This is My Louder Life

Dad is gone! Let the pigging out begin!

2010-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Shane left Friday morning and will be gone for a week. I know you will be surprised to know he is hunting.

Here is our meal plan for the week. The girls beg for the things we never eat when Shane is around.

Monday: Taco Villa-bean and burritos for all! Don't forget the nacho fries!
Tuesday: Let's order Pizza!
Wednesday: I will cook something...how about pasta...
Thursday: Chick-fil-a!

I know this is totally unhealthy food but they are kids and it is once a year that Dad is gone this long! Ridiculous but fun for us and no clean up for me!

Admission

2010-09-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hello, My name is Billye and I am a food addict. I wish I wasn't but I am. I once said, "It's not about quality, it's about quantity". I don't necessarily need good food, just lots of it! I have also said I was born with the appetite of a man. Lately, I have really become more cognisant of the types of foods we are eating. I noticed that as I packed Landry's lunch, more and more foods were pre-packaged. Shane has started a workout challenge at Cross-Fit. It involves the Paleo diet. You basically eat like a Paleolithic man. Lean protein, veggies, fruits, nuts, etc.. I had to do some research to have some ideas for dinner. While I realized that the girls need a little more than the foods listed on this plan, I also realized they are getting WAY TOO MUCH processing in their foods. Foods in their natural states are so much better for them and me.

I purchased the book, The Eat-Clean Diet for Family and Kids by Tosca Reno. It has lots of info on what types of foods are clean and gives you a lesson in looking at labels. Basically, if you can't pronounce it should you really eat it? Now, don't get me wrong, we LOVE us some Velveeta cheese dip like crazy!! I just think that when I can control what they eat, like lunches, I should. Starting this week the girls are allowed one pre-packaged item per day. If they choose chips, that's it. If they choose fruit snacks, that;'s it. I had to buy LOTS of fruits and vegetables this weekend to choose from. I went ahead and washed and cut them up.
The book talks about the fewer the ingredients on the label the better. It was eye opening. Now, I'm not all hard core and I do realize I live in Midland with one "real" grocery store but I'm trying!

Here is another fish recipie I found and tried. It was really good too! Shane, for the second time in a week, said how good it was!

Grilled Tilapia

4 Frozen Tilapia fillets
salt
pepper
basil
cherry/grape tomatoes
white wine
Butter

Spray foil with cooking spray or spritz with Olive Oil. Place one filet on each sheet of foil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and basil to your liking. One pat of butter on each is optional. I used a half pat on each. Cut tomates in half and lay on fish. I used 2 tomatoes on each and wished I had used more! I poured about 1-2 tablespoons of white wine on each. Make a packet with each foil piece and place on grill. Cook for 15 minutes.

Delicious Fish Recipe

2010-08-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

I am really trying to cook more fish and find easy but yummy ways to prepare it. I don't have time to go to the store each day and pick up fresh fish(is that possible in Midland, TX?)

I found this recipe while looking for a way to cook Halibut.

Creamy Baked Halibut
Ingredients
2 lbs. Halibut fillet
1/2 cup light or fat free sour cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chives
1 tsp. fresh dill
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 360 degrees.Spray glass baking dish with no-stick spray.Rinse Halibut fillet(s), pat dry with paper towel and place in dish.Chop up chives and dill.Mix together sour cream, dill, chives, and 1/3 Cup of the Parmesan cheese.Spoon mixture over the Halibut and bake in oven for 15-25 minutes depending on thickness of fillet.If it looks like there is a lot of water around the fish, (can happen depending on which sour cream you use), using a turkey baster suction out excess water around the fish.Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce and broil until browned, about 5 minutes.Makes 4 4oz. servings.
Number of Servings: 4

I used frozen tilapia fillets but I think any white fish would be great. I did not include the chives as it was Mom's birthday dinner and she does not care for chives.

This was SO GOOD!!! Shane was almost licking the dish. He stood at the sink and scraped the dish with a fork to get every last bit of yumminess! The girls both loved it too! The bag of frozen tilapia fillets were much cheaper and I can use the rest in another dish. I added a salad and another recipe I found on the same website as this one for Maple Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

Reese's First Day of Pre School

2010-08-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Reese finally got to go to school! She was so excited! She is attending Grace Lutheran Pre School 2 days a week. She goes Tuesdays and Thursdays. School is 9-2 but she goes early, about 8 and gets picked up between 4:30-5:00. There are 8 kids in her class including Robbye, a little girl that stays at Susan's house. (The regular sitter) Reese still goes to Susan's the other three days a week. We know many kids who have gone through Grace and all have been quite pleased. 2 of Landry's teachers' children are there currently.

When I picked her up the first day she looked REALLY tired. They were outside playing on the playground. When I asked her what her favorite part of the day was she said, "Lunch". A girl after my own heart!

She was upset on Wednesday that she was not going back. This morning she was really tired but very happy to be going back to school. She already showed us a little dance to the months of the year. I am so excited to see her excited about learning! She really has always been more interested in the social part of life than the academic. Hopefully, she will begin to blossom!

When I picked her up today from after school care the teachers commented, "She is quite a talker!" Oh no, on the 2nd day she is already making a reputation! I told them she just likes to hear her own voice, they don't always have to answer her. They said, "No we LOVE her!" Just as always, Reese makes friends with all adults and tries to be in charge of all the other kids!

I cannot wait to see the difference in her by Christmas. I am sure she will amaze us!

4th grade already??

2010-08-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

Landry started 4th grade today. It is very hard to believe that she is over half way finished with elementary school. She was very excited about school. She woke up super early, like 6:15 and was dressed by 6:20! She wanted her hair curled in sponge curlers overnight. I was a bit nervous about how it would look. It turned out pretty cute.

She picked this dress out about a month ago. It is very June Cleaver looking I think. She wears tennis shoes everyday except the first day because of recess and p.e. A dress won't be seen again I fear!

She had swim practice after school at 5:00 until 6:00 and then open house at Carver Center for G.E.M. (Gifted education Midland) from 6-7:30. Whew, we had a full day! She will attend GEM 2 days a week, Mondays and Tuesdays. She will attend her regular school Wed-Friday. That's a lot for a 9 year old to handle but I think she can do it.

She is such an amazing kid. I thank God daily for the person she is becoming. I see His nature in her more and more. She is responsible and thoughtful more and more each day. She started a journal today of her 4th grade year. She loves to write.

This morning I prayed that she would have a great day and be a light to her friends. I prayed that she would begin to see opportunities to share Christ with others. She is beginning to understand the importance of this. I admire her in many ways. I look forward to watching her blossom even more this year.

Meals, Aug 23-27

2010-08-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I'm a little late with the menu for the week. The Louder household was busy this weekend enjoying the last moments of summer break and preparing for the first day of school. Shane left town yesterday afternoon so the girls and I relaxed around the house and did girly things like polish nails and put Landry's hair in rollers for today.

I used my lunch today to grocery shop for the week. Here is the plan:

Monday, 8/23: Pulled pork roast in the crock pot. (If you aren't using a crock pot you are missing out on super easy meals, ready when you get home!)
SUPER easy! McCormick's seasoning in a package for pulled pork. Add 1/2 C catchup, 1/2 C brown sugar and 1/3 C apple cider vinegar and pour over meat. Cook on low 8 hrs or high 4 hours.

Tuesday, 8/24: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, garlic bread
Boil or grill chicken breast(You could buy Tyson Chicken already cooked) Boil fettuccine pasta, drain. Pour jar of fettuccine sauce over noodles and add chopped chicken.

Wednesday, 8/25: Beef and Bean Chalupas with Spanish rice
Buy chalupa shells. 1 can of refried beans spread over shells. Brown ground beef, I use Elk..it's what we have! Season with taco seasoning. Spread meat over beans, add shredded cheese. Put in 350 oven for about 10-15 minutes to heat beans and melt cheese. Cut up tomatoes and lettuce to top.
I use Spanish rice from a package.

Thursday, 8/26: Chicken Surprise Casserole, corn, fruit salad
Chicken Breasts with a can of Cream of Celery Soup(Reduced Fat) poured over it. Crush 1 sleeve Ritz crackers over. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bake 350 for 35-45 minutes.

Friday, 8/27: We are going out to eat to celebrate a successful 1st week of school!

Dinner 8/17 and beyond! Crazy week!

2010-08-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

So it is the week before school starts and we are super busy this week with meet the teacher nights at both schools and starting back to swim practice. Tonight we have Landry first swim practice of the season from 5-6 and Reese's open house at pre school at 6:30. Hum, wonder what we will eat?

I honestly think tonight will either be a quick sandwich that I can shove down their throats in the car or possibly Taco Tuesday at Rosa's!! For those who do not live in West Texas, I am sorry for you! Rosa's is yummy, fast food style Mexican food that DOES NOT taste fast. On Tuesdays you can get a taco plate with rice and beans for $3.69. You can beef or chicken, soft or crispy. Yummo!

Wednesday will be a crock pot night as I have to go to San Angelo for work. I will post that recipes this evening after I see what is in the freezer.

Thursday is Meet the Teacher night at Landry's school. I am helping set up from 4:30-5:30 and actual event is from 5:30-7:00. Ugh! I really don't want to eat out this night, something quick like soup, salad and sandwich???

Friday we are having a neighborhood fish fry with our super, awesome neighbors! Oh what fun!! I promise the menu for next week will be more complete and normal next week when school starts back and we have met everyone and figured out school.

I cannot believe Landry will be in 4th grade! That sounds so old! Reese in Pre school will be interesting. I told her last night to not get any older. She said, "O.k, go ahead and cancel my birthday". Oh if I only could!

Dinner-8/16

2010-08-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

So I don't have time this morning to post an entire week but I thought I'd at least post what we are having tonight. It sounded very summer like.

Cheesy Chicken With Tomatoes and Sunflower Seeds
　
5 Points Per Serving

1 Tbsp raw sunflower seeds, shelled
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 14-1/2 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
4 oz reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Place the sunflower seeds in a small pan and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Watch carefully because they burn easily. 2. Place chicken in an 11 x 7 inch baking dish, sprinkle with lemon juice, pepper and salt. Cover and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 170º F and the juices run clear. Remove from the oven and pour off any excess liquid. 3. Spoon the tomatoes over the chicken. Sprinkle with the sunflower seeds and the cheese. Increase the oven temperature to broil and place the dish under the broiler for about 1 minute or just until the cheese melts. Do not brown.
Makes 4 servings.

I found this on a Weight Watchers message board and it fit my dinner criteria. It needs to be done in an hour or less start to finish. Secondly, it must not have ingredients I have never heard of or that I have to buy for a one time use.
I'll probably serve it with a can of pinto beans and some fresh okra and tomatoes that I will boil together. (A summertime favorite thanks to our friends with gardens!)

Enjoy!

new idea, what do you think??

2010-08-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

So I'm thinking that I may start posting a weekly menu for dinners. I tend to plan 2 weeks in advance. I cook dinner at least 4 nights a week and continually have friends ask how I manage it and what do I cook?

I wonder if anyone will read it? Will anyone care? I think I'll try it starting the week school starts, Aug 23. A Sunday post with recipes? Let's see what happens......

10 years!

2010-08-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Just as you read this pretend it is June 10, 2010...Today, Shane and I have been married 10 years! Some times it seem like FOREVER!!!! and other times I cannot believe how fast time has flown! Having a child so fast has really made the time fly I suppose.

I'd love to sit here and write a post about our love affair...yeah right! We are not romantic, we don't cuddle and we don't have pet names. That's just not us. What we do have is a great partnership. We are mature, responsible and logical. We are hard workers. All these traits have paid off in marriage. We come from a long line of people who stay married. They would all tell you it's hard and there were times they wanted to quit, but they didn't. That's not what you do. You get mad and get over it. Between our parents alone there are more than 70 years of marriage. If you include our grandparents, it easily gets up into the 100s.

We have a great life. We have great kids. Shane is a great provider. He is honest, hard working and ethical. He is a great role model for the girls. He is loyal and great at his job. He is the calm to my storm. He is the method to my madness.

Some funny things you might not know:

1. we had Landry 9 months after we were married! Yep, a honeymoon baby!

2. We don't sleep under the same comforter. He still uses his college one! I had to throw out my jr high one 2 years ago!

3. He has never slept at my parents' house.

4. Shane picked out all the wall colors in our house. He is WAY better than me.

5. He gave away the anniversary present I gave him-5th row Merle Haggard tickets!

6. I have lost my wedding ring----twice! Found both times!

Here is to 10 years of laughs, dead animals, hard work and fun!

4 Adults, 5 Kids, a hermit crab and many souvenirs!

2010-07-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 4th-Nothing says celebrate America like a 4 hr car trip with 5 children under 9! SO we packed up and drove to the beach, Port Aransas. We arrived at the house we rented for the week. We unpacked and sent the dads and kids to the beach and Moms headed to the grocery store, the Food Basket IGA. It is the only game in town. We were definitely over dressed for the occasion, by that we mean dressed and sober! 547.00 and 4 baskets later, we were ready for the week! We considered in the parking lot to rip the bottoms off our shirts, cut off our shorts so our cheeks showed and take some bong hits so we'd feel more like locals. . .but, instead, we hopped in our minivan and cruised home.

Monday, July 5th- Obviously, it was tough to top DAY 1, but we did our best by heading to the beach. We set up a redneck pavilion complete with cooler, washer pit, and 764 sand toys. We stayed on the beach for an eternity and then marched home for what way, hands down, the longest most brutal 30 minutes ever. (Please note: The kids had a blast on the beach and it was great but let's just be honest, that's a no-brainer and doesn't make for an interesting post. More on that later. . .) We are currently suffering from chub rub + sand. Now, if you don't know what chub rub is, you work out entirely too much. Chub rub is the phenomenon that occurs when your thighs rub together. And, more importantly, if you don't have this happen to you, how are we friends?

Tuesday, July 6th- Brad and Shane were up at 4:45 to head out for a day of fishing fun! I personally think this is the only reason they agreed to come on vacation was in order to fish! We did tell them to bring home dinner one way or another. This included stopping at HEB if need be! We loaded all five children for a day of sight seeing fun! This included a fancy lunch at Dairy Queen and a stop at the junk, er I mean, souvenir store next door. Our children enjoyed ice cream and cokes for lunch.

So Alison and I wrote this the evening of the 6th. That was as far as we got that night or any night the rest of the week.....

All in all we had a great time with great friends. It was so much fun to watch our husbands and children interact. Alison and I love each other, we've known that since English 3201, Women and Literature, Spring 1996. She is an amazing mother! She is patient and kind to her children. She embraces their differences and strives to make them happy, even if this means bringing Play doh along! Yes, my children thought Santa had been there since it is outlawed in my house! We had time to just sit and interact with our kids. They had a fashion show for us. I never sit and watch a fashion show at home. I should.

Too Long!

2010-06-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

It's been too long! I know you've missed me. Honestly, the thought of uploading pictures and arranging them in the right order made me skip out on ya! I'm taking a clue from my friend Alison, and axing the pics for this post.
A lot has happened in the last 6 weeks. Reese and Landry both finished soccer. Landry's team did well and sadly, her coach is moving to Boston. We will see if she plays next season. Reese finished her first season and I really think her last season. She would cheer when her coach let her sit down and she has already informed me that she would like to take dance next year. She is definitely cut out of a different cloth!
Landry finished 3rd grade! I cannot believe that! She made all A's all year and got a trophy and shirt for that accomplishment. She tested and qualified for the GT program for 4th grade. She will go to a different school 2 days a week next year. She is excited. Most importantly, I am most proud of the person she is becoming. Her teacher wrote a note to us at the end of the year saying the she displays, "all the fruits of the Spirit." What a great compliment. She is hard working, caring and works really hard. We are so proud of her.
Reese is signed up for 3 day pre school next year. She is really excited as well.
Landry went to GA camp the first week school was out. She had a great time as our neighbor went as well as her cousins from Stanton.
Both girls went to VBS at our church the next week. They really enjoyed it. This was Reese's first year. She wants to become a habitual VBSer. She's gonna LOVE school!
Both girls are swimming again at our City swim facility. Landry is on the swim team and Reese is doing gymnastics as well.
We are taking a week off this next week and heading out on vacation. We are going down to Port Aransas with our friends the Romikes. 5 kids, 2 moms and 2 dads in one house should be fun! I LOVE that my kids are getting to go one trips with other families. I always think vacations with others are such fun! More to come on the Louder/Romike excursion!

Blessed....Why?

2010-05-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Some days Jesus reminds me of just how blessed I am. Today was one of those days. Nothing spectacular happened. Nothing tragic in our lives. Just a perfectly normal day. I think what started my Thankful spiritual reminder was working. Weird, I know. As part of my job I call on the Emergency Room at hospitals. As I stood there watch everyone buzz around me I realized that people's worlds were changing as I stood there. I saw a family gathered with a man in a neck brace and multiple fractures, 7 I think. I overheard a conversation about a young girl who had overdosed and her parents says she hanging with bad, older kids like, "16-20". That means she is young!
I read a blog written by a young mom experiencing unfathomable heartache with her 2nd pregnancy. Her baby is sick and no one is sure why or if it will survive.
I sometimes question why I was given 2 perfectly healthy, smart, well behaved(mostly!) children. They are giving and fun kids.
I have stood in the ER as a family member clings to life. I have stood at the foot of a hospital bed and watched my mother fight with everything she had to survive cancer. I have witnessed my dad fly away in a helicopter as he was transported to a facility to help him. I remember thinking on those days, "Does anyone realize how my life changed today?" No,, most people don't. As we go on with our perfectly normal life, some one's life changes in an instant, a test results, an ultrasound or MRI. I'm blessed. I prayed for those people today.
Lord, keep me humble. Never allow me to forget that some one's life is changing and they need Your peace. Thank you for the everyday, mundane tasks of my life. May I praise You in those as much as I cry out for You in the troubled times. Continue to remind me to Praise You in the Storm and as I see the rainbows.

Training Update

2010-05-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am sure most people don't really care how my training is going for my next half marathon. But since this is my blog and I think only my parents and MAYBE a couple of friends read it I'll humor myself. My training is going well, thanks for asking! I am following a training schedule that I did in the past, Hal Higdon. http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

(Just in case you feel the urge to join along in solidarity!) I'm on week 5.

I have to say I am proud of myself. I am actually sticking with the plan and not skipping many days. If I do skip a day it is usually the strength and stretch days. I know it's important but if something has to give that is it!

Melinda and I do the long run on Sundays and it helps us get through it. Running is actually becoming easier and I have started to look forward to it after the first 10 minutes! I have discovered that no matter how great of shape I'm in the first 10 minutes is torture!

I wish I could say I've dropped 15 pounds....not so! 3-4 maybe. I think in my mind because I run I can eat more! I'm trying to stop that thinking!

Seattle, here we come!

Live from Big Spring---Again!

2010-04-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here is my view of Big Spring today......This is off the porch at Bean's World Cafe. It is a beautifully cloudy day. I was told about this place by a doctor's office staff. It is run by a church and all the staff are volunteers. As I am sitting on the porch waiting on my Spicy Chicken Fiesta Sandwich, I feel a cool breeze, hear birds and they have Christian music playing, and free WiFi!!! They have a fabulous dessert and coffee bar as well. This may be my new hangout every 2 weeks!

I wish I had a video camera to show you the old building directly in front of me. It has holes in the mortar and birds crawl in and out of them . They have apparently made homes in there. This is the older part of town with old store fronts and brick streets. Most of the buildings are abandoned. It is so cool!

Just got my food, you don't even want to know how delicious this sandwich is! Jalapeno cheese bread= yummo! I'd post a picture but I've eaten too much of it already!

This really a part of my job I enjoy. It is not very often I get to sit and enjoy a quiet meal all by myself. It's not that I don't love my family it's just really nice to sit and not have to talk or clean up a mess or take anyone to the restroom! I wish I didn't eat so fast, a bad habit from going to school for 13 years and then working in schools for 10 years. I eat REALLY fast!

I am not getting to run at lunch today, I guess I'll have to do it tomorrow at lunch. I really have begun to look forward to my runs. Not so much the tired part as the alone with my thoughts part. I enjoy pushing myself and that feeling of accomplishment I feel afterwards.

The locals are starting to show up and are staring at me because I am at a table for 4 and they are having to sit at small tables, whoops!

Reese's Soccer Game -#2

2010-04-15T19:28:00.001-07:00

Well, Reese had her 2nd soccer game and the first that Shane and I got to see. For as feisty and aggressive is Reese usually is, is as unaggressive and calm as she is on the soccer field! It is the weirdest thing! She has been at soccer games, literally, since she was 3 months old. I though she'd be overly aggressive. I finally asked her why she doesn't take the ball. You know what she said????? "Mom, it's not mine!" We spent 4 years teaching her to take turns and not take things that aren't hers and it totally backfires! I told her it was o.k. because they were playing the game with whoevers ball was out there and it was fine. She asked if her "teammates will trust me if I take it?" What????

She has another game on Saturday pending weather. It rained ALL day today! We offered to pay her if she takes the ball away and scores. I am not above bribery!

Landry FINALLY has a game on Monday so I will post pictures of her after that.

I am totally in love with my kids this week. I can't explain why but all we want to do is cuddle and hang out. I think part of it is Shane is gone and no one cares if we are total sloths! Also, I am beginning to see Landry change. She is becoming a preteen and I am fearfully awaiting the days when she can not stand me! I know it's coming and hold and rock her as much as possible right now.

I'm off to bed to join 2 snugly girls. That's the great part of Dad gone. We all sleep in my bed!

A New Challenge

2010-04-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

I have run 2 half marathons before. (13.1 miles) The first one was in Jan 2004 and the second was in Jan 2007. I missed the pattern by 6 months! My third will be June 26, 2010. The first one I did was in Disney World. The second was the Phoenix Rock and Roll. This one is the Seattle Rock and Roll.

My friend Melinda and I have done them all together and this is no exception. It is so much more fun with a running partner to pass the time with. I am pretty sure she and I have solved all the world's problems while running. We use it as free marriage/parenting counseling.

We are T-11 weeks and counting and it's time to turn up the training. Of course in West Texas it is also time for Mother Nature to turn up the wind!! I am running on a treadmill right now. I HATE the wind so I spend most of my lunchtimes at the gym on the treadmill. We will start doing long runs on the weekends and build up to almost the full distance. I have a rule, I will not run 13 miles until that day. I want to do it once and once only!

I cannot explain why I enjoy doing this. i have never loved to run. In high school I was a sprinter and I use that term loosely! I wasn't fast but I also did not like to run for long distances. Once my coach told me to run a mile and I asked if he really meant all at once??? He would fall over if he knew I will run 13.1 miles all at once! After these races there is such a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. I highly recommend doing something in your life that you think will be hard just to show yourself you can do it!

Easter 2010-Closer to God

2010-04-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter 2010 closer to God-in Ruidoso! This was the 3rd time we have skiied this year. We really wanted the girls to do it as much as possible to make sure next year we didn't start from square 1.

This trip our friends the Halls went with us. We have been friends with them for almost 10 years and their 2 boys are very close in age to our girls. Hayden is about to be 8 and Harper is 20 days older than Reese. It made for a riding and skiing companion for everyone, including parents!

Friday the kids had ski lessons. Reese and Harper each had a private lesson while Hayden and Landry shared a teacher for an hour. The kids did well and really improved this weekend.

All and all it was a good weekend. No injuries to speak of and all kids accounted for!

Now, I'm officially ready for warm weather!

Kind of...

2010-03-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

I've hit a patch where I feel like I "kind of" do most things. I kind of exercise-2 days a week or so. I kind of cook- meaning I heat up frozen food some days. I kind of clean my house-shove things in corners so I don't trip during the night. I kind of work-yes I still work full time but lately I have DREADED work and feel so valueless at work. I kind of go to church-Shane and I go to worship while the girls are at Sunday School.

I feel no passion right now for anything. I don't like that. I want to be passionate about something. I NEED to feel passion.

I don't want to just exist in life, I want to make a difference. I need to find my passion....I'm tired of just kind of being here. Politics? Write a book? I'm on a hunt.....

Live from Big Spring it's......me!

2010-03-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

It's a working title! I am blogging from the Subway in Big Spring, TX. I'd post a picture but come on......it is Big Spring! I lead an exciting life, I know. As most of you know I travel to surrounding towns for my job. Most often I can work a town in half a day and either be home for lunch or eat on the road on the way to my next town. Not Big Spring!!! I have just enough work here that I usually have to spend the entire day here which means lunch in random places. I have tried all the local dives....yummy but greasy! I've eaten at the Pizza Hut thinking salad bar and a piece of pizza or 2. They have free Internet but DISGUSTING pizza!
I have brought my lunch before and gone to a park to eat. It is a bit windy today so I opted for the Subway...healthy and FREE Internet! I'm not hard to please!

Spring has sprung around our house and not just the weather! Both girls are playing soccer this season. Reese is older enough by 9 day! She will be the youngest on the team but I'm sure not the smallest! Her first practice is the evening at 6:00. I will be really interested to see how she responds. I predict 1 of 3 things will happen in her game on Saturday. She'll either Knock multiple people down intentionally, score 7 goals or walk off the field and declare, "I don't want to do this!" All three are very much within her personality. I will miss her first game and that makes me sad but I am committed to working at our JL Clayshoot. Shane will try to go and his mom and my dad will be there. I'll send the video camera with someone.
Landry started soccer again yesterday. She is with the same team as the last 2 seasons. They are a fun group of girls that not only play hard but have fun and get along well. Her coach is phenomenal but is leaving after this season to take a job in Boston. We're very sad!! :(
Spring is charity even time around Midland it seems. Shane and I will hear Sarah Palin speak on Thursday night. AS far as I know we will get to meet her and get autographs. I bought her book and am reading it right now. Probably would not have except for this event. I'll post pics if we get them. Friday night we have Buckshot Bash, a dinner, dance and auction for Jr League and the Saturday ALL DAY we have a clayshoot for Jr League along with soccer games!
Next weekend we are headed to Ruidoso for one last trip down the slopes. Our friends the Halls are going with us so it should be lots of fun!
I try really hard to not over schedule my kids. They really enjoy just being kids and playing outside at our house. This time of year really stresses me out as my calendar fills up!
I'll be posting pictures of the girls periodically in all their activities.

Taylor Swift!!!!

2010-03-15T15:33:00.001-07:00

For Christmas this year, the girls got tickets to see Taylor Swift. Our neighbors received them as well. We took the girls out of school and headed to Dallas on Thursday. The concert was at the American Airlines Center on Thursday night.

We were all decked out in our boots and dresses like Taylor wears. It was so much fun watching the girls get so excited. The opening acts were Gloriana and Kellie Pickler. They were both great. The moment arrived that Taylor hit the stage. She sang every song we knew and sang for 2 hours! The girls sang along with each song and we all danced and had a great time. I think it is a memory that will last for a long time!

Stinky Sunday Night

2010-03-07T17:59:00.001-08:00

I stink right now! I mean literally I stink. I ran today. No, not just a minute ago, I ran at 12:30 p.m. It is 8:00 pm as I type this. I never bothered to shower. I though of it a couple of times through out the day. I always found better things to do. I did laundry, uh....I know I did other things today! We cooked a great and healthy dinner, grilled salmon, fresh green beans, corn on the cob and a fruit salad. We went to Lowe's to look at new patio furniture and then went to Shane's brother's house to pick up Landry's birthday present. That is all. Don't ya think I could have found time to shower. The laundry is still on the couch and coffee table, folded, not put away. Some days I swear I really could waste and entire day and not really accomplish much. I LOVE THOSE DAYS!

Great things today...We went to church. Sad thing, our preacher is leaving :( Dr Dyer has been here since 1995. Many people are sad. He has been so influential in not only my life, but in Landry's. He did the baby dedication for Landry and baptized her last year. She is sad too. He is moving to Austin. Our loss is their gain. We had a fun lunch at Rosa's with 3 other families. 8 kids in all. Wild!

I ran twice this weekend. Wow! That is great for me. I am trying to get in "baseline" shape to start training for my half marathon. I'm not sure when it is. Sometime between June and August. I am signed up for one in July but may change to one in June or I found another one is August. I am so totally co-dependent in my running. If my friend Melinda can't get into the race I'm registered for I am changing to one we can both run. Silly, I know.

Hopefully tomorrow will lead to more productivity, probably not. I will live either way...

Happy Birthday Landry! (A day late!)

2010-03-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

Landry at 2 weeks old

Landry (Nov 2009)

I cannot believe that Landry turned 9 on Monday. I felt sad that day. I cannot explain why but maybe it has to do with that she has lived with us 1/2 the amount of time that she will live with us!

I can not explain what a true joy she is. When you are expecting you wonder what she/he will turn out like. What will they look like? Will they be smart, funny, inquisitive?

Landry is such an amazing kid. There is not a day that goes by that she does not surprise me with her courage, compassion, confidence,creativity, intelligence, helpfulness and maturity. She is a teacher's dream. She tends to think of others over herself. She is a second Mom to Reese and does a really good job!

I know we all try to raise out kids in the right way. I promise all the good in Landry is not our doing. I truly believe the spirit of the Lord dwells in her and guides her. This is the time when I am so thankful for the upbringings that Shane and I received that taught us the importance of Godliness.

One thing I really love is that she challenges me. She does not let me get by with yes/no answers. Why questions come naturally to her. She thinks outside the box when appropriate and follows social norms when needed.

She avoids girl drama at school. She is friends with everyone but tends to gravitate towards boys and non-girlie girls.

I LOVE that she is practical and reasonable almost all of the time. This came in handy when she was a small child. I learned early on if I could tell her the reasons behind something she usually could obey without too many objections.

I could go on and on with all the great things about my Landry. The things that make me most proud are the things others say about her. Her teacher has written me notes referring to her showing Christ to others in class. More than one parent has said they hope their little girl grows up to be like Landry. Every teacher she has had states they wish they had a class full of Landrys.

I am excited at what the future holds for Landry. The next 9 years scare me to death! There are so many experiences she is about to encounter. She will feel heartbreak, happiness, love, sadness, jealousy and shear silliness! If the next 9 years are as great as the first 9 I can't wait!

Happy birthday Landry, you are such a wonderful child. I am proud to be your Mom!

Skiing Adventure take 2

2010-02-28T17:35:00.001-08:00

This was our second ski trip this year. We went the last weekend of January and Landry loved it. We wanted to go one more time before the season ended to help solidify it in her mind. Reese hated it last time, we were going to try a private lesson to see if it helped.

The small black figures in the front of the picture are Shane and Reese. Reese would hold on to Shane's poles and fly down the mountain. She yelled, "Faster!" the while time. Needless to say, she loved it on day 2. Day one, not so much, more tears and snot. Come to find out, all she wanted was her own poles. Poles on day 2 and she was happy!

This is Landry at the bottom. She absolutely loves skiing! I am so happy. Skiing is something I learned to do as an adult, like this weekend. I mean, all I learned I learned from Landry and listening in on lessons of other people. It was really an interesting experience to have your child saying, "Mom....PIZZA!" (That is how you teach kids to stop) The first day I hated it! I could not turn or stop very well. I flew down the mountain like a bat out of hell hoping to God no one got in my way! I even went racing in to the Kiddie Korral because I couldn't stop fast enough.

Day 2 was better. I mastered stopping and learned to turn. Only 1 fall the entire day 2! Yay!

On a scarier note, Landry got lost while on the mountain. All your kids lives you spend telling them what to do and not do. Quite honestly, I wonder how much sinks in and how much sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher speaking, "wha wha wha". Shane and Landry wentto the top of the mountain to ski a Blue (medium) run. He skied behind her in case of wipe outs. She go to going a little fast and did not see the "expert only" sign to the right. She went over the edge and Shane couldn't stop her. He called me with the most panicked voice I had heard from him ever. She was on a black (most difficult) run and he was at the bottom. Reese and I went directly to the ski patrol to report a missing child. It had been 15 minutes at this point. The nice man began to ask me questions about which run, "Wild Onion, Geronimo, etc..." He was trying to be helpful but I was getting a bit annoyed. Finally I said, "Sir, I've never been off Easy Street so I can't tell you!" I was able to get Shane on the phone again and ask more specifics. The ski patrol had just been dispatched and were heading out when here she came walking up the a worker! She burst into tears, as I wanted to do too! I kept telling her how proud I was of her for staying calm! She said she slid on her bottom to the end of the run and then came to find us. When she couldn't find Reese and me in our usual place, she went and told a worker. "Mom. you always said if I ever got lost to find someone who worked there and tell them." Searched called off, 2 very relieved parents and a little girl who is becoming a young adult before our eyes.

She never got how courageous she was on Saturday. I was certain she was finished skiing for the day, I would have been! Nope, after eating some lunch she was back out there.

A Snow Day Project

2010-02-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

We woke up to bunches of snow this morning. That meant no school in Midland therefore no work for Mom. Mostly we laid around the house this morning. I went into my closet to get dressed about lunch and this is what I saw...A HUGE, UNORGANIZED MESS!!!!
So after meeting our neighborhood friends for some fun snow time, I headed home to tackle the closet. I've been really frustrated with my wardrobe lately and mostly I think it is due to my disorganization. Here is the final outcome. Landry says it does not look different, oh how I beg to differ! Notice the slacks all hanging together on the bottom?? Tops are in groups of work and non work along with sleeve length.

I also organized my shoes. Here is a snap shot of that. I got rid of a pair of Birekenstocks! I think I bought them in college!

This really did take half a day. I have a pile of things to get rid of including about 15 bras! I finally gave up the last of my belts, there too were some from college including a Fossil belt from The Buckle! I still need to get rid of things. I mean really, I have 4 winter robes and 1 spring/summer robe! Who needs 5 robes? For now, I will sleep well knowing in the morning I will know where each and every piece is, at least for now.....

Talents....Landry's bathroom redo

2010-02-22T06:16:00.001-08:00

There are things I am good at and there are things I am not good at. I admit that I am not a decorator! I envy my friends who walk into a room and know what needs to be done and how to accomplish those things. I walk into a room and wish someone else could do it. When trying to decorate, people at "those stores" will ask me what my style is....I have no idea!

Well, this weekend Shane was gone so I decided to try to make Landry's bathroom look like a 9 year old girl belongs there. No more tan walls! I kept thinking, if I mess this up at least it is a small room that won't cost much to fix!

I enlisted the advice of my super creative and talented neighbor Shannon. She paints with reckless abandon, she does not fear color like I do. She showed me how to add paint to glaze and basically rub it on the wall. Here is before.....

Finished (almost) product

I still have to paint dots above the tub, my neck just couldn't do it any more! I also have big spaces to fill with either pictures or paint some other big dots on the wall. Landry was so funny, she said, "Mom, I think Shannon gave you the courage to paint this bathroom." Thanks Shannon for the courage to paint. Finished pictures to come....

White trash meal

2010-02-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

Dinner is on the stove. It is a white trash meal if I might say so myself. Ready for this...we're having Sloppy Joe's.(Made with bison meat).....with beautiful wheat buns for a touch of class! The only mother white trash meal I can think of is tater tot casserole! Maybe next week!

I did go to the trouble of opening organic green beans and boiling carrots. For some reason my girls LOVE, Love, Love boiled baby carrots. I'm sure the nutrients are gone but it is sure colorful!

I will spare you the picture of Sloppy Joe but I do want to add the link to this WONDERFUL song....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_-KbstEG4E

Happy Dining!

Chicken and Rice-Easy!!!

2010-02-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

I grew up in a small town. like 1800 people small. We had 3 restaurants, one being Dairy Queen. We rarely ate out, my mom cooked....every meal, 3 times a day. My husband grew up much the same way...his mom cooked 3 meals a day.

I cook, it's what I do. When I don't know what else to do I cook.

Many women my age don't cook very often and are constantly asking how I manage to work all day and then cook meals. Here is the secret.....I cook REALLY easy meals. I am no Paula Deen, Rachel Ray uses WAY too many ingredients. If I haven't heard of it, chances are my HEB won't have it. I mean really, I live in Midland!

Here is one of the Fabulous recipes I cook. I whipped this up in 30 minutes including time to cook rice and chicken.

It isn't pretty but it is delicious! It's one of those things that you walk by and eat out of the pan after dinner.

Chicken and Wild Rice

1 box Uncle Ben's Wild Rice

1 can FF Cream of Mushroom soup

1 small can mushrooms

2 chicken breasts-cooked

chopped almonds(optional)

salt

pepper

garlic powder

chicken broth

Boil your chicken. You could use canned chicken but I think it tastes and smells somewhat like cat food. If you boil 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts you'll have just enough chicken broth for later. Cook wild rice per directions on the box except use chicken broth instead of water...Thar's the secret ingredient. It makes this dish yumm-o! After cooking chicken and rice, chop chicken and mix it with rice and soup. Drain the mushrooms and add to mixture. Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. I chop almonds and mix in, totally optional. I also chop almonds finely and sprinkle on top. stick in 350 oven for a few minutes, it's all cooked, it just needs to warm. Open a couple of canned veggies and Voila, quick, easy, yummy dinner

Babysitting

2010-02-14T13:31:00.001-08:00

I spent Wednesday through Friday in Dallas for work. We had meetings and I made arrangements to stay through Saturday so I could go see Robin and the babies. It snowed 12 inches in the metroplex on Thursday so staying was a good thing.

Elliott is on the left and Stella on the right.

Robin and Andrew went out to eat on Friday night. It was their first time to leave the babies since they were born, almost 7 weeks ago. I got to be the babysitter!

The girls were so much bigger than the last time I saw them. Stella and Ellie are almost 8 lbs each. They are eating every 3 hours. I got puked on once. I did the 11 and 2 feeding with Robin then I did the 5 am feeding alone so Robin could sleep a little longer. I forgot how tiring it is to get up and feed kids!

OUR Hallmark moment

2010-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

So we survived skiing a few weeks ago. Shane and his dad both killed Elks on Friday so he was able to join the girls for skiing. I am so glad he did...Reese decided it was not for her. She cried hysterically and proclaimed, "I don't know how to ski!" Shane Landry ski most of the day as Reese and I sat at the bottom. She slept in my arms. I was burning up but at least Shane and Landry had a good time. This was Landry's first time to ski and she did really well. She took an hour and a half lesson and then she was off! At the end of the day I met them at the bottom of the mountain and she burst into tears. She was exhausted but wants to go back for Spring Break.

Ruidoso got about 18 inches of snow the day we got there and that night. It was beautiful and so much fun!

Hallmark Moment

2010-01-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

Do you ever create Hallmark moments in your mind? I do it all the time and find that more often than not I am disappointed when things don't turn out just perfect.

We are going skiing this weekend. We're leaving in the morning. Shane's parents are going with us to Ruidoso. He and his dad are hunting so his mother and I are taking the girls to play around. Landry is going to ski school. Reese is just messing around more than likely. I'm not going to lie, I DREAD skiing. I have never done it. I have a bad knee but I'm it so I will spend some time on the bunny slopes and hope for the best!!!

The picture below is what I'd like for out trip to look like but I'm guessing I'll have some less "Hallmarky" moment to post when we return. Either way it will be fun and memorable. I am allowing Landry to miss 2 days of school to do this. I have adopted the idea that experiences are just as important in learning as sitting in a classroom. I am going to make her journal her trip and she is taking her camera. Hopefully she can report to her class all about the things she did and saw. More to come next week......

Oven Fried Catfish-Easy and Healthy

2010-01-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

Oven Fried Catfish

Ingredients
1/2 cup light beer
1/2 cup hot sauce
4 (6-ounce) farm-raised catfish fillets
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
Preparation
Combine first 3 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Remove fish from bag; pat dry with paper towels. Discard marinade.
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture.
Lightly coat fish with cooking spray. Place fish on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, and bake at 450° for 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

This is one of my favorite ways to cook fish. It is so good and is really easy. I actually put the beer and hot sauce in a big Ziploc along with the fish before I leave for work. I have also tried it with other types of fish such as tilapia.

I am also cooking an acorn squash, boiling baby carrots and opening a can of green beans to ensure everyone eats a veggie tonight.
Enjoy!

2010-01-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

This is from another Mom's blog...I occasionally read other people's blogs that I do not know. This one hit me hard as I sat here at lunch making yet another to do list for myself that no where on my lists for the week were things like, play with the girls, act silly, dance around the living room. I need to be "present" for my kids. I was asked last night by Reese to tell her a story in bed and I said, "No". I cried as I read this today. Tonight and every night she asks I will tell her a story.

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

I'm gonna miss this
"How do you do it? How do you stay so calm with four young children?"Part of it is just how God made me, I think. I am pretty calm with my children. And, honestly, often I stay calm even in the midst of chaos because, frankly, it's better than the alternative. A shrieking, freaking out mama is not going to make an already stressful situation any better. So, for the most part, I stay calm and try to be in the moment with my children. But how do I do it?There is one little bit of inspiration that literally descended upon me almost two years ago, while I was holding Nuggey in the bathroom, that has completely revolutionized my parenting. When I keep this truth in mind, I find it as easy as apple pie to stay calm in the midst of toddler chaos. I remember that I'm gonna miss this. It was dark, during the end of bathtime, and Prince Charming was gone. I was doing dinner, baths and bedtime myself those days, as my husband worked late. It had been, undoubtedly, a long day with the kids. Big Mac was three, Nuggey was one and a half and Small Fry was a baby. It is as clear as day still, this memory. I was sitting on the toilet, drying MckNugget off after his bath. Small Fry, unable to roll, was sprawled on the floor of the bathroom on some towels, wearing nothing but a diaper and a grimace. Big Mac was still in the tub. He was squawking to get out and Small Fry was bellyaching for attention. But I slowly wrapped Nuggey up in his towel, determined to stay calm, and cuddled him in terrycloth. I slowly rocked him back and forth in my arms and sang Rock-a-bye Baby to my second born.As I wrapped up the song, I prepared to sit Nuggey up and attend to the chaos that was the other children. After all, there were baths to finish, teeth to brush, diapers to put on, jammies to find and beds to tuck children into. But as he sensed me about to right him, Nuggey tossed his wet head back in my arms and looked up at me. "Uh-gain!" So I sang Rock-a-bye Baby one more time, but I told him it would be the last. Yet when I finished, he begged again for more. I didn't want to do more. I didn't want to sing to him one more time. I was tired. Tired of children, tired of singing, tired of the day. I just wanted it to be over. But then suddenly, as if fairy dust was sprinkled from the heavens right onto my tired head, the entire reality of my future set in.I'm gonna miss this.I looked down at little Nuggey, his damp eyelashes long and dark batting at me, his tiny bottom cradled in my hand, his soft, chubby legs thrown over my arm, his body entirely dependent on mine as I held him in my lap, and I could see the future. Nuggey, a grown boy, sporting a football jersey and facial hair, walked out of the bathroom. It was going to happen, and soon. And while I knew there would be joys with that time in my life, when our young children are teenagers and beyond, it struck me like a ton of bricks. When that time comes, I'm gonna miss this.When Nuggey comes home from college, barely speaks a word to me and hibernates in his bedroom all summer, I'm gonna miss this. As my mind fast forwarded to the future, I knew that at that moment, I would give anything for 20 year old Nuggey to be a toddler again, just for one more hour, so I could rock him and sing while I stroked his wet head. And here, years earlier, I was being given my wish. I was able to rock Nuggey, a nearly helpless babe in arms, one more time. Given a new perspective from which to see, I sang Rock-a-bye Baby as many times as Nuggey would let me that night. Eventually Small Fry found her hands and started admiring them, and Big Mac grabbed a new tub toy. And I relished that time with my son in my arms, knowing that soon enough he would be all grown, and my arms would ache to hold him like a baby again.I'm gonna miss this.My mind cannot help but wander to those parents who have lost children. What on earth would they not give to hold their children again, even for a moment. I bet they would not complain about having to sing Rock-a-bye Baby one more time. Rather, they would probably give their right arm to sing it ten million times until their voice was hoarse and their eyelids closed in slumber.And women with empty wombs who long and pray and ache for children? What honor am I doing them if I take for granted the fact that I have children, young children who are begging me to cuddle them, sing to them. I will love those women who long for a baby by loving my babies and not taking them for granted.So, I determined right there and then in the bathroom to try to be ever thankful for the moments I do have with my children. I will not wish away their young years, always hoping to get more laundry done or other children dried off. I will relish each kiss, hug and song. I will leave their childhood behind with no regrets, no "I love you" unsaid, no cheek unkissed, no request to "Cuddle wif' me!" turned down. Even as the macaroni flies and the Sharpie stains my table, even when there are midnight wailers and globs of Desitin under my fingernails, I know......I know I'm gonna miss this

Happy Birthday Reese

2009-12-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

This sweet baby turned 4 yesterday. I cannot believe it has been 4 years since this sweet Christmas baby joined our family. This was how the hospital nursery brought her to us. I still have this giant stocking.

Reese is such a spirited girl. She loves to perform. I need to put her in dance next year. Anytime she hears music with a driving beat she is up and dancing. No slow songs for her! She loves Taylor Swift. I have to remind her that she is only 4 and not grown. She loves to play outside. Her high heel black boots are a constant. It doesn't matter if she has on jeans, shorts, bathing suits or dresses she is in those boots! She LOVES her sister! Reese is a very sweet child who wants to help all the time.

We had a party on Sunday, Dec. 20 at an indoor Jumping place with inflatable jumpers. The kids had so much fun. We also had a face painter come. It stinks so much to have a birthday close to Christmas I think I went a little over the top! I'll post some pictures of the party later.

Reese, you are such a sweet girl and I am so blessed to be your Mom! You make us laugh everyday and you are such a ray of sunshine! I love you big girl!

Running, a family affair!

2009-12-05T14:49:00.001-08:00

Reese bringing up the rear!(Yes she has on Mary Janes. She wanted to wear dress boots!)
Landry crossing the finish line

Landry bringing it home

Before the race

I run races. I do not run to win. I run to finish. I have never finished above the top 50% I would guess. I have never been fast. I was on the sprint relay team in school but come on, I lived in McCamey and I ran track. How many people did they have to choose from?

Landry has run the last 2 races that I was signed up for. 3 weeks ago she ran a 5K. This weekend she ran the kid's fun run at the Jingle Bell Run. She was the 1st girl finisher and 3rd overall. She did awesome! Reese ran it too. She finished nearer to Santa who was running too!

I did not do the 5K. I got my shirt and called it a day. Shane is out of town and I hated to ask anyone to watch the girls while I SLOWLY jogged 3.2 miles.

Snow Day

2009-12-05T14:37:00.001-08:00

We woke up Friday to SNOW! School was cancelled, a little much if you ask me, but none the less we were home for the day. We started the day with an early morning play in the snow. Reese found it quite irritating soon and declared, "I like the snow when it is warm!". She came and hopped in the warm bath. Landry had fun with the neighbors Brant and Riley.

The girls and I had baked sugar cookies the day before and it was time to decorate them. What a mess! Here are a few pictures of them.

We also collected snow for snow Ice Cream which we made today and it was so yummy! Fun memories!

Cowboys Game

2009-11-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Shane and I were lucky enough to get to go to the Cowboys game last weekend. They played the Washington Redskins. It was less than an exciting game but the accommodations were AMAZING! Shane's boss, Jeb, is a HUGE sports fan. He and his wife, Andrea, have a field level suite at the new Cowboys' stadium. Here is a picture of Shane and me taken from the suite out towards the field. This is a RARE picture of just the two of us.

Next is a picture of the inside of the suite. It is beautiful. He gets 21 tickets to each game/event. Not only can you watch the game from the suite with food, drinks and 3 TVs you can also go up and watch from the 1st 2 rows. There are 12 seats there. The suite attendant was great and we even had our own restroom.

The Miller Lite club is the area where the players enter the field. There is one for the home team and one for the visitors. Here is up close and personal with Tony Romo. The visitors side is where I "bumped" into Troy Aikman.

Yes Jerry Jones has had mucho plastic surgery! He eats up working the crowd in the Miller Lite club.

A Quiet House

2009-11-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

It's 9:10 pm and my house is quiet and dark. Shane is gone hunting until Wednesday...I know BIG surprise! The were exhausted! They spent Friday through today at my parents in McCamey. While there they get to just be kids at their grandparents without a care in the world. They get to eat junk food. They get to play outside and get dirty. They get to paint (something I am terrified of at my house!). Landry got to climb big trees and she and Dad made a pulley in a tree and she lifted things all weekend. My dad has 2 shops outside full of "junk". It is a kid's dream, well it is great as long as more than 12 channels aren't required! I had posters waiting for me that the girls had painted. I mean POSTERS! Landry wrote Shane and me an entire letter on a poster. She told us how much she loved us and what great parents we are. She also explained how when she was little we promised her we would never divorce and so far we have kept that promise. (Her words) It was so sweet and wise beyond her years.

One of my absolute favorite sounds is that of my kids laughing and playing through the house. A close second is the quiet of the house after they have played themselves into exhaustion. Sleep well my angels.

A great day!

2009-11-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

I am tired. It has been one of those days that just plan wears you out! Girls were both up during the night...uuuh, hello, I don't have newborns! Woke up to go to the Face the Race 5K. I have done many 5Ks but this was Shane's first. Landry ran with him and did the WHOLE 3.1 miles! I was so proud. I got Reese duty and did one loop of the 2. She and I became cheerleaders after that. It was a great day for running and it was an amazing cause, working with jr high girls and their self esteem while teaching them to run a 5K. The girls then had a birthday party to go to that involved trampolines. Sitter at 6:45 so Shane and I could go to a shower for his middle brother's new baby boy due in December. Girls were FAST asleep when we got home, yay!!! A little Texas Tech football on TV while I type.

These are days that remind me that I absolutely LOVE my life! My kids got to exercise, see community involvment in action, celebrate SOMEONE ELSE, and Shane and I got to be with just us for a while. I saw my parents, talked to Shane's mom and visited with my neighbor.

I so often take my life for granted but today I was reminded that I live a blessed life.

34 years-What I have learned

2009-11-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

I am 34 today. I cannot believe it! In my mind I am still 22 and somewhat cool and hip. While reflecting on my life I realized that I have learned so much in the last 34 years. Besides the obvious, I have been blessed with great knowledge from an array of people that God has placed in my life.

1. I was born with a man's appetite. *(Dang it!)
2. 5:30 a.m. is very quiet and peaceful. I think I can honestly hear God sometimes.
3. I had no idea how much JOY my children would bring to my life.
4. Being smart will get you noticed but having integrity, work ethic and follow through will get you remembered.
5. My parents really did know what they were talking about (most of the time.)
6. Laundry and housework can wait when your kids want to play.
7. I have the best girlfriends in the world. They are always there and are supportive and honest just when I need it most. I love them!
8. Being right does not always matter when dealing with your spouse.
9. God truly knows what you need, when you need it....Trust Him!
10. Grown up decisions are not always fun.
11. Stories from the past told by grandmothers and grandfathers are priceless.
12. You marry your mother-in-law too! Choose carefully!
13. Sometimes, it is wise to keep your mouth shut.
14. Weekends with nothing to do are sheer greatness!
15. We live in the greatest country in the world....period!
16. Veterans are absolutely the most selfless people in the world and should be treated with the greatest respect we have to offer.
17. Saying yes mam and no sir is important and seems to be a dying tradition.
18. Thank God for unanswered prayers!
19. Surprising people is so much fun!
20. Exercising, no matter how much I gripe, makes me feel better!
21. A child's laugh is the best sound I have ever heard!
22. Beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes to the core!
23. Other people's opinion of me is none of my business.
24. Ultimately, I will have to answer for everything I do and don't do.
25. Making time for myself is important, hard and totally worth it!
26. I love my normal, boring, and mundane life.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the girls at Halloween. Landry was a 60's girl and Reese was Daphne from Scooby Doo.

The Girls are Growing Up

2009-10-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

We attended a wedding this weekend. The girls are now old enough to attend provided kids are invited. It is so strange to look at Landry and see this "big" kid. It really makes me sad and happy at the same time. I cannot believe how fast she has grown up. It seem like yesterday that she was running around in a diaper and wanting to be Cinderella. Now she has on pearls and picked out her own purse...and it matched! She is such a neat kid with a very interesting sense of humor and unique interests. She loves animals and science. She is considerate and mature. She is responsible(as much as expected from an 8 year old!) and loves to feel trusted. She never ceases to amaze me with her intelligence and ability to take in environmental cues. She is a list maker(love it!) and I must admit I have made her a bit neurotic about schedules and time. She does not like when she feels she has not done her best. This will be a struggle for her but also an asset. I love this kid! She makes me laugh everyday and still lets me carry her out of bed every morning. She is getting to the age where she will soon think her mom is the dorkiest person alive and it kills me. I have been her favorite person for almost 9 years. When I hear songs that talk about kids growing up I begin to feel a lump. I have had her in my home for 9 years, she will leave in 9 years. Oh my! Thank you Jesus for such a precious, amazing work. I can see Your fingerprints on her.

Reese will turn 4 in less than 2 months. I sometimes forget that she is not a baby. Until recently she wore "biapers" at night. I felt really sad the night she decided not to wear a "biaper" to bed. I asked her to stop getting big and she said, "Mom, I don't know how to not get big!" She is one of the funniest kids I have ever been around. She thinks she is 8 1/2. She is strong willed and stubborn(yes I think these will serve her well one day) She is sweet and kind. She loves to dance and sing. She has an amazing sense of style for a 3 year old. When I allow her to dress herself, it usually includes a belt, purse and matching shoes. She is wants a baby sister SO BAD! (Not gonna happen) She loves to feel big. She loves to help me in the kitchen. One of these days school and the likes will interest her, just not now. She looks just like her dad. The Lord know what he was doing when he gave me Reese. She is the Ying to my Yang. She causes me to loosen up, laugh, and not be so uptight. "It's O.K. Mom", is a phrase I hear often from her. Lord, thank you for this precious girl. She reminds me daily that You know what we need even when we don't.

Down Home on the Farm

2009-10-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

We took the girls out to Stanton and took pictures of them in cotton on Sunday. Not the best picture taking weather, sunny and windy but it was still fun.

Landry gave up trying to keep her eyes open and finally borrowed my sunglasses.

Is anyone surprised at the pose Reese decided to bust out with? So her

Soccer

2009-10-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Landry has been playing soccer since the March she turned 5. She has always enjoyed it but this year the bug has bitten her! She loves it! I wish I was good enough at this to upload video and I'd show you her goal last weekend, AWESOME! Her team had improved by leaps and bounds this year. Way to go Arsenal Ladies!

Landry is the on facing the camers. Reagan is #12. They have been on the same team all but one season.

2009-10-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

Crock Pot Elk Chili Recipe

1 1/2 pounds ground Elk

2 cloves garlic mined

1 onion chopped

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon cumin

1 – 15 ounce can ready cut tomatoes

1 – 15 ounce can tomamto sauce

2 – 15 ounce kidney beans

1/2 cup red wine

Temp: low

Recipe Cooking Time: 6 to 8 hours

Pan Type: crock pot

Crock Pot Elk Chili Directions
Cook ground elk until no longer pink in the middle, drain and place into crock pot.Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans and wine.

Cook elk chili in the crock pot for the allotted time or until done.Serve crock pot elk chili along with your favorite crackers.Top elk chili with fresh chopped onions and shredded cheese if desired.
Recipe Serves: 6 – 8

O.K., I have over 100 lbs of Elk meat in my freezer and am trying to get creative with it while remaining health conscious. I found this recipe online and made it last night. I have to say it was really good. We took it to Shane's parents for dinner. His dad referred to it as the best chili he has ever eaten, other than Wolf Brand, that is pretty good I think! (He has an obsession with Wolf Brand, I'll never measure up!) You can make it with beef and I am sure it will be just as tasty. It is super easy!

Great news for Landry

2009-10-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Landry has worn glasses since she was 4 years and 2 months old. It was sudden, her eyes simply crossed one morning. Susan, the babysitter, called about 10 o'clock one morning ans said she thought her eyes was turning in. I picked her up and took her to the eye doctor. After a couple of days and 2 doctors we discovered that her right eye pretty much did not work 6 feet and closer. She had really bad vision up close. So my four year old not only needed glasses, but bifocals. The worst part was that her vision was so bad and possibly leaving if we didn't take action immediately.

She got the cutest glasses and has been so awesome at wearing them. Her eyes had gotten better in the last few years. Last year, her eyes took a turn for the worse and had begun to stop working again. If fact, her "good eye" had become the bad eye. The doctor said possibly her brain was compensating and we started patching her eye 90 minutes a day 6 days a week. She hated it but was pretty good about it. After 3 months we went back and discovered it was working but now the other one was doing the same thing. It was April and Dr Sheets had her start alternating her patch.

Yesterday we went for a 6 month check. To say we were less than consistent about patching would be an understatement. Much to our surprise and the Doctor's her eyes were great! He started at 20/50 with her correction on. He kept going down and looking at me. We made it to 20/20 with correction and she only missed one letter. That has never happened! Dr Sheets was amazed. He said he has never seen such improvements in such a short time. Yay! She still has the same prescription therefore we don't need new glasses right now. He really thinks she might out grow her glasses with time. Great news!

Whew, what a week!

2009-10-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

The last week or so has been quite eventful around our house. We started the week with Robin here for the weekend. We went to trade days in Stanton and she wanted to eat at Rosa's. She was fortunate to get on one of the 2 planes that actually got out of Midland on Sunday due to the fog.
Monday, Mom went from bad to worse really quick! She is still in the hospital. When I showed up Monday about noon, her fever was up to 104.2. After many tests and a couple of scary moments, it was determined that not only did she have pneumonia in both lungs now but also has H1N1. Pretty scary considering she is one of those people with "under lying conditions" that it is really dangerous for them to get it.
Making matters worse, I was scheduled to fly out at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning for Houston. It was for work and I could not get out of it. I headed off that morning with a heavy heart.
While sitting in my first meeting of the day with my new regional director, new manager and the National VP of sales, my phone starts buzzing. A text message from Robin is not unusual at all. She and I will text snide comments and silly things all day long. Unfortunately, this one wasn't funny or silly, it was scary. At her regular OB appt, it was discovered that her cervix was shortening, 40 to 28 in 2 weeks. She had been having contractions and she wasn't aware. To the hospital she went, straight from the OB to the bed. GREATNESS!!! I immediately sent out an S.O.S. to my friends for immediate prayers. At 25 weeks along, there is no way these babies can come yet!
I am constantly amazed at the amazing friends I have. It had not been 20 minutes since the message went out that I'd heard from them with questions of what can we do? Offers to get to Dallas and sit with her. I have the most amazing friends who will do anything! I love them so much!
After my meeting I called Shane to check in and was informed the girls were both throwing up, of course they are....That's my theme so far! Also found out one girls I rode in a car from the airport to the hotel was in her hotel room with H1N1 as well. If you are counting that is twice in 24 hrs I was directly exposed....YIKES! I called in a favor and had Tamiflu called in to a Walgreens in Houston, so far so good!
There were a couple of minutes I felt I could not breathe. Lord, thank you for your arms of peace and comfort. I so often take them for granted and I am sorry for that. How do people without Christ in their lives deal with stressful situations?
Here I sit on Saturday...on the couch watching football by myself! My Tamiflu and I made it home Thursday night about 9:45. All is well at my house at least.
Robing got to go home Friday. Her cervix had grown to 35, yay little cervix! She is on strict bed rest but at least it is at home and free!
Mom is still in the hospital but SLOWLY getting better. Not sure how long she will be there but at least there is improvements. It could have gotten really bad really fast.
There are times I feel like there is a black cloud hanging over us. But ever so gently, Jesus nudges me and reminds me he has my umbrella. When I question why me His answer is always the same, "Why not you"?

Life-trying to be thankful

2009-10-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in room 534 of Medical Center Hospital in Odessa looking out the window watching the world go on around me. In the bed next to me is my mom. I hate that she is sick, again. She should not be suffering, again. I should not be sitting here, again. Dad should not be having to be to gather things in McCamey, again.

In August 2007 Mom had a stem cell transplant to finally get rid of the lymphoma she had battled since 2001. It was a horrible ordeal but in the end, months later it was worth it. She was on the road to recovery. 2 weeks ago she had an appointment with her transplant doctor in Dallas and had a PET scan. the areas they had been watching for a couple of moths were going down, her body was fighting! Way to go new immune system!

Now, here we sit in the hospital, reminded that even though she has a new immune system, she still isn't healthy like you and I are. She has contracted pneumonia. Currently they are culturing her blood to see if it is vial or bacterial. She has s mass in her chest, on that was being watched by her oncologist as one of the "spots". The Dr here seems to think it is not a mass but fluid. She was tested and does not have the flu, either one. This is good as she is one of those people who is referred to as having underlying health conditions.

So badly I want her to just be well. This is want she desperately wants. She wants to see normally again. She would love to work again. Most she would just love to be a normal grandma who gets to play, run, sew, cook and keep up with her grand kids. My Reese has never really known a Grammy who isn't sick. There have been times when she has felt better and could do most things.

We'll just sit here and see what happens. Hopefully it is bacterial and the antibiotics will do wonders. Hopefully the mass is just fluid. Hopefully she gets better.

Out the window the world goes on.

How do you know that you attend too many meetings?

2009-10-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

You attend too many meetings if your kids "play" like they are having meetings. Is that really fun? Landry had a complete set up with charts, graphs, handouts for her attendees, a phone and lastly a conversation about sales being down and how to fix that. They are going to include tickets in each cereal box that supply snack foods for sports teams when redeemed.

Together, Shane and I attend lots of meeting each week. Most for work but some for community involvement such as Jr League. I have often heard if you want to know what is important in your life ask your kids.......

Control-letting go....

2009-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am not sure about you but I struggle with control issues. I drive my children and quite possibly my friends crazy with my incessant need to control things. Ironically, It does not spill over into all areas of my life. It is kind of isolated to my kids and our schedule.

I am reminded of it whenever I have to leave town for work (it is usually during the weekdays).

As I prepare to leave I go through the week ahead to hopefully forsee events. I leave a detailed calendar, and I do mean detailed! I write each days activities on each day along with anything due at school. I also leave already addressed checks for whomever needs to be paid for the week, such as housekeeper, babysitter, etc... I used to pack Landry's lunches for the week and have them ready in the fridge. Outfits were laid out for the week for both girls. All this took me a great amount of time but it put my mind at rest.

I feel certain that Shane paid it no attention. There are a few clues as to why I think this.
1) On our daily call there are multiple questions such as, does Landry have soccer practice today? What time? My response is never, "It's on the schedule!" but I wanted it to be!
2) I also receive text messages with questions like, "What day is the housekeeper coming? UUUGH! "How much money do I leave her?" Really? There is a check on the bar attached to THE SCHEDULE!!!

This trip I tried very hard to let go. I decided that in all my travels he has never forgotten to feed them, MOST activities have been attended and if they are missed there is never a news story about it...."8 year old misses soccer practice" full story at 10!

I left a notepad sized schedule that said, Monday game 6 pm, Tuesday nothing, Wednesday soccer prac 6 pm, Thursday nothing, Friday Fundraiser due. That's it!

I still received calls and texts but at least I had new info for them and did not feel the need to yell THE SCHEDULE one time. The kids were still alive when I got home. They don't seem underfed. Not sure how they looked each day but, I can deal! I asked Landry if she took her lunch or ate in the cafeteria, something she NEVER does when I'm home. She said she ate cafeteria all week and she is still alive and said it really wasn't too bad.

Less work for me and they survived!!!

Our Farm

2009-09-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

This is the 1904 and 1908 Gladewood garden! A little over a month ago we noticed a vine growing in the alley back by our gas meter and trash can. After inspection we discovered it is a watermelon vine!!! Not surprising considering this is where I dump liquid things sometimes such as watermelon juice and grease! It had 2 small watermelons on it. We instructed the kids not to mess with it and we have been monitoring it ever since.

Reese came in one day with one of the watermelons and now we have 1! It is actually getting pretty big. The kids and I have been measuring it every few days. We think that next spring we are going to put a little fence up and grow and 1904/1908 garden with tomatoes, peppers, and obviously watermelons.

We'll let you know how the melon tastes!

My week in Review and a Fast Forward

2009-09-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

I am not exactly sure why I am blogging right now, I have approximately 457 other, productive things to do. I've completed 0 loads of laundry, there are dirty dishes on my counter and I haven't cooked since Thursday and I have a dresser to clean out to send to my sister this week.

I just feel like writing. Last week was busy and a blur all at once. Monday was my first spin class. Shane and I did it together at lunch. Before you get all, " how great of them to do it as a couple", let me explain. Shane has been working out OBSESSIVELY for almost a year now. He does it everyday at lunch and gets up early and goes if he knows he will be unable to go at lunch. I have been thinking of working out obsessively for......well since high school, 15 years!!!! Well Sunday he mentioned he was going to Spin class on Monday at 12:00, did I want to go? I'm not sure what came over me but I said I thought I could because I was working in town. Then I decided I could not back out. I went, I spun, I had a very sore butt!!! I have not gone back.

By Tuesday at lunch I was pretty sure death was coming. I ached all over and had a terrible headache. I was not convinced I was sick. I was fearful that my entire body, including my brain, was sore from Spin class. Once the fever set in I decided it was not SPIN flu but perhaps Swine Flu. I felt HORRIBLE and I was in Denver City. I drove home and by the time I got home my fever was 101. I went for my scheduled massage, no way I was missing that, then I went to a walk in clinic. A shot and antibiotics later, I was on my way. My next memory is Wednesday about 10:30 a.m. The rest of the week I felt great in the morning and then by evening I was pretty shot. That does not do much for housekeeping.

Shane had a hunting excursion planned for Saturday though Wednesday or Thursday. He was taking customers and heading to the middle of nowhere, near Ft. Davis. His cook backed out on Wednesday and I stepped in to prepare meals for the trip. Cooked pans of King Ranch Casserole, Chicken and Wild Rice and Crock Pot Fajitas along with the fixings for steaks and Frozen Lasagna. I will be excepting Wife of the Year later in a ceremony in the middle of Cabela's.

Soccer games have started and that is how we spent Saturday morning. No pictures due to the hunting trip and the camera was already packed in the hunting wagon....don't get me started.

This week is home study for me. I am picking up a new drug and will spend Tues-Fri of this week being paid to stay home and study. I couldn't make this stuff up! Next week I'll be in Frisco, Tx learning all about Micardis, exciting details to follow!

The girls and I will be eating all the food Shane hates this week. We will have fried things, macaroni for dinner and Sonic! We are excited!

8 years ago-How life changed

2009-09-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

The first picture is Landry at little over 6 months old. Ignore the picture quality. No pictures of Landry at that age are on the computer. (A task I need to do!)

The second picture is Landry at 8 years,, 6 months, 8 years after the first.

Yesterday, 9/11/09 was 8 years since our lives changed forever. I'm not sure why it hit me so much yesterday. Maybe it was because I spend so much time in my car now listening to Fox news or maybe I am just far enough away now that I actually realize how much life has changed in those 8 years.

Like everyone I vividly remember the events of that day and exactly where I was. I was teaching 9th grade that year. I had been sent downtown to an inservice. We were sitting in a conference room and the leader of the workshop told us what she had heard. Of course at that moment it was the thought of how sad that a plane had flown into the WTC. Little did we know how that moment would change our lives forever. As details came in we realized this was not an accident. Ms. Parrish, the leader gave us a little bit of time to pray and make phone calls. It is very hard to explain why but I wanted to drive to Susan's house and get Landry. I suppose it was a mother;y instinct kicking in. After I talked myself down from that I called Susan and checked in. She had one child in college and was doing the same as I was, trying to check in on her. The next phone call I had to make was to my dad. I am not sure why but I needed to talk to him. It was not for the reason one might think. I did not need protection or was it because I was scared. My dad fought in Vietnam and is as patriotic as any one I know. I needed to talk to him to check on him. He sounded awful and was trying desperately to sound strong. I remember thinking how sad he sounded. I cried for him and all the others that have tasted the bitter taste of war. I think I remember him saying he felt nauseous.

The next picture had always gotten to me. I cannot, in my wildest imagination, imagine what it felt like to be told that America was under attack. The most amazing, yet criticized part of this picture is that President Bush did not react. Much like my dad tried hard to sound strong for me, President Bush looked strong for the children he was in front of. He did not just up and rush out of the room. He said he did not want to worry them. We've all been told devastating news before and had to keep a strong face for our kids, students, spouse, or whoever. That is not to say we did not lose our minds once we were in private.

I also remember watching the President speak that night and feeling a sense of peace as he spoke. I knew that he had been praying about what to say and that we were going to be alright. As Shane and I laid down that night I remember getting up to do something I never did and still don't do. I locked the door to the garage. I felt this overwhelming sensation to make sure we were safe. Weird....like terrorists were coming through my garage????

I also journaled for Landry. I wanted her to have memories of the world as I knew it. I felt so sad to know her world changed that day, a world she didn't even know yet. My kids have never known going to the airport and greeting people as they get off the plane. They have never sat with me at a gate as I waited for a plane. They have never known their country not at war. Landry has seen the devastation to a family as they learn their son was killed in action. There is so much about their world that is different from the world I grew up in. The saddest part is that their world is now my world. I cannot remember much about the world before 9/11 except that it was different.

I loved the patriotism that this country showed for the months following 9/11. I truly believe if we always had as much pride as we did in those months we'd be a better country. I have stood at Ground Zero. I felt a feeling that I have only felt in one other place, the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. In a city of millions, it was silent. I wish NYC could get their acts together and get a real memorial erected. That made me sad.

I hope this country can come together and continue to flourish. I worry sometimes though. So many politicians have become more set on their parties' agenda then they have on the agenda for America.

All this being said, America is still the greatest country in the world. God Bless America.

A Family Tradition

2009-09-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Landry, Reese and Gran Gran picking peas

When Landry was 2 she started helping Sandy, Shane's mom, shell black eyed peas. They would sit on the porch for hours with Granna, Shane's grandmother and Caroline, the neighbor down the street. They were all amazed at how long Landry would sit and shell. She has always had a very long attention span. Putting up peas is something that Shane's family has done for years and years. Sandy has an electric pea sheller that her mother and mother-in-law bought together when Sandy was in high school(she thinks).

10 bushels of Black eyed peas

Shane was out of town this weekend so the girls and I spent the better part of two days in Stanton. Day one included Sandy, Granna, Pa Paw, Landry, Reese, Cody(a friend of the family who has joined us many times, she is around Shane's PaPaw's age), Frankie Jo and myself. Day 2 was a repeat of people except Amanda, Jeremy's wife, replaced Cody and their 2 year old Aiden joined us.

I really took time to think about how fortunate we are to live the life we do. The girls get to do things that many kids never do like sit on the porch with their grandparents and hear stories, pick peas, see how plants grow, drive tractors, play in dirt and spend the day with their cousins getting dirty and screaming! Sometimes I think I spend too much time thinking of the things I wish I had instead of enjoying the great life I do have. It's a perfect life but is any one's?

Landry and Granna picking peas

Vivian(Granna) and her daughter Frankie Jo shelling

Pa Paw and Aiden, Shane's nephew join in the action. Pa paw and I ran the sheller behind him. Aiden was occupied with the cat.

The peas were all shelled in 2 days. The peas are cooked and then cooled. They are then put into quart sized bags and vacuum sealed and frozen. They will stay good in the freezer for a year or so. I am not sure if they will stay longer than that as ours never last beyond that time! They are so delicious and easy to prepare this way. We put in lots of work for 2 days and enjoy the fruits of our labor for the year!

After 2 days we had about 100 bags of peas in the freezer and Sandy still had 2 huge bowls of uncooked peas to blanch and freeze.

Lord, thank you for the gift of family. I so often forget to thank you for the great life You have blessed me with with. I take this life for granted so many times. We are so blessed with family that loves us and teaches us amazing lessons. I am so thankful my children are blessed with generations of hard working, faithful families. Please forgive me for taking this for granted. My children will be blessed because of the faithfulness of generations.

Let the fun begin!!!!!

2009-09-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

From Tuesday, September 1st, through at least the first of march I am officially a widow. For those unaware, Dove season opened on Tuesday. Shane and Landry joined the hoards of people (men) out shooting on Tuesday. This morning around 6 something he and his brother and a friend headed off to New Mexico for yet another hunting adventure. They are hunting Antelope. I should follow that statement with saying that we already have 2 antelopes on our walls.

Here is a snapshot from the office

4 heads,not so bad you say.....There are 17 heads throughout my house. That is 34 beaty eyes staring at me everyday! We have a variety of animals. Ones from Texas, New Mexico and South Africa. Do you know what a nilgai is.....have you laid awake at night wondering? Well here it is

Wanna see the dining room?.....South Africa at it's finest. Any of you who know me, know that I in no way care if Shane goes hunting. In fact, it is much to the dismay of friends and family members that I NEVER object to him leaving. I decided long ago that he hunted well before I met him and to expect that to change is completely unfair and not going to happen. The girls and I have great fun staying in our PJs all weekend and going for shopping trips. Bring on the hunting!!!

My day as a "stay at home person"

2009-08-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a day that was a bit unusual for me. My company was announcing layoffs today so I was instructed to stay home and wait for a call. Isn't that how most people want to spend a day? I looked at it as a half day to get laundry done that I skipped this weekend and relax a bit.

I got the call early, about 8:45 a.m. I am still employed-Yay! Saying I wasn't worried is not a statement of pride. It is a statement of faith. If I have learned anything in this life it is that there is a purpose for everything that happens. Christ never gives us more than we can handle. I am very fortunate to have a career to fall back on, unlike many people who lost their jobs today. Even though you do not know these people, please say a prayer for them. Many families' lives were changed today. Some great reps are now out there looking for jobs. Such a sad thing. 5 of our 11 reps lost their jobs today.

Anyway, I now see what a blessing it is for me and my family that I do not stay home everyday! I have never doubted that my friends that stay home have a gift that I do not. Today proved that right.

Those of you who know me, I think, would agree that I am a pretty focused person. I generally decide what needs to be done and do it. I get annoyed when things don't get done efficiently and effectively. Well, here are a few pictures to prove that I just may have housework ADD. I told the cleaning lady not to come today, I had this.....besides, if I got laid off, I need to know where all the cleaning supplies are and how long it takes. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!

My lone accomplishment that is still clean, Landry's bathroom.

The kitchen was perfect, then dinner happened.

Yep, it is the "living room". I do have to say this is clean laundry that was somewhat folded at one time. Reese decided to help me. Landry added her backpack to the mix.

I did forget to mention that the girls were not home all day. Once again,. if I'm getting laid off I am enjoying the last day of Susan's house!! Seriously, that is all I got finished today besides washing the cabinets down in the kitchen.

Well, tomorrow it is back to selling drugs. I hope my inability to finish a task does not continue.....

First Day of School-3rd grade

2009-08-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Landry survived her first day of 3rd grade. Reese and I walked her in this morning and it was a pretty uneventful goodbye. She walked home with the neighbors, Brant and Riley. I wasn't home yet but she let herself in and called me just like she is supposed to. (Mom's phone did not ring and I was on the rode home from Odessa. I was getting a little irritated at her then I checked my phone....whoops!)

She was very tired but seems to have had a good time. She did let me know that, "not changed Mom. We aren't having crazy hair day or pajama day though". The things that stick with them.

Reese wanted to stay at the school this morning. She is really wanting to go to preschool but Mom isn't doing it. I figure she HAS to go to school for many years so I'll keep her little as long as I can.

Landry had to write about what she did this summer. Wouldn't you think she would have chosen to write about our week at Disney World? Nope, Great Wolf Lodge it was. I guess it is fresh on her mind. So much for dream vacations!

Last weekend before school starts

2009-08-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

We spent the last weekend before school starts in the Metroplex. We left Friday morning and headed East. We spent Friday night in Plano at Robin's house. We hadn't seen Robin and Andrew since March and we were delivering our crib and other baby items to them. It was good to see them and great to put our baby items to use one more time. (I forgot my camera so there are very few pictures attached to this post. Only ones I took with my phone.)

We got to the Metroplex about 2:30 and Shane wanted to go to Cabela's. The girls and I decided a mall was much better for our needs. Landry doesn't need clothes right now. After all, it will be 100 degrees tomorrow and new jeans just won't work! I did think she needed a new outfit for the first day. We found a mall and she found a cute pair of black crop pants and a cute top. She looks very grown up! (pictures tomorrow, I promise!)

While at Macy's Reese wanted and outfit too. I couldn't say no to a zebra print velour jogging suit. She did inform me that she was looking for "Rock star clothes". Where does she get this stuff?

We headed to Robin's and had a great night. I am not sure they (READ ANDREW HERE) are totally prepared for the never ending noise, screams, overall chaos of a child, or in their case 2 at once. Saturday morning, Andrew got a dose of Reese about 8:30. late in her world. She decided he needed to get up and be a lazy bones.

After breakfast, we headed to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. Robin decided to go with us and spend the night as well. The girls were so excited. We spent the day in the lazy river, wave pool, fort McKenzie and water slides. Overall we were wet all day!

Reese in the kiddie pool

Landry peeking around the corner at Fort McKenzie

These are the slides that occupies Landry's time. The brown bikini at the bottom is Landry.

Here are the slides in the kiddie area. The blur at the bottom is Reese.

We had a great time at Great Wolf Lodge. I highly recommend going there if you have kids. It is a neat place. I did realize that those of us without tattoos are becoming the minority. WOW, I saw a lot of tattoos! You wouldn't notice many of them until you see people in swimsuits. Speaking of swimsuits....I won't even go there!

School starts tomorrow. Landry will be in 3rd grade. I cannot even believe I just typed that. She is ready for school. Her teacher is Mrs. Kruse. We have known her for 8 years or so. We attended Sunday School with she and her husband for years. She is very sweet and an excellent teacher. We are very excited.

I will be saying extra prayers for all my education friends tomorrow. This time of year has become a bit difficult for me. I feel very left out and uninformed this time of year since I left the district.

Sleep well,

Billye

Yeah Landry !!!

2009-08-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

Landry started swimming at COM (City of Midland Aquatics)in May. She had never really taken swimming lessons before. They put her in a beginner class and came to me the next day and wanted to move her to another class. She picked it up quite quickly. She move through the levels very quickly. There are 10 levels. Trust me, they get very difficult. For instance, she had to swim 300 yds freestyle with no break. She learned all the strokes and had to learn those cool flips that swimmers do.

Today, her last lesson for a couple of weeks she completed the last stage and got her 10th star! Here is a picture of her getting her hand traced for the wall of fame.

They have already inquired about having her swim on the swim team. We're going to hold off for a couple of months while she plays soccer. She isn't ready to give soccer up and it is only 8 weeks lomg. She will swim 2 days a week to stay in practice and shape.

She is such a smart, quick learner. This was good for her. There were things that were hard and she needs to experience that sometime. Fortunately, most things come easy to Landry. I was proud that she hit an obstacle and fought through it. She is very driven and intrinsically motivated so an individual sport like swimming is great for her.

She asked me the other day what was better a professional soccer player or an olympic swimmer? We had a pro/con discussion and she seemed to be at peace that she did not need to decide right now.

Man I'm blessed to have such a thoughtful, great kid! Way to go Landry!

What to do with this child

2009-08-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Some of you have heard this story but for those of you who have not here is a Reese one for the books:

A month or so ago we had gotten home from church. I was doing the, "Girls get your stuff picked up...." bit that goes on here about every 17 minutes or so. Reese had insisted on taking her Bible to church so it was in the pile to go to her room. She picked it up and was "reading" it. I asked her what it said. Being her Sunday School teacher I was hoping for a retell of the story from that morning.

Here is what Reese's Bible said, "God is great, Beer is good and people are crazy". I tried so hard not to laugh and said, "no it doesn't Reese, what does it say?" (Still holding on for proof that I am an excellent teacher). She said, "Well, that's what mine says" and walked away.

For those of you that don't know the country singer Billy Currington, he has a song that says that line. It's actually pretty good advice.

Man I'm a great teacher! Her Baptist upbringing is working!

So Much to Say

2009-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

On an everyday basis I have so much to say and not always an audience in which to say it to. Yes I have a spouse and as much as I love him, he's just not a talker. Those of you who know him can attest to this. He grows tired of my endless rambling and I don't get the responses I hope for so it is a no win situation.

I am starting this blog for the 3rd time. I want to do it for many reasons. I hope to keep far away family and friends updated without having to make 47 phone calls and emails. Also, sometime I just need a soapbox. If no one reads it that is fine. I won't know that and I'll feel better.

Our lives are so busy most of the time. With 2 kids and jobs we seldom sit and reflect. There are so may firsts going on in the girls' lives and I hope to capture them. Also, this is a good way of keeping a journal, if you will of our fun, trying, emotional and great times.

Please be kind. I am not promising frequent posts. I am also not promising that I won't post too much. I don't know. That's the beauty of this. It is unknown,much like the sounds I hear right now from the girls' playroom. Better go!
B