I always leave with a smile on my face. It rotates every month from house to house and last night we drew to find out which month it will be held at our house. I have July this year which seems like a pretty good month to be the hostess. We also drew names for out Secret Pal but I cannot say who I have because................it is a secret! I found out last night that Gaylia was my Secret Pal last year and I got a cute Santa and wallet for Christmas and a Japaleno Tree gift certificate for my Anniversary. I had my friend Angela and I gave her a picture that I had made. It was pictures of different objects that spelled out her last name. I was real worried whether she would like it or not--but she seemed to really like it. I hope she did. Of course, I did not win any money last--ever since we started playing for money instead of prizes, I never win. The good thing was--I did come home with gifts!

Bye Bye Bratz

2008-12-08T08:59:00.002-06:00

Brynn loves to play with Bratz! Every time we go to the store, she wants to buy a new one. When we moved into our new house, I made her go through and give some of them away because she had so many. We have continued to add to our collection, but we (when I say we--I mean Brynn) received some devastating news last Friday. Bratz are being pulled from the shelves after Christmas. Apparantly, Bratz designer Carter Bryant developed the concept for the dolls while working for Mattel. A Federal judge has ordered the company that makes Bratz (MGA Entertainment, Inc.) to stop selling the toys after the holidays, and to destroy any copies retailers may still have, as the result of losing a lawsuit over who originated the idea. Brynn has convinced herself that Carter Bryant would have never done such a thing and thinks the judge should just change his mind on this. When I told her about this, the first thing she said was "We have got to go to the store and buy all the Bratz on the shelf". As you can see, there are not many Bratz that the child does not have! She is worried about what she will buy when we go to the store now. She is also worried that she will have to find something new to play with. I told her that just because they are taking the dolls off the shelf--does not mean they are coming to our house and taking the dolls she already owns. She is so funny when she gets to playing with them. She gets in a zone and does not know anything else exists around her. They talk to each other, hug, fight, etc. I wish I had some pictures of her when she is playing with them. She is so different from me as a child! Barbie dolls and girly stuff was not my cup of tea. She is definitely her own person and thank God every day for what a great daughter she is! I am afraid she has my attitude--Heaven Help Us!!!! Even though the Bratz being pulled off the shelves seems like such a tragedy to Brynn--I am sure she will get through it. What I wouldn't give to be 9 again and my biggest worry be the fact that Bratz will no longer be sold after Christmas.

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-12-03T08:20:00.000-06:00

Michael,

Happy three year Anniversary to you........to us! I remember this day three years ago and remember how happy and proud I was to be your bride. Today—I cannot imagine my life without you, and it is hard for me to imagine my life before you. Thank you so much for loving me. Thank you for being you. There is just something about you that I cannot resist. Your smile and laugh light me up inside. Your touch makes me weak in the knees and makes my heart skip a beat. My respect for you knows no bounds. You are my love and my best friend. I love you not only for who you are, but who I am when I'm with you. I am a better person for even knowing you and to be called your wife is an honor. I sometimes find myself waiting impatiently for you to return home, just so that I can see you or hear your voice. I sometimes feel that I don’t deserve you. You are not only my husband, but my best friend and soul mate. You are a gift from God that I am truly thankful for each day. I know I have told you this before, but you are my dream come true!! I will love you forever........

Kelley

Not a Baby Anymore

2008-12-02T14:44:00.000-06:00

My sister and I were talking this weekend about how independent her 10 year old daughter was. She said that Rylee gets herself up with an alarm clock, picks out her own clothes, fixes herself breakfast, packs her own lunch, etc........ I was amazed that her 10 year old does all this for herself and my 9 year old does none of this! Shelley told me, "Contrary to popular belief around here (my house and NaNa's house)--Brynn is not a baby anymore". I have really thought about this the last couple of days and I have made a vow to myself to make Brynn more independent. I have not let Brynn in on this little secret yet. We took the first step this morning toward independence. I picked out Brynn's clothes this morning and she dressed herself. I did not say it was a big step--just a step. Shelley--Are you proud of me???

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2008-11-30T20:19:00.000-06:00

Michael and I finally put up our outside Christmas lights today. He cannot believe I am saying finally because it is not even December 1st. We picked the worst day to try and put up the lights because the wind was blowing 30-40 miles per hour and it was sooooo cold. Once we turned them on tonight, he decided we needed some on the roof. He is going to look for more lights while he is out of town this week. We have had our three Christmas trees up for a couple of weeks now and I am enjoying looking at them every day. If you know me--you know I Love Christmas!! I am a Santa collector and Christmas is my favorite time of year. I have included a picture of all three of our trees--one in the dining room, one in the living room, and one in Brynn's room. Guess which one is hers! Our tree in the dining room is a more formal tree and our tree in the living room has all my Santa ornaments on it. Michael says the dining room is "Classy Christmas" and the living room is "White Trash Christmas". I think it all looks pretty!! I cannot wait for everyone in town to get their lights put out because my family likes to drive around town and critique everyone's displays. We have taught our children well!!!

Happy Birthday!!

2008-11-29T20:38:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe my baby is 9 today! She is so beautiful and she seems so grown up today. I was thinking back today about this day nine years ago. She was born at 3:52 pm at Medical City in Dallas, TX. I remember looking at her and thinking how in the world am I going to take care of her. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing a good job. Our lives have changed so much in these nine years. Her father and I divorced when she was 4. We lived with my Mom and Dad for a year (which she reminds me very often how much she would like to live with NaNa and PaPa again). I married Michael in 2005 and she gained a wonderful step-father and two step-brothers. I am so lucky to have such a great daughter and I thank God every day for picking me to be her MOM!! Her party was at Jump for Joy and she had 12 friends that came to celebrate her special day with her. She had a blast and her cake was adorable. We cooked her favorite meal for supper-pork chops, shrimp, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes. We have been playing with some of the toys she got today and she is already talking about one gift that she did not get for her birthday that she wants for Christmas. I sure hope Santa brings her a Nintendo DS!! Looking at her and seeing her so happy makes my heart smile and makes me so thankful that she is my Sugar Booger. Happy Birthday Brynneboo!!