Since Christmas Eve

Well, let's see. Since I last wrote, we had Christmas day at Chance's dad's house. Taylor got to go with us this year. She had a good time with her cousins. The sister-in-law's were both sick, so I hung with the guys and my mother-in-law. This year, I got some cool presents. I got a new skirt and top set - (my sister-in-law has been teasing me for months about it cuz she heard it had tassles!). But it was actually ok - has fringe at the bottom of the skirt - it goes to my ankles. Will look cool with my new boots I hope to get. And I got a pretty nice ceramic bowl for my kitchen and another sweater. After all the presents and food, we played games. Dave brought a new Pirates of the Caribbean dice game. It was rather fun. We played many rounds and I actually won a few. After we beat Amanda, Dave's 16 year old daughter, she gave up and I was left playing with Chance, his Dad, and the other two brothers. Couldn't believe I actually hung in there - they are sharks when it comes to games!!! It was a fun time.

Tuesday was our 8 year anniversary. Can you believe that? Wow - seems like yesterday. Taylor was at her mother's and Tristan stayed the night with mom and dad. We stayed in the Sheraton in bricktown. We saw Pursuit of Happyness with Wil Smith. OMG - it was such a good movie. A little slow at first but I have to say, that man deserves where he is today. Not many people would have made it through what he did. I bawled and bawled. Don't get me wrong ... it isn't all sad. You actually cry when the good stuff happens too. Afterwards I stopped in the ladies room and as I was in the stall, I overheard one lady say to another, "I know what movie you just got out of!" Everyone was all red eyed. If you don't see it in the theatre, rent it. It's a true story and it makes you very thankful for what you have and for your family and friends. And it teaches you to have faith in yourself and your abilities...to never give up on your dreams. After the movie, we hung out at the Hall of Fame bar and grill for a while. It was early. Watched some football. Then we went to dinner at Othello's. That was some good food. We told them it was our anniversary and they helped us pick a good bottle of champagne. We went back to the hotel and had a nice complimentary breakfast yesterday. They have really renovated that hotel. All in all, we had a nice stay. It was nice to have some time to ourselves too.

We were pretty tired yesterday. Neither of us slept well for some reason, so we stayed at home. Today the boys had haircuts and I made Chance take me to Factory Direct so I could get this $8.95 coat rack I've seen on TV. I need it for my office at work. While we were there, he began looking at dining room tables. We've been needing a smaller one and non-fabric chairs. Well he decided to go ahead and bite the bullet. So I not only got a coat rack, I got a new dining room table. Woo hoo - it looks so much better! And my new ceramic bowl goes really well on it. It is the first non-hand-me-down table for both of us. Now I need to find someone who might want this other table and chairs. Beth comes to mind...

Tomorrow, Mom and Dad are coming over. I'm taking her to Dustee's to spend her new gift card and so I can spend some of my Christmas money too. I think Dad is staying here with the boys so he can see Tristan's new PS2 and games.

I hope to get my hair highlighted again on Saturday. My sister-in-law does it and she has been sick. And we will probably go hang out with them on New Year's Eve so the kids can play and we can play games or something. I guess the only day that nothing is planned is Monday. Then it's back to work for the second most horrible month of the year. I hate working screwy hours. It gets our routine all freaky and makes me cranky. But I am thankful for the time off I get each year. So I will endure and remind myself how nice the holidays were.

Oh and another good thing that happened...I received some pictures of Sami and Levi and Randy and Susan in the mail. That was nice. Haven't had pictures of those guys in several years. Reminded me we so need to have some new family pics made.

Well that's all for now. I'm getting tired and think I wanna read or snooze. Not sure which will win out. Later dudes!

Morgan Christmas by Tristan

Here is his second set of photos taken with his new camera. Should be more tomorrow from the Eastep Christmas. I will have my photos up here soon too. I have to admit, that for the first time ever I have not taken many pictures. There's been too much commotion going on!

You shoulda seen the ones I deleted! LOL More later. I gotta run...it's almost time for Santa to get here!

Sanders Christmas

We had our family Christmas at Pat's today. Tristan got his first digital camera. I made this slideshow of his best pics. My apologies to the subjects! :o)

I hope you enjoy this. I'm sure I'll be posting more later! My cable keeps going out so I'm going to try to save real fast!

Pico de Gallo

Today, Chance, Tristan and I spent our day shopping for our last 3 Christmas gifts. We now only have 1/2 of a gift to get. Oh and part of what I got Moms is broken for some reason, so now I have to take it back tomorrow and get it replaced. That was a major bummer when I got home. It was my favorite part of her gift and I'm not sure they have another one. But I will find something to replace it.

Before we started our journey, we stopped at a new mexican restaurant here in Moore called Alfredos. It was our first time to go there and it was pretty good. They have fresh squeezed limeades and their dishes are extremely large. Had two meals in one. My meal came with pico de gallo. As I was munching on it, I was telling Chance the story of the first time I had it. The first time was in Dallas on one of my visits to Pat and Randy's house. I was a teenager, but I can't remember if it was when I was 13 when Meredith was first born, a "for fun" trip, or the trip I took after papaw died. But my memory of having pico has never left me. Randy took us to a nice restaurant and I was enjoying myself. There in this little dish was the pico but it looked like a cute little salad to me. Randy says, "Hey Brandee. Try one of those tomatoes." Without even thinking that this is Randy, the practical joker of all times, asking me to eat an innocent little tomato, I say OK and go for it. In about 2 seconds, my mouth was on fire. There was not enough liquid in that whole restaurant to extinguish it. He and Pat just laughed and laughed at me. Oh, it burned for hours. Now, as an adult, every time I get a chance to eat it, I do. I really like spicy foods. So today I'm telling Chance that I try it everywhere I go, but I have never ever found another tomato that has ever been as hot. As I'm talking away, I'm eating away. Then I grab a green piece of pepper and my mind is thinking bell pepper for some reason. I munch right down cuz I am talking and talking and whoops...I'm burning up again. Just as hot as that tomato. I guess I'll never learn. But it was nice reliving that old memory.

Well I don't really have much to say. I'm looking forward to Christmas next weekend. We have an event three days in a row. At least they are spread out this year. I will miss my family who cannot attend but I am thankful to be with the ones who will be there. I read my the blogs about Phil's visit and how sad he was. I too am sad about not having a "home" for all of us. And I get more and more saddened at how spread out we all are. If there is a bright side, we can sure try to make some time for us all to visit - a reunion of some sort, some time in the future. It still feels like home being with all my family no matter whose house we are in even if it is not grandma's home. I don't ever want us to get so separate we never ever get to see each other. Our central home may be gone, but we will be family forever.

Well I got myself a new computer game today. Chance says I need to wrap it and put it under the tree. We aren't supposed to buy frivolous things at Christmas that isn't meant for the holiday. But...well...I want it now. So, I'm going to go play it. I don't do such things for myself very often and today felt like a good day to do it.

Cya later gaters.

Santa

We went to visit Santa today. Tristan was excited even though he was shy once he got there. He did tell him what he wants for Christmas.

We are very, very close to having all the shopping done and the wrapping done. Oh what a feeling!

Aunt Beth

My aunt Beth came to see me at work yesterday. She is now officially a college student. Yeah for her!

Better Late than Never!

I'm thankful for the snow

Although I detest icy roads and bitter cold, I am thankful the snow came and allowed my work to be closed. Since I took off on Wednesday due to our family trauma, I will have had 5 days off by the time Sunday rolls around. That is nice. Even though the beginning of the week was not very fun, I have been able to relax, cook and get tons of laundry done. We have not left the house since the storm hit, but we are venturing out tomorrow to do some more Christmas shopping. Tristan will be going to grandma and grandpa's to play. He is very excited about that.

I was the one who got to tell Taylor's mom about her latest episode. She and I spent a long time on the phone, and I must say, that this is one of the few times if not actually the first, that we agree on what to do with the situation. That's like a major miracle. She came and got Taylor yesterday as she was worried about the storm getting too bad to get her today. They ended up having issues today and called Chance. He spent a great deal of time on the phone with them today. So even though there's been trauma, it's not been located in our house. It has been peaceful.

We've done a lot of cleaning and rearranging. Let me rephrase that...Chance has. I just took care of laundry and the kitchen and the cooking. He nests every winter. It's really kinda cute and actually nice for us all. We've downsized in our room again, and especially our desk. It is nice to have room and not a bunch of papers hanging over my keyboard. I plan to get to Tristan's room soon. I'm clearing out some clothes and toys for Caden. Hope he likes them! And I actually started my Christmas card list and getting the kids' pictures ready.

While looking at blogs, I realized that I never finished my video thing (like Sara has on her blog) of our vacation. I think I may work on that tonite. It will give me something new to do.

Well I don't have much to say. Later.

Lord Give Me Strength

I am praying really hard tonight for the Lord to give me strength in dealing with a troubled teenager. This week has been absolutely horrible and it's going on right now. It's all I can do to sit in this room and keep quiet. We are dealing with so many issues with her and with my mother-in-law. I wish I could put a shield around Tristan so he doesn't have to hear this. If the weather weren't so bad, he and I would be driving around until they finish. It's his bed time...I'm almost thinking of keeping him home even if school is open.

I pray for me to keep my thoughts pure and wise and helpful. I pray for Tristan to not be upset and affected by what he hears. I pray for her to get past whatever this is that is causing her to rebel. I am so upset and angry right now it is hard for me to pray for her. That is truly an awful thing to say and I am ashamed for saying it. Being a step mom is the toughest job in the world. Especially when you have spent 9 years trying so hard to fill a void that is in her life. I feel totally unappreciated and unloved and I'm not really sure if I want to continue to care and fill that void. I most especially pray for Chance. He is caught in the middle of so many things affecting the most important people in his life that he loves so much he'd give his life for them. I pray for the pain to go away.

I pray for peace, harmony, and enlightenment.

This and That

Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend! I know I sure did. We finally got our lights on the house today. Good thing the rain stopped. The tree went up yesterday, but we didn't get to put on the ornaments until tonight. There are some missing and we need to go find them. Tristan decorated the tree all by himself. We have about 4 bulbs on each branch. The clusters are very lovely. I will try to take a picture.

I have to say that after perusing all the blogs that I especially love Phil's last couple of entries. It was nice to hear from Uncle Phil instead of professional Phil. Don't get me wrong. I love reading the professional Phil but it's Uncle Phil I love even more. I hope that someday you can create a true Uncle Phil blog with all the wisdom and teachings I grew up with. My favorite being, "When you're with your honey..." I think I would also love to see videos of my Uncle Phil with his ukelele. Not sure how to spell that word. And don't say that you could never figure that one out cuz I know Chara could definitely get one posted! ;o) Chance has never had the opportunity to see an official ukelele concert! Oh and I hope you and Jackie are both feeling better!

Taylor is officially 14 years old today. How time flies! I think I've said that somewhere before...

We are in the process of getting Chance and the kids their Indian cards. Chance's dad's family are all on the Choctaw roles. We originally got the paperwork a few years ago, and just this year, actually filled them out. We are so on top of things, aren't we? Well after waiting for about 4 months, we get a letter that we need an Affidavit of Parental Acknowledgement filled out and notarized. We already did that about 5 years ago to get Chance's dad on his birth certificate. (If you remember, Chance didn't know his dad until right before we got married.) So Saturday, during halftime of the bedlam game (Go Sooners!), I have his dad fill his part out. It asked for his race and he put down white! His mom, Chance's 74 year old grandma who's addicted to the computer, gave him such a hard time over that. We laughed so hard. He's filling out the form for Indian ancestry/blood cards and he puts down white. And he's the parent who's responsible for the blood line! So after much badgering, he put a "/American Indian" on it. Grandma Betty informed him that he should put down Indian on everything, no matter what. He says that he's mostly white. I am so not relaying this in the humorous manner in which it played out. Let's just say it was funny.

Only 4 more weeks until Christmas break! I am so excited. My last day of work is December 22 and I don't have to go back until January 2. Woo hoo! Chance and I are actually going to celebrate our anniversary this year like we did when Tristan was first born. We are going to go stay in a hotel here in the city that's near the movie theatre and a nice steak restaurant. Tristan will spend the night with Grandma and Taylor will be visiting her mom. We plan to drink some champagne and this way we will not be driving anywhere. We can just walk to both places. We had such a good time those 4 or 5 years ago. Next year, we hope to stay in the new hotel in Bricktown that's near Harkins theatre and do the same thing. There is much more to do down there and all within walking distance. Wish that hotel was open this year!

Well, I don't really have much to say. Hasta la vista baby! (Oh that reminds me! Chance and Tristan were watching Terminator 2 the other day. I walked in the room and Tristan says, "Mama look! We are watching the Tow Mater!" Chance and I laughed pretty hard.)

I'll be back.

Yeah for the holidays!

As I read blogs tonite, I find myself compelled to write. However, I am not sure I can write with the intellect that Sara has. Her blog made me cry as I thought of my own feelings on her topic. So just bear with me. I am sorry if I ramble.

It's the holidays and I am so happy about it. I love the time off of work and the time I get to spend with my family. As Halloween approaches, I am always busy with planning costumes and school events and I think of the holidays with dread. Here it comes...so much to do...not enough time...no money for presents...doing our best to get to everyone's houses all in one day and make everyone feel like we spent a decent amount of time with them. That part is really stressful. But, I don't think I would trade it for the world. Chance and I have always wished to have the holidays at our house. As many of you remember, we tried that when we first moved in here. I felt like I was packing everyone in a sardine can. So, I will not ask everyone to suffer until I get a larger house. But I hope to host at some point in the future! And no matter what the worries, as the days get closer, I get so excited and ready for it. I actually want to cook stuff. And this year that want is worse with my new oven. I get it all together and stress over hauling it but I'm always happy to do it. I then spend the rest of my day trying to visit with the family and inside worrying all day long how Tristan is behaving. He's like his father and can't sit still. He's getting better as he gets older but he's never his cute little gentleman self when I want him to be. Why is that?

As our family grows, I do get sad over the fact we can't all get together like in the past. I really miss that. And with Chance's family, I really have a much larger family to enjoy. But it's still not like it was when growing up. But I understand why we are all in our separate places. So this year, I am thankful for technology as well as all the other blessings in my life. Without the internet and these blogs, I wouldn't know much about how everyone is doing. Before these blogs, I would get on the computer once in a while, with weeks in between. There's only so much surfing one can do. Besides I like to read. Email has been great, but who takes the time to sit down and write about their day and email it to the extended family? Not many of us...unless it's something really important. Now I find myself turning on the computer everyday. The first thing I do, is open all the blogs. I have found I need to check and see if anyone has updated. I am almost always disappointed if no one has. All I need is one update to get me through the day. Oh and comments. I need to see comments too! Now, I know my cousins. And as we all get our parents hooked up, I am getting to know my aunts and uncles more. Even though we are all separate, we are so much closer than we were before. Isn't that just amazing when you think about it? Of course, its' still not as good as picking up the phone and visiting...something I am very guilty about not doing. Mom is the only one who gets the hour long phone calls. But, by the time I can sit down and visit, it is late at night after everyone is in bed. It's too late to call anyway. She and I often IM rather than talk on the phone. Now isn't that crazy too???? So, my list of blogs has grown immensely. I am anxiously awaiting Jackie and my other cousins in Tennessee to get on board. And also for Sami to get Pat on this blogspot so I can comment to her as well. Terry....haven't heard from you since April! Dad...need to ramble more! I wish we could get Moms a computer and teach her to use it. What a wonderful blog that one would be! One to print off and make a book, that's for sure. Chance's grandma got her first computer at the age of 74. They tell me she never gets off it! I get about 10 emails from her a day. That has been so delightful.

We also have to plan Taylor's birthday during Thanksgiving every year. That adds to the stress but we pull it off. That kid gets at least 4 different birthday parties. What a life! So, I'm planning birthday cake for one event and I'm actually baking little heart shaped cakes for the party at my sister-in-law's house. On Wednesday, I am taking her to see the All American Rejects concert as part of her birthday present. It is going to be just her and me. I hope all goes well as you know how we've been touch and go lately. But I think her excitement will take over and we will have a good time nonetheless. That event will hinder my baking as I will not have any evening to do so. So I will have to get up early on Thursday to prepare everything. I think this may be one of those years we might not be as timely as we prefer. No snickering out there. I have been on time on occasion!

We also have a tradition at our house to decorate for Christmas and put up the tree on Thanksgiving weekend. So that is something to look forward to as well. I love getting out all the stuff and ooing and awwing over the stuff I forget I have. Chance also puts the lights on the house. Tristan has seen other lights and has been begging for ours to go up. He informed me today that Thanksgiving is here and we need to get them up now. I can't wait to get it out but I also am usually ready to put it all up by the time Christmas day arrives! Am I ever happy??? LOL

I am also proud to say that we have much of our Christmas shopping done. Other than stocking stuffers, we are done with the kids! Woo Hoo! I so love preparing for Santa and them getting up to find their goods. Taylor knows that drill but she still gets a Santa gift too. We put out cookies and milk and she now likes to drink and eat them for Chance.

Well I guess I've written way too much. I just wanted to say that I am thankful for my family too. I love reading the blogs. And I'm thrilled to death that Beth is home.

XXXOOO

New oven & a milestone

OK - here it is...the new oven. I am a new woman and have been a baking fool. The roast came out pretty good and I've made some cookies too. I got a new vent too as you can see:

My flash really reflected. Anyway you can get the idea. I am eager to use it but at the same time, I don't want to get it dirty. I made BBQ chicken wings the nite we got it and they dripped on the bottom. I was traumatized. But I lived. The door actually closes and it's so easy to open! I just don't know what to do with myself. I think I spent half my grocery budget today on things to bake. Oh and when I cook on a skillet...it's actually level! My food stays where I put it and doesn't move to one side. Now that is something! I had happy eggs this morning.

The milestone: Saturday nite, when we were getting ready to take the oven off the truck, Taylor asked if she could back my car out of the garage. She's been able to drive for some time...her mom would let her drive in their apartment complex parking lot and Chance has driven with her in the truck on his grandparents land. But I've never seen her get in by herself and drive. We plan to give her my car (if it's still alive by the time she can drive) and I will get a new one. She tells me that she got to back her grand dad's truck in the driveway the other day and that if she's going to inherit the car, she should practice driving it. So, I give in. There she goes...she gets in and starts it. Chance is standing close by to talk her through it - it's a tight squeeze getting the mirrors through the garage door. There she goes, all by herself...backing it out to the end of the driveway. It was dark but that smile lit up the whole yard. It was the eeriest feeling seeing her do that. I told her that she is supposed to stay our baby and not do such grown up things. I don't think I'm over it yet. I'll probably break down and bawl when Tristan backs the car out the first time. Why do they grow up so fast???

Well that's all for tonite. I'm doing last minute laundry and trying to get to bed. I'll write again soon (when I'm not baking!) LOL

Yeah it's Friday

I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm ready for a peaceful, relaxing weekend. Our work server will be down so I won't have the nagging thoughts in the back of my mind to do some work. Not that I would've probably, but I always bring it home and think about it. I started resenting working from home a couple of semesters ago when I thought about my coworkers not working from home and enjoying their families. My workload has been greater than others but this semester I got some other people to help out. It was nice.

Tomorrow, we are delivering a cherry wood entertainment center to Beth. My step mother in law has been trying to find someone to take it for quite some time. I'm glad I saved it from being put out on Dave and Heather's curb. After we take that over there, we are all going to lunch...Pat, Beth, Moms, Mom & Dad and all of my family. And we are NOT going to Pioneer Pies. I am extremely happy about that. The food hasn't been so hot the last few times we've gone there. The pie, however, is always spectacular.

Also tomorrow, I get to purchase a new stove. Mine is as old as this house, and has been falling apart the past month or so. The spring on the door broke and it doesn't shut all the way. I have trouble baking...I heat up the kitchen more than the food. It was a surprise that I get it tomorrow. We are shopping along with Chance's partner, James, and his wife, Paula. They need a new stove too so the business is buying them for us. That is very cool in my book. After this purchase, we have officially replaced every appliance in this house. The only thing left is the air conditioner but we have replaced the outside unit once. We've even replaced the washer once since we moved in. I think the dryer is coming very soon. We overwork those things. I almost feel sorry for them. Right now, I'm thinking a nice roast will be wonderful for dinner on Sunday. I haven't been able to make one of those in a while.

My sister-in-law, Heather, had her gall bladder removed on Tuesday. They did it on an out patient basis and everything went just fine. It is amazing that you can have an organ removed and go home the same day. And you only end up with four little incision places instead of one giant one. She said the one that hurts the most is the one where they blew her stomach up. The ones where they actually removed the organ feel better. Now that is just freaky. Anyway, I am glad it all went so well and she is doing fine.

I am wondering if Tina is still alive. She called me prior to Labor Day from the hospital and she was fighting another lung infection. I am not a very good friend. I haven't called her to check up on her...I have no idea how things turned out. I think of her evey day and usually do not get a chance to think about calling until late at night. With her being an hour ahead, I can't call by that time. I should try and email I guess. I hope she is OK. I'm a bad Brandee.

Tristan saw a story line on TV last night in which a mother gave birth to a baby. He had asked about her before and I told him she had a baby in her belly. When they placed the baby in the mother's arms, he asked me if she swallowed the baby. Chance and I laughed (quietly to each other) and I wasn't sure what to say. I said no and he said OK. I then began trying to explain how it worked but Chance told me to stop. Was too much and he was happy with no. They should have a book of responses to kid questions. How are we supposed to answer properly when we are caught off guard???? A little book that we can carry around in a pocket or purse would do just fine. But I guess God had different plans for us parents. We have to wing it. I guess that's what makes life so interesting.

Well now that I've bored you with the mundane things in my life, I guess I'll go and play some games. Or read. I'll let ya know how cool my new stove is.

Ciao.

P.S. They are offering a class in chinese on campus this semester. First time ever in my 12 years there. I am very excited and really want to take it. I have always wanted to learn that or Japanese. The only problem is that it is during the day. Would have to beg the boss. If they offer it in the evening, I am so there. I'm so glad they are expanding the offerings of languages.

Senior moment

OK so here's the pic that gave me problems yesterday. I had a major senior moment. My daycare lady called me last nite to remind me that she is having surgery today. I knew it was coming but I had completely forgot. I have no memory at all of her telling me the exact date. I remember where we were standing and talking about it but not that little part. Makes me feel crazy. So I had to pick up Tristan at school today and stay home with him. I guess I shouldn't complain about getting off work but I sure had a stupid reason to ask off. Chance is staying home with him tomorrow. I am so glad she called or he would have been left at school with no one to pick him up.

How about another?

Someday when I have more time (ha ha ha ha) and my dream camera, I hope to be as creative with pictures as Sami. I so love photography. Wish I could make my living at it.

Well gonna go read. Had a traumatizing day with a mouthy teenager. I'm pooped. Want to read and get my mind somewhere else. Hasta luego.

Where have I been?

Wow I just realized it's been well over a month since I last posted. Where have I been? Well just doing my normal thing. I've been reading everyone else's blogs but I haven't felt like taking the time to write in my own. I've been reading the blogs and then signing off to read books. Guess I've been more in the mood for that.

I don't really have anything profound to say. I need to sit back and reflect to see if there's anything noteworthy to say. We survived Halloween. Had a party at Tristan's school last week. I was a witch and he was the red Power Ranger. Mom and Dad got to have all the fun with him. I had to work the karioke machine. I know this... alot has changed in two years since Taylor was there. The parents volunteer now but they surely don't dress up. I think I was the only parent dressed up...the rest were teachers who were paid to be there! So next year, I will go as me. I think that's scary enough, don't you?

Last night we took Tristan trick or treating. That was nice - we did it fast. I had him fed, treated, bathed and in bed by 8:00. That's a miracle in our world. We are always running late. We were allowed to dress up at work yesterday. My office voted to dress in the 60's era. Of course I chose to be a hippy because all I had to do was wear my regular clothes to work. I donned my tye dye t-shirt, jeans, big brown slides, peace sign earrings, and I bought some really groovy John Lennon/hippy glasses. It was much more fun than being the witch for sure! Here's a pic of me and my best friends...try to control your laughter:

We call ourselves the Fantastic Four. Sunny, the pirate, and Janet, Inspector Gadget, work on the other side - Records. They didn't go with a theme. Mary and I did the hippy thing. We are a motley crue, but somehow we are best friends. In the back, that's Lesa in the red shirt and Michele, as the really cool mod chick, who are my fellow Admissions Counselors. I have more but I don't wanna bore ya. Got some more coming to me too so I may post more later.

Let's see...what has happened since I last wrote. We've struggled off and on with Tristan and his behavior at school. I have developed a completely shameful reward system to encourage him to get stickers at school. It has been working. So I guess that is good. He got his report card last week and he is behind in some areas. We need to work with him more. He's very smart...he just doesn't like to be tested. I could tell that on some of the marks. I know he can some of that stuff..he just didn't want to when he was tested.

Taylor's grades dropped and she is currently grounded because of it. However, she has come up in some of her classes. She simply never brings home homework no matter what we do. And she never studies for tests. It's catching up with her. I feel like we are giving up but we have tried everything. I've preached, prodded, begged and cried over it trying to reach her in some way. She simply doesn't care about it. I hope she grows out of it at some point. I can't handle four more years of this worry.

Chance is ready to move out on the land and begin his nursery. We have so outgrown this house. Well that is all fine but our land is in Dibble...not my choice of school districts. So we are at an impass on how to make this work without waiting 10 years for Tristan to grow up. I'll keep you updated if anything works out and actually progresses. We are pretty stressed about it trying to compromise for everyone. I think he's ready to win the lottery...He said he would buy 1000 acres, build a compound and put his mother in one house, us in another and my parents in another. About 10 miles apart. He's going to build a big fence around it and put a big M on the gate. I told he we would have to add an S for Mom and Dad. Then he says how about S & M. I'm not sure which is worse, that or Multiple Sclerosis. We'll have to get creative.

OK - I feel like posting one more picture ... but it won't let me post it. I've reduced the size many many times. Oh well. I guess next time. Talk about things that make you go AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

As I look at the picture I posted, there is really a glare on my nose. I sure wish I could get one of those others to go. I'm going to be on a mission.

Well now that I am really rambling, I'll go. I'll try to write again soon with something more interesting. Cya later.

Another milestone

This week, Tristan grew up a little bit more. I am sniffling just thinking about it. Since school has started, we have parked the car and walked him into the building. At first, we walked him all the way to his classroom and eventually we began walking him to the end of his hall, and watched him walk to his room. This week he began going in all by himself. We simply pull up in the drop off lane, and he gets out and goes into the building himself. I can't even begin to tell you how my heart stopped to watch him walk in all by himself with his backback on that first day he tried it. I think I held up the line so I could watch but they didn't get on to me. I guess many of you have already been through this but some of you haven't. It's quite a feeling and it really adds to my thinking about being old. AAAAAh!

Oh and he got a sticker today! Yeah! I guess bribery helps sometimes. Our first day to bring snack is Monday. I hope I get the right stuff.

Think I wanna go read. Got to tire out my eyes before I get those glasses! ;o)

B

It's official ...

I'm old. I just don't know how it happened. I don't feel old but my body keeps doing things that tells me that I'm not in my 20's anymore. Heck, I just graduated high school! Oh wait, was that actually 20 years ago?????? No way! ....... WAY!

Today it was all confirmed when I visited the eye doctor. I was told that I am extremely far sighted. I thought that meant that I could only see close up but he told me that I see better far away. Seems strange to me...I went to see him cuz I'm having trouble reading signs and things. But evidently, I'm seeing them alright. He told me that I have healthy eyes but "as we get older" our eyesight changes. He actually told me that within a year or two, I will need bifocals. I'm not quite there but almost. I told him I was too young for that. But, my mother reminded me that I will be the big 4 - 0 next year. OMG! Is that really true? I just can't believe it. So...this weekend, with Chance's help to pick some frames, I'm getting some glasses. Right now I only have to use them when I'm on the computer (so that means all day at work) or when my eyes are strained. But eventually, he tells me I will be wanting to use them all the time. UUUUGGGGGHHHHH! At that point, this vain, chubby, almost 40 year old, will obtain contacts. I just don't know about all the time. Unless I do find a really cool pair that looks awesome. Somehow I doubt that will happen.

And then to add fuel to the fire of this newfound oldness, my friends gave me hell at lunch today. They laughed and laughed. (Of course, they both are older than me and wear glasses!) Anyway, when discussing our trip to Dallas next week to see a concert, they proceed to tell me that I'm too old to go to concerts. I tell them that I will probably go to concerts until my dying day...I simply love them. Besides, by the time I'm 60, all my favorite bands will be dead anyway. How sad is that thought?

And more fuel, while we were shopping today, I asked my almost 14 year old if a shirt looked "ucky" on me. She asks me what "ucky" means and I say gross. She then tells me that they now say "Grody". So now, not only is she dressing like I did in high school, she is now using the same lingo. Don't we all remember the valley-girl days? So I told her all the sayings. I really hope I don't hear, "Like gag me with a dead smurf" again.

After 3 days of stickers and keeping his green frog, Tristan got another red again today. He even fell asleep about 2 hours earlier than usual last nite after grandma and grandpa wore him out playing guns in the backyard. I think he's not feeling very well...his allergies are getting to him. I gave him some Nyquil (for kids) and he's sleeping rather soundly. Hopefully he will try to get a sticker tomorrow. I told him that he could get a prize if he got them all week. Well that is now shot but he's thinking harder about a prize. We read a Jungle Book story tonite and he learned about Mowgli and Balloo. I've never been able to get him to sit down and watch that movie. It's one of my all time favorites. I hope he will now that we've read a story.

Today I was off work and I got to shop. I am happy but still need more stuff. Got some new slacks and shirts for work and a new pair of jeans. And I went to Dustee's...Oh my that is heaven. I LOVE that store. Been hearing about it from everyone at work. I spent an hour in there. Was very hard to pick something...I wanted everything. They have purses, wallets, scarves, jewelry and even tiarras! Got a ring and 3 earrings. That made me happy. Shopping makes me very happy. :o)

Well, guess I'll go rest these tired old eyes. Seems surreal I will have glasses for them in a few days. I'm almost anxious to get them...I want to see the difference they make.

Until next time...adios. B

My wee me

PS - A happy note

I forgot to mention that Karin is now home at her parents house. She is doing so well. The pneumonia is still there and she has to be careful about the hole in her throat from the respirator. But wow, if only you could see her. She is doing fantastic! It's quite a miracle...everyone's prayers really helped. This is another example of the power of prayer. I think this experience has changed her outlook on life. That in itself is great news. I am going to continue to pray that this new outlook stays with her.

I love the fair

Today was the day we took the kids to the fair. I am more of a kid than the kids are about it. I love all the smells, the lights, the booths, the food and the freaky people. I absolutely have to go each year even though by the time we get out of there we are hot, sweaty, tired, aching, and really, really broke. It is so fantastic! Why...I just absolutely don't know but I will go every year no matter what. I love seeing the joy on the kids faces when they ride the rides. And I love the joy I feel when I get to buy stuff...the past two years it's been the sparkly booth. Dig the sparkly earrings completely. Wish I had ran into my cousins, uncle and aunt (if they were there). It would've been nice to see them as I don't get to see them much.

I perused some blogs tonite and it made me think. I hope I haven't been too negative and revealing too much angst and stuff others don't want to read. But what good is a blog if you can't let out the stuff inside that's getting to you? Should I be worried what others think and write for my audience...whoever that is? I dunno...somehow that feels like being deceptive to myself. I hope that my family and friends are going to love me no matter what's going on in my head as I know I certainly love them no matter what.

I am dealing with alot of stepmom issues and I think it's all built up. Maybe it's harder cuz she's older now and expresses herself so distinctly and beyond her years. I just want to reach her and help her grow but it's hard when she thinks she's grown. I've been able to brush it off and go on in the past, but I think I'm at my limit. Just can't brush it off so easily any more. They say you reap what you sow...I surely hope I didn't distress my mom this much. Was I that much of a drama queen? She tells me I was the queen of slamming doors. Well I certainly don't remember feeling free to say some of the things that's been said to me and Chance, but I'm sure I was ornery at times. I guess I owe my mom an apology for all that. If I had known then what I know now, I wouldn't have slammed the door quite so much.

And then there's the mom stuff too. I worry daily about Tristan. He's rebelling some against school and I am so worried. I got a note from the teacher that says she is too. Out of 8 days, he only got 3 stickers which means he had good days. The rest of the time, he got yellows and reds. That means he didn't behave quite so well. He was grounded and by Friday, he got a sticker. But it was a rough week worrying about him. He rebelled against his homework and cried through it all. On Wednesday, I bribed him with tattoos. If he threw a fit over homework, no Scooby Doo on the arm. That seemed to work. He actually wrote his name without being asked and without help. It was quite a milestone. We were happy and praised him immensely. He seemed very proud. I hope he keeps that up.

I'm going to the eye doctor on Wednesday for the first time in my life. I think 12 years of working in front of a computer is finally getting to me. I'm a wee bit nervous. I hope I just need reading glasses. Or even better, I've just been straining my eyes lately and don't need anything at all. That would be nice. Hope all goes well.

It's late and I should go. Chance wants up early tomorrow and I don't want to set the alarm. Oh well. I just know very soon my rough spell will be gone and I'll have a totally positive entry. Sorry for my angst. Just got to let it out. On the bright side, I had a really good time at the fair.

Maybe next time I'll have the video like Sara has. Just need to spend the time to make one. I lost the last one I made.

Luv 2 all. B

I'm better

OK so I'm better tonite. I didn't think I was going to be as my day didn't start off any better than last nite. This is my morning with my 13 year old. I have to take her to school now since Tristan's starts after I get to work. Keep in mind, all of this is said with that "I can't believe you are so ignorant, Brandee" tone.

So Tuesday morning, I ask her, "Do you need any lunch money?" She says no she has some. I don't worry about it until this morning. Even though I'm still seething over last nite, I ask her what she is using for lunch money. She says, "I still have 50 cents left." I say that that doesn't sound like enough. She "reminds" me that she doesn't eat tray lunches any more. I ask what in the world she can get for 50 cents. She says chips. I say that maybe she should have something else with the chips, maybe even just a drink. And that I don't want her borrowing money from anyone else. She gives that big teenage sigh and says she has enough money and she won't be borrowing. And then I realize what I'm saying and tell her that I can't believe she is actually arguing with me about me wanting to give her something... especially money!!!!! Hello...what kid turns down money for any reason???? I stop the car in the street (I think we were at the stop sign in our neighborhood) and get out my money and force her to take 3 bucks. I am not going to continue to be the evil stepmom that doesn't give her any money. She can save it for college if she wants but she is going to have some stinking money. I tell her she would argue with a brick wall or something to that effect and then we continued on to school. I remain quiet but in my mind I'm wondering why does everything have to be so dramatic???? Why can't there be anything positive come out of her mouth in everyday conversation? I grip the wheel harder as I really want to shake her till her teeth rattle. Just what is up with that??? Heavy sigh from me. I drop her off and crank my rock and roll.

Now don't get me wrong, even though we go through stages of me being the bad guy/evil stepmom, I still love that little turd. Heck I've raised her since she was smaller than Tristan. But man, when we go through those evenings such as last nite, I can't help but let it get to me. I try really hard but it just goes through me. She is typcial in many ways, but in other ways she is just so disrespectful. I would've been black and blue if I said those things (talked as if I was an adult) to my mother. She thinks she is old enough to make her own decisions, knows everything and we don't know anything, etc. AAAAAAAAHHHHHH. I so wish that I had inherited that look my mother has. All kids bow down to it for some reason... I've seen all my cousins submit to it. It's incredible. If you've never noticed it, I'm sorry you've missed it. It's a sight to behold.

She and I are getting along better tonite but I'm not all the way over it. On the bright side, her grades are all good which is simply a miracle and hopefully this week's grounding will encourage her to continue to turn things in on time for full points. She has school pictures tomorrow so she is in the bathroom primping right now. She asked if I would get her up earlier tomorrow so she can primp more. Hope I get up early enough!

Tristan is still very active. He is tired today as the last two nights we have fought the sleep thing. He got a yellow today and I'm not surprised. He's running on empty. But he got a smiley face on his behavior calendar for yesterday. His teacher tells me he is doing well and participating. He just didn't follow the rules today.

I so agree with Sara. This parenting thing is very rewarding but so difficult at the same time. There are definitely differences between boys and girls. When I married Chance, I didn't know a thing about kids except that all my cousins cried when I held them when they were babies. How in the world was I going to be a mom to a just-turned 5 year old? It was really funny the first time Taylor and I were left alone waiting for Chance to get home from work. We both just kinda sat there and looked at each other. Neither of us knew what to do. She has always been so smart, so she decides to just go about playing. I decide to start dinner. But soft (isn't that Shakespeare? not sure why that came to mind) ...she decides to throw in a few challenges on me to see how I will react. I am so scared to discipline her because I want her to like me and be comfortable with me. And I want Chance to not be peeved that I didn't so I do. It wasn't anything major. But we established our boundaries. Time passed so quickly. Before I knew it I was doing the mom thing. Staying home with the sick kid (yes I definitely called my mom lots on what to do with fevers and all that stuff), enrolling in school, volunteering at school, etc. It's always been challenging as I am the stepmom whose been THE mom for most her life, but the biological mom has been there most of the time. So, I deal with stuff that is typical of that situation. I think I'm doing OK. I just lose my cool on occasion as last nite. But I find my way back to start somehow.

Then for some strange reason, a couple of years later, I just decide it's time to have a baby. Yes, the clock was definitely ticking by that time, but for some reason, I had that baby bug. It was time. I go to my doctor and ask him what do I do to become pregnant. He tells me that if I don't know by now, then I have a problem. Ha! It is March or April, and I am set to graduate with my bachelor's in May. We talk about the appropriate stuff, and then when I leave, I don't get my prescription. I'm freaking out. He says, I thought you want to get pregnant. I say yes but not right this second!!!! I have to get through graduation...how can I be pregnant at the same time??? He says, it's only two months. I say, but I just can't. So being the sneaky guy that he is...he gives me two month's samples of my pills and refuses to write a prescription. Boy am I scared. I go home and tell Chance what transpired. I don't think he was as nervous as me... he'd been through it all. By August I'm pregnant and then Tristan's here. I'm scared cuz I know I've got the mom thing down from age 5 but not that baby stuff. I've never been able to hold anyone's baby without them crying their head off. Even if the baby knew me. I have this picture of me when I was 13 holding Meredith. She was just born and we had gone to Dallas to see her. There I am with this sort of smile on my face and she is just wailing as loud as she can - that little mouth is as wide open as it can be. It's one my of prized possessions. When Tristan was born and he was put in my arms finally (seemed like I was the last to get to hold him) it felt so natural. He didn't cry and he was mine. It was such a different feeling and I knew instictively, that I could take care of him. It was so amazing and there are not any words to describe it. I actually could change dirty diapers and clean up puke!!! Wow.

Amazingly enough, I did survive the baby stuff. He was very sick with his asthma stuff but somehow I did made it through it all. So when he turned 5 this May I figure it's going to be just the same as Taylor. Was I ever wrong. Taylor was so much more mature at his age (girls just rule in that department). I kept wanting him to be like that and was worried something was wrong because he wasn't. But then after all the trauma with the daycares and stuff, I had to finally realize that for one he's a boy and they just aren't as mature at that age. And that he's a completely different kid who will have a completely different learning curve. Why should I worry when he will make it through in his own way by his own standards? He's just as smart. We just have to teach him and help him grow in a completely different way. So even if you've been through it once, the whole journey is just as rewarding but so different the second time. I've learned from Taylor about the things to get stressed over and the things that it's not worth getting stressed over. But I simply have to adjust everything for his needs and relax, cuz the ride is definitely going to be bumpy in completely different places.

Well, I've been awfully wordy tonite. I don't really have much more to say (probably to your delight). Karin has been doing so awesome and is completely off the respirator. However, she has come down with a touch of pneumonia AGAIN. But they think they caught it early enough and she has been taking antibiotics. She coming more and more to reality each day but still has a ways to go. Keep her in your prayers.

Better go. Not sure if all this will post. Going to get back to my books. I read Harry last nite, may again tonite. Alex is calling me too - I'm almost to the end of his story.

Cya later.
B

Tonite

Tonite I strongly dislike snotty, disrepectful, 13 year olds who think they know everything. I'm going to go read to get my mind in another world. I am hopeful tomorrow will bring a much better evening.

Sometime soon I will have some more positive ramblings.

Oh and if anyone finds a book on how to get rambunctious (not sure how to spell that word) 5 year olds to actually go to sleep when you put them to bed, please let me know.

So...do I go visit Harry Potter, or Key, the handsome man Sandra Brown dreamed up, or Alex, the mysterious man invented by Iris Johannsen? Maybe I should start a 4th book......nah.

Until next time.
B

Still Rolling Along

It's been a while. I've been working odd hours and we've been dealing with the hospital and getting the kids back in school. I think I'm tired. Looking forward to this 3 day weekend although we have plans both Friday and Saturday. Toby Keith's Friday nite for Joe's birthday, hospital on Saturday, and football at Chance's dad's on Saturday nite. Eat your heart out Phil ... we view on a 53 inch high definition TV and have lots of snacks to go with. I think of you everytime we are over there. I remember watching football at Moms' when I was little and all you guys yelling at the TV. (Smile)

I'm still dealing with many emotions. Lots of stuff going on with work - won't bore you with the details. Sometimes I feel like I work with high school kids. People spend so much time causing trauma over things that are just too petty to get all worked up over. I really don't know what is going to make me truly happy. I like my benefits but I dream of something different. Not sure what...just ... I dunno. Was looking forward to recruiting after all but it seems we may not get to as much as we thought. I will push to do so tho. And on a brighter note, I might actually get my office with a door back and I will still be able to see out my giant window I sit next to now. Best of both worlds.

Karin is back on an upswing. We almost lost her about 3 or 4 times. We FINALLY got her out of that ICU. Didn't think that was ever going to happen. She is in the Norman Specialty Hospital for her rehabilitation - she was moved on Monday. We are still worried about her. We just simply don't know if she will return to her normal self. Hopefully that will come with time. Her head is pretty banged up. Chance said that today she thinks she is at her mother's house. She also told the nurses that her grandchildren attend school right there in that building. She knows who we are but she is not really in touch with reality just yet. He is worried she may have to be put in a home. I told him it is still too early to worry about that. They told us she would have a lot of healing to do. I plan to get some of our new vacation pictures together and frame them. I want her to have them in her room so she will feel more like she is at home. She actually called Chance on the phone today. He didn't even recognize her voice it had been so long since he's been able to talk to her.

Tristan is doing well in school. I am so very pleased. He got a red ticket on the second day so we were really worried then. He got grounded that nite, and ever since he's done well. No more red tickets. He has had some trouble clinging to Chance's legs but other than that, I think he is participating. He got to be the leader one day and he thought that was way cool. His old school never let him do that. He was pumped. He likes everything but writing his name. He brought home his first fundraiser. We have had some trouble with our daycare lady and the school. I am worried we may lose her. I so don't want him to have to change another routine. It's too long to go into at this time, but I have been very stressed about it.

OK so my husband is watching Sponge Bob right now. No, Tristan is not in here - he's asleep. It's 11:15 at nite. Help me.

I don't have any update on Tina. I think of her every day. Have to make a point to get with her this weekend. She's got me all worked up over her situation.

I loved Sara's blog entry about parenthood. I have many things to say on that subject but I am too tired tonite. That will be my next entry. I can so relate. Maybe I will get to comment tomorrow nite. Oh and I like the picture video. I will be posting some pics with that too. Hope I get some quiet time this weekend.

Well I feel like going to bed and reading a bit. Hope all is well with everyone.

B

Mixed Emotions

Many things are going on these days and I haven't had much time or energy to write. I have many emotions going on at once: grief for Bernice, hope and prayers for Karin, excitement/anxiety over Tristan and school, and now worry and anxiety for Tina and her recovery from the surgery. Overall, exhaustion from all this and trying to work in our peak month.

I am so sorry to hear about Bernice but as Phil said, "Heaven is richer because of her." I did not know her very well, but my aunt Jackie is a wonderful person and if she was raised by Bernice, then that tells me Bernice was one special lady. I hope to attend any services that will be held, but I am not supposed to take off work in August. I have had to leave abruptly several times due to Karin's situation, so I am not sure what I will be able to do. Just know my thoughts are prayers are with you all.

Karin is holding her own right now. She is really fighting this pneumonia. It is as bad as pneumonia can get. She is back on the respirator and they have her knocked out until she can get off it. I guess the rest is helping her heal. They are trying different meds to see which one will get rid of the pneumonia, and now it is causing problems with her kidneys. They told Chance today they may have to put her on dialysis. I was telling Mom tonite that I have not ever seen so many things hooked up to one person in my life, and now they may hook her up to this. She has about 10 different IV's, the respirator, several blippy machines and another that monitors her vitals. It's amazing. We are praying hard that this pneumonia will cease so we can have her back to visit with. Tristan is wanting his Mamaw and if she can ever get out of the ICU, I can take him to see her. She will have a long road to recovery with the head injury, but at least she will be recovering and with us. I'll try to write more later.

Tomorrow is a big day as Tristan starts Kindergarden. I can't believe this day is already here. He has grown so fast. I've had trauma getting him in school, worrying about getting the AM class for his daycare lady, and getting with the teacher to explain his adversion to learning. Hopefully he will be using his best manners and will be willing to learn. Otherwise, I bet I get some phone calls. (Heavy sigh.) He has been ready to start school for about 3 weeks and he was very excited at back to school nite tonite. He was full of questions about what to expect and was very excited to get his first school shirt. He carried it around all nite. Hopefully I can get him to wait until Friday to wear it - they like to wear them on Fridays. I'll let you know how it goes.

And finally, Tina called me tonite from the HOSPITAL! Her surgery was on June 29 and she has been in the hospital almost all summer. She had a miscroscopic leak that they didn't detect after her surgery. Sent her home on July 5 but she never really recovered. Got really ill and she said at the point where she was communicating with hands cuz she couldn't speak. Well she got fever and went to her regular doctor. After an xray, they sent her back to the surgery hospital (2 hours away from her home) because she had a severe lung infection. They rushed her there and had emergency surgery. She almost died. I told her that if she almost dies again, then John should call me. She said he called lots of people and told her he didn't me. It's taken her all this time to get back with me. They ended up doing the whole surgery again. OMG! Anyway, she said she woke up in ICU and was there for a day. Was in the hospital that time for about 10 days - July 21 - 31. Something like that. Went home again and was doing better. And then August 5 started getting sick again with flu-like symptoms. She is getting the infection all over again but they have caught it early. She is in the hospital again tonite and they are doing a procedure to try to kill the infection. If they don't kill it, she will have to have the surgery a THIRD time. She is hoping to go home on Wednesday and go back to work right after Labor Day. So please keep her in your prayers. If she gets to go home (meaning the procedure was a success) she is going to call me with more details. She was loopy tonite due to the medication and gave me a condensed version. Said this is the worst experience of her life and they are very exhausted. I can imagine!!!! Max is missing his mommy, John is being superman driving back and forth taking care of everything, and Tina is just trying to get well. But during all this, John did get full custody of Kyle, his son from a previous marriage, and he is now living full time with them. At least they have had one bit of good news over the summer.

Well, it's late and I'm tired. I will try to write again soon. I am reading about everyone else when I do turn the puter on. I just haven't had much energy to type comments or blog myself. Hopefully that will not be an issue for much longer.

Cya.

Some vacation pictures

Too late to post much but been messing with our pictures. Here's some for now.

Tristan on the way up to Pikes Peak before he got sick.

Taylor in the Rockies near Golden, CO

Tristan and Taylor at Casa Bonita

Kids at the Denver zoo

I finally met Bugs and Daffy!

I have many many more pics and much to say. Just really tired right now. In the middle of reading Angels and Demons and can't put it down.

Cya soon.

We made it to Colorado

Well here we are finally...our first day in Colorado. It already feels like we have been here a week. We have 3 more fun filled days before our long ride home. We are winding down right now - we are in our Denver hotel room. Just got back from swimming and hot tubbing.

Our ride up here was eventful. Tristan asked us the timeless question, "Are we there yet" before we even made it to I-40 in OKC!!!!! A whole 20 minute drive. So you can imagine how many more times we heard that on our 12 hour trip. We went through Amarillo, Dumas, Raton (NM) and up to Colorado Springs. There is alot of nothing in that Texas panhandle! We got to see the big super Walmart in Dumas. Had to buy a splitter so both kids could have power to their DVD players. I must say, that portable DVD players are one of the most wonderful inventions in the world. We didn't hardly have any sibling rivalry other than Taylor getting mad having to help TC so much and hand us stuff from the back. It was pretty much a quiet trip. When we left Raton, there was a very extreme storm in the mountains. It was so bad we had to pull over on the side of the road becuz we couldn't see. We saw lots of lightning - the scary kind that strikes the ground - and hail. When it cleared we took off slowly and found boulders in the road. I guess the lightning hit the mountain. We were very glad to find the sunshine. TC was a bit freaked out and wanted to go home.

When we made it to Colorado springs we jumped at the first hotel site we could find. We were so lucky because it just so happened to be right by the road that goes to Pikes Peak which was our plans for today. We saw the Cave of the Winds first...it was pretty fun. TC was OK but he kept taking pictures of the floor. He thought he had to take a picture everytime someone else did. He didn't get a prize there because he didn't listen too well. But we got a picture that they take at the beginning of the tour.

We then ventured on to Pikes Peak. Chance has been so excited about this because he hasn't been since he was a kid. It was pretty scary at some points - that road is very narrow. But once we got past the tree line (I didn't know trees couldn't grow past a certain point) TC got very sick. They gave us a brochure that said some people get altitude sickness but we didn't realize how it could affect kids. We thought he was just scared at first but then he said he had to puke. Luckily I had bought some baggies this morning and he had to use one of those. Worked great cuz I could seal it up and throw it away but he was not a happy little fellow. He wanted to go home right after that which I don't blame him. We had to trudge all the way to the top and he got worse as we went. We walked in to the gift shop at the top and Chance saw a man getting some oxygen. I was dizzy and so was chance. He sat down with TC while I went to the bathroom and he said TC's hands were shaking. We then realized he was pretty bad off and that we couldn't look at all the scenery - after all that drive. 19 miles! A nice man took our picture on the bench and then we went back to the car. We saw another family with 3 small children and two of them were puking in the rocks. I told Chance to walk around and I would stay with the kids. So he did a little bit and took some pictures. I will post them when I get home. Karin is staying there this week taking care of our pets and house. She's called us several times tonite with electricity trauma. As we made our way down the mountain, TC slept and we tried not to burn the brakes up. Chance ran over a boulder and we thought we killed the rent a car. We got very lucky. That was in the rules in the brochure, but my husband had to do it anyway. We stopped at one of the gift shops and I got Chance a shirt that says, "Got Oxygen?" He said he wanted it since TC had so much trouble breathing - good reminder.

TC was pretty limp most of the day. He thought he needed to go to the doctor. When we got here, he laid down on the bed a while. We ordered delivery food and he ended up eating 3 pieces of pizza. After that he was back to his old self. Needless to say, we were back to threatening time out at the pool.

Tomorrow we are going to the zoo and a restaurant called Casa Bonita that has cliff divers. Should be fun.

Everyone has crashed so I guess I better go take my shower. I might try to write again if I can beat Taylor off the computer. She wasn't happy with sharing even though she used it for about 3 hours tonite.

Adios.

Vacation

I'm so happy! I am officially on a lengthy vacation. Not sure what to do with myself. And I didn't bring work home!!!!! Lesa made me leave my stuff with her. I really don't know what to do with myself. I am one happy chick right now!

Another thing Tina said

When I told her about Randy's wishes, she said she wished she could play some cards with him. I said me too - we had such good times.

Tina called me today

Tina called me today from the hospital. Today was the first day she could talk (guess that tube had been in there) and she was calling everyone since John had not. She was speaking slow because her lung has collapsed and they can't get it to puff up. So she's still got tubes coming out of her ribs. But they did the barium thing yesterday and she doesn't have any leaks. They are just waiting on the lung thing now. She's hoping to get all completely stitched up tomorrow. She might get to try to drink some fluids. So far all she has gotten to do is suck on a sponge thingy. No water or nothing since Thursday. Her hospital stay is depending completely on how her lung is doing.

She went for her first walk today as well. Said she had to have John carry her pole and stuff and she worried about her bum showing. She's in a lot of pain and I think it's going to take a while before she can move very much. She has to be sure not to sneeze or vomit. She has to tell them when she is nauseous cuz if she pukes, she will tear up all that work.

She was a little loopy too. She told me she was not... it was just the lung thing, but when she told me she didn't have to go to work this week, I knew she was a little loopy. She's going to call me back when she gets home. I am glad I'm on vacation this week (after tomorrow) so I can get her call. And I gave her Randy's well wishes and hugs. She was very appreciative of that. She said she could use some hugs right now.

Oh and she said the doctor found broccoli in there. She said she had chinese for dinner the nite before. Eww.

Well I gotta go try to do some work before my last day. So many things need to be rapped up and I'm so not getting them all done. I'm leaving my students hanging and I hate that. Oh well. I tried my best. At least I get to wear jeans tomorrow...woo hoo!

Until next time...

Tina's surgery

John FINALLY called me tonite. Hospitals are so slow getting someone in a room. Tina made it though her surgery just fine and they didn't have to do as much as they expected so that is good. She has a tube down her throat and some up her nose, so he said she is not too happy about that. Otherwise so far so good. He said he would call me back and give me another update. I think he was finally relieved himself. Said he got her there at 8:00 a.m. and didn't get to see her until 7:25 p.m. Poor fella!

Chance's Dad's family had a birthday party for me and Dave last nite. All went well and we had a great dinner. Got a lot of stuff I've been wanting...I'm going to smell good. Chance surprised me and got "us" Sirius satellite radio for my birthday. He was off yesterday and used our casino winnings to get it. It's pretty cool. I never thought I'd have a remote control in my car but now I do. We've spent a lot of time setting it up and I listened to it at work when I wasn't in interviews. Won't get to tomorrow as we interview all day but we are listening right now on the internet.

Well don't have much to chat about. I am trying to wind down - should be working but well...not really in the mood. Two more working days and I am officially on vacation. Oh yeah that's way cool.

If you haven't checked your email or Sara's blog...do so. They have really great family pics on it.

Well adios for now. Going to go kick back.

Yeah Baby!

One more week until our vacation. WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO! I don't have time to write much but just wanted to drop a note about our weekend. Friday was uneventful but Saturday we had a date night because Karin (my mother in law) came over to spend the nite. She was letting Chad (Chance's cousin) have the house to himself as he had a houseguest. So she said to take advantage of her and go out. We did.

Saw the Omen - definitely makes you jump out of your skin a couple of times. And I have to say that this time, Chance jumped a bit more than me. That was funny. Then we decided for the first time ever to go to the casino. We didn't have to hurry home for the baby sitter so we thought what the heck. We've always been way too conservative to go (or just flat out too broke to go) but it seems like everyone we know goes and wins hundreds of dollars at a time. We have some money put back for our vacation so we got into it. We felt so dumb when we got there because we weren't sure where to start or how to get the little money card. We finally figured it out and tried to find just the right machine. I was being conservative and playing 10 cent bets but Chance liked to do the dollar ones. We found these two machines in the back corner and played a while. Chance decided to start betting 2 dollars at a time and then lo and behold! He won $800!!!!!!! We were pretty extatic. (Not sure if that's how you spell that word.) So we switched machines and he won another $150 and had almost $1000 on his card. Then I won around $70 or $80 and I had over $100 on my card. We were sitting on a thousand dollars. But then the gambling bug got us and we kept going like fools. Next time we will leave if we are that lucky again. But we left there with $660 in our pocket so we definitely came out ahead. So another big Woo Hoo! Today I began the shopping for our trip. Had to get some shoes and clothes of course!

Tristan had a great time being spoiled by his Mamaw. He was ready to go to her house today but we have to plan it another time. And Leia liked being spoiled by Mamaw too. She probably will be so spoiled by her after our vacation that she will be sad when we return. On Wednesday, Chance's dad's side of the family is having a birthday party for me and Dave (Chance's step brother). So that will be fun. We have another family function on Saturday with Chance's mom's side of the family. And of course I will be on vacation for the most part. I do have to work on the 3rd but then I will be off until July 17. Yeah baby!

On a sad note, Chance's partner James' father is in the hospital and it doesn't look good. He called us earlier and is on his way back to the hospital. Please keep them in your prayers. He is having trouble breathing and has been indicating to the family that he thinks his time has come. I hope not for James' (and his mother's) sake. We will have to have strong shoulders for James if it comes to that. And I'm really sweating it because I feel I need to be there if it does happen as he is like family but I'm on that interview committee at work and the interviews will be scheduled this week. I have to be at both places. I guess I don't have to worry about it yet but I don't know how much they will frown on me for needing to be with James since he is is not blood family. Sometimes I just hate that I have to work. I will be praying for him tonite. We told him to call no matter what time it is if something happens. I hope the phone stays quiet.

On a brighter note, Karin and Tristan found the tiniest frog (OK TOAD) I've ever seen. He's the size of my finger tip. Guess the tadpoles are all grown up. We haven't seen any more. He sure is cute.

Well gotta run and wind down for work. I am supposed to be actually working. Maybe I'll get a little bit done.

Catch ya on the flip side.

June Bugs

I hate june bugs. They are disgusting. I never invited them to my backyard but they showed up anyway. EWWWWWW.

Not the Pox

Woo Hoo! Tristan doesn't have chicken pox. He had a "classic" rosatia rash caused by the viral infection. I am so glad we don't have to quarantine ourselves, although it would be nice to get it over with before he starts school.

Ashley is coming over to spend the nite tonite so we have to prepare for her arrival. I have no clue what I'm feeding them but they can entertain themselves in the pool.

Cya l8r.

Out of the mouths of babes

It seems I take too long between postings and then I want to write a novel. We've had lots of stuff going on. One of my funnies for work the other day was that I admitted a guy who lived on Nathan Lane. I don't know why that struck me as so funny but I guess it's because I adore him. I pictured him with a family on him like those commercials where the people are walking around with a person on their back. Weird for you guys...comical for me. Sorry to put you through that.

Our at home funny happened just yesterday. I was home with Tristan again...his fever keeps coming back. Didn't get much of an answer from the fill-in doctor yesterday but we discovered why tonite. Think he's getting the chicken pox. Poor little guy has spots all over him. So, it will be back to the doctor tomorrow for verification. Pray for me...I'm not sure I have the strength and stamina to go through this. He's fully vaccinated so hopefully it will be a mild case - but he's got them everywhere. Back to the funny...

Chance and his partner have decided to get an ad in the Feist/Yellow book directory again. They had one when they first started their business but they didn't get as much business from it as they do from the SWB yellow pages. And they've decided to try again. They've been dealing with this salesman that they say is a really weird guy. They had an initial meeting a week or so ago and agreed on pricing and content. The man needed a down payment and an ad draft yesterday and Chance was out on jobs. So he told the guy he would leave a folder on our porch for him to pick up. I was home with Tristan so we kept the door closed as if we weren't home for the day. (I usually do that anyway because I don't like all the solicitors that come by during the day.) Chance got home early ... close to 3:00 and the man still hadn't come. He really didn't want to talk to the guy so we decided to pretend we weren't home when he arrived. He did show up, get the folder and he sat in his car with it for about 45 minutes. We told Tristan that we were pretending and had to be quiet becuz we didn't want the man to know we were home. He couldn't figure that out and kept looking out the window at him. We were really wanting him to go as we didn't want to be trapped in our house forever. So the guy eventually comes back to the door and knocks. (We told Tristan he couldn't bark with the dog or get on to her. Yes, my son barks with the dog when people come over.) So the dog is going beserk, the man is knocking. He sees Chance's truck so I'm sure he thought we were home. He finally leaves. Later I found the folder with his comments and notes in it. Chance returned a call to him later that evening and they discovered they needed to meet again today to rehash the agreement. Chance had already planned to stay home with Tristan as he of course is not 100% yet. This is a long story for the funny.. but basically when the man arrived today, Tristan told him that we were looking at him out of our window yesterday. Needless to say, Chance was a wee bit mortified. The guy never said anything and neither did Chance. He certainly couldn't wait for the guy to leave tho! Out of the mouths of babes...

What else has happened since I last wrote...one of our new fish died. We think the nitrites in the water killed him...they got really high in the danger zone. The other 3 are getting big and fat and are finally used to us. They actually come up sometimes when we feed them. The water is staying clear so we can see them all the time now. Our lily pads keep dying - not sure why that's happening. The toads are still around. We have zillions of tad poles swimming in the water now. So... not sure if we will be overrun. If so, Chance plans to take many of them to the cow pasture or creek near our housing edition. My 3 main toads still live in the garden and while they were mating, absolutely didn't want me to "save" them from drowning. Now that that is over, they are friendly again. The other nite, two of them were swimming when I went to feed the fish. The one, swam right over to me and began hopping or bouncing as high as he could to tell me he was trying to get out. (The water level was low at the time.) So I reached down and he got in my hand and let me take him out. The other one let me too but he didn't "tell" me like the first one did. I know I'm weird but I really think I'm bonding with that little toad. He was out there tonite and didn't even run from me. I just talk to him like I do the other pets. Gosh, I'm turning into a toad lady. What's happening?

Taylor had a funny the other day. We were talking about concerts and she brought up nosebleed seats. Evidently she's been thinking they are the "mosh pit" section seats since people get hurt when they mosh. So after laughing hard, we told her what they are.

She also came home with a not so funny on Sunday. During the summer, she spends one week with us and one with her mom. We go back and forth all summer like that. Her mom goes to what I call a strange church. In my opinion, it is not my place to say one religion is better than another because ultimately everyone is worshiping God in their own way. I don't have to like certain things about certain religions, and I don't have to condemn someone because they believe differently than I do. In this church, they are very animated and sing and dance and pretty much try to make it a "fun" time for all. But I did witness some hands on "healing" and that makes me very weary of it. We can't prevent her mom from taking her there because that is a positive thing they do together, but I don't have to like what goes on there. Anyway, she came home Sunday nite telling us that their pastor was talking about "dead" churches. We asked what in the world is a dead church. And she said that it was churches who don't have a good time such as the singing, music and dancing they do. This man told his congregation that God doesn't even show up to churches that don't have this "fun". I so got on my soap box and proceeded to tell her that God is everywhere, especially any place that people are coming together to worship Him. I told her that I wanted her to understand that and know that what that man said was so untrue and unkind to other religions. She said she understood what I was saying and was just "repeating" what he said. Chance said that she was doing what he wanted, to go out and spread the word about dead churches. So, hopefully we got through to her, but it makes me so angry that she is being taken to listen to such crap. Again, these people are still trying to worship in their own way so I can respect that. But holy cow! That is so unbelievable a so-called man of God would say such a thing!

Well I guess I've written enough for tonite. I'm sure there's more I intended to say but I bet your eyes are quite tired by now. I'll drop a note if I remember anything of note.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 8th. Until then...