To Texas We Go......

It's spring break week at the Huston house so we took the opportunity to visit family.  We generally only make the trip once a year because of the distance and well of course Scott has to keep his job.  We decided to begin our trip on Saturday after a function at the church for the boys' grade.  We were to "set sail" at 12:30.  Scott had the idea that he could get in a round of golf in before we departed.  I thought that'd be okay too but reminded him it was a loonnggg trip so make sure he'd get back close to 12:30, no problem....

Uneventful is good!

So at 2:15 we took off and had a relatively uneventful trip.  We drove to Little Rock and slept over in a hotel there, very nice and clean, thank you Comfort Suites.  We hit the road again around 8am and once again covered lots of miles with little adventure.  I like it when the actual driving portion of my trips are adventurless, its safer that way.  We got to Grandpa's early evening and had a lovely visit on the porch, until dark that is and then we moved the party inside the house. 

Monday was spent just relaxing around the house while Scott, his dad and brother hit the links.  I think Scott shot a pretty decent round but he is still trying to develop a relationship with his new clubs so we won't judge him yet...  Allye spent the day doing with her cousins Halie and Sydney girlie things like taking pictures of themselves and doing nails.  The boys caroused about with cousins Scott and Sawyer.

Tuesday we took the boys(all 5) to Mr. Gatti's for a few hours of all you can eat pizza and arcade games to blow some money on enjoy.  We followed up with purchasing new air soft BB guns and yes even of initially I didn't remind them to wear them I did get safety goggles.  So once they we well armed and full stocked with ammo we came home to send them out to attack one another.  For the evening entertainment the cousin's Luke and Ben came over and joined one or both of the armies.  We finally got  to meet our most recent niece, Nikki.  So precious.  We had yummy, burnt on the grill roasted hot dogs for dinner and cake and brownies for dessert.





Ready to roll!!!



Wednesday my boys, Scott, Sawyer, Dad and Grandpa headed out to the Ponderosa.  What is the Ponderosa you ask?  Well most of you probably didn't but humor me.  It's a piece of property owned by Scott's dad and he has developed it into a family retreat area.  Over the past 10 years he (Grandpa) has created a replica of a one room cabin that his great grandfather built in order to settle here, G'pa's grandfather was born in it and lived there into adulthood when he built a house on the same land. This he did because as he always says, "It's important to remember."   He put in RV pads, built a pavilion with a kitchen, laundry facilities, full bathroom with stone tiled shower stall.  He installed an air conditioned bunk house that sleeps 8, added a frisbee golf course, archery area, volleyball, go cart track and built a bridge across the creek for fishing.  It's awesome and is a true declaration of love to all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  So yep that's what the guys did on Wednesday and Thursday.

Girls just having fun!!!!

While the boys we off being manly the ladies did what ladies do, we lunched and shopped.  We shopped in San Angelo on Wednesday and tackled Abilene today.  We got back home around 7 and we are pooped.  The men beat us home by about 5 minutes so we decided to just find something to eat on our own.  Grand pa decided on summer sausage, cheese and crackers.  I walked over and was awed by the beauty before me.  these crackers we a thing of beauty.  I love my crackers very, some may say overdone, but I love them very golden.  They have such a great crunch and perfect flavor, I almost died.  I too a picture so you too could see this perfection.  I do not however think that, even if you were here, I would share them.



It's okay to feel jealous these were perfect!



This and that

Is anyone getting the impression that this blog is not  a huge priority?  In case you were wondering, I have left a trail a undone, partially finished excellent ideas in my wake.  I hope to save blogging from that same fate.  I have just been busy, I always think that I will get this or that done when I am not so busy, I am thinking I'd be better off accepting the reality that this is my life and it isnt in danger of getting less busy.

Okay enough with the true confessions of a distractable housewife.  Let me tell you what I've been up to.....

I made a cool wand for the White Witch in our Narnia play.  I finished her dress, and passed on the crown creation duty to a talented helper friend.

I only forgot to fix dinner a couple of times and honestly I will remember my promise to make Tucker french toast tomorrow.

I made a Naiad costume, a cool Father Christmas, a pretty groovy Maugrim and unicorn costume.

I bought a new laptop(not because I wanted one)  and it has a groovy cool fingerprint scanner.  I realize that I am a technical simpleton but wow, how cool is it that I don't have to type in my user names and passwords ?  I just rub my finger over the little light thingie.

I am recently addicted to playing dominoes, its the ipod's fault.  I play whenever I am waiting for things, you know on the way to church, co-op to be over, pumping gas, Dr.'s visit.  It's harmless really and I win nearly everytime, apparently my ipod is a moron.

We finally made the time to play cards with the Z's,  we played Euchre.  The girls won handily the first game and lost the same way the last 2.  Not our best work.

I was having trouble with my laundry not smeling so good, it was problematic since I've been hoping to have a pleasant family smell.  A pleasant family smell isn't as easy as you may think with 3 boys who consider bathing to be a consequence for poor behavior.  Gain is the smell I was hoping for not sour laundry.  Turns out my machine was set on small load when I only ever fill it to a super load size.  I'm hoping we have only been running around in dirty clothes for a short time.

 

Tonight we went to Jack's first birthday party.  He is such a sweet baby.  We love him so much.  I love the way he thinks Scott's bald head is a toy, the way he says "ehh uhhhh ehhh!!!"  when he sees his family across the room.  I love the way he snuggles when he gets sleepy and the way he makes me appreciate God's handiwork. 

His silly momma said we shouldn't bring gifts and we all ignored her.  I made him some T-shirts and we got him a book to chew on read.  The first shirt I made in blue and gray and then appliqued a "J" for Jack on it.  The second I went golf guy on because his daddy and Uncle Scotty are golf buddies. The last is just an UNO shirt for the big one year old!

He likes shiny, smooth round things ......

....like balls and heads.





He really wanted to love the cake, I think we were too pushy.







It's been awhile!!!!!

I guess I have been busy lately, at least too busy to post.  Ever feel like you're super busy yet you seem to be doing nothing?  I HAVE been super busy and doing things!!!

Let's see, the last time I posted was Allye's birthday and since then there's been a Winter Formal, a GALA, a Superbowl party, a sewing marathon, and oh just ordinary life.


After Allye's B-day party we had a Superbowl party with some groups from church, that was fun, but really I don't much enjoy the Superbowl.  It was loud and rowdy and  very warm in the room.  I did however make some yummy guacamole....

Next up was the week before the Gala.  A gala, what gala, you ask?  Well the second annual Caring Hearts Gala sponsored by the Friends of Mid-Western.  Its a dinner auction to raise funds benefiting the children's home and once again God blessed us.  I spent most of that week preparing baskets of items to be auctioned off.  We had to organize donations, inventory baskets and create labels.  We had to finish up centerpieces, finalize scheduling and seating arrangements.  It was a busy time that was well worth the effort!  The evening was fun, relaxing, well attended and raised nearly $14,000 for the Home! 

The same night as the Gala, Allye attended her first dance.  It was a winter formal sponsored by a local homeschool group.  We bought her a funky red, black and zebra print dress.  We got  a red clutch and black satin strappy heels.  She was darling.  I almost had a nervous breakdown.  She had a great time, learned some swing dance moves and enjoyed her friends.  I am finally growing up and letting her do things without me.  

With her chums at the dance.....

I am also trying to get busy with some sewing projects I have going on.  I worked on the White Witch and Naiad costumes for the PATH Narnia play in May.  I made Allye and Brooklyn matching zebra print skirts and a Detroit Tigers t-shirt for Jack.  Jack and Scotty are big buddies so I thought they should have team shirts to bond over. 

 

 

 

 

It's not perfect but not to bad for a quick first attempt.

I should probably also note that I got an ipod so I'm all super cool now, I had the blessed experience of putting gas in my car for $2.06 a gallon(thanks Kroger card), on the way to the gala we were driving directly into the sun and I could unfortunately see that there were at least 2 unwanted facial hairs upon my face.  Instead of offering to stop at a drug store and get me some tweezers in my emergency Scott actually suggested that when we dropped Allye off at her friends house I run in and see if said friend's mom had some I could use.  WHAT???  As if I wanted to go in and announce to new acquaintances/becoming friends that I am turning into the bearded lady and I could probably get them free tickets to the circus if they played their cards right! 

Also of interest, when I scolded the boys for being disgusting boys, and said "You guys will never make it in civilized society!"  Tucker informed me that he didn't know we lived anywhere near civilized society.  Yikes!  So much work to do.... 
Valentine's Day was nice(still no flowers) the kids frantically filled out their cards and then forgot to deliver most of them.  I made a yummy strawberry cake that had some yummy frosting.  By the way what is the difference between frosting and icing?  Culture? Region?  Texture?  Density?

I learned that rabbits can't vomit and cat pea glows in the dark.  I learned that I still do not like being partially wet  or entirely wet if I must also be cold.  I have discovered that I will not die if I do not have a carbonated beverage.  I am very fond of chocolate and I also annoy my husband without even trying to.  I will not endeavor to improve this skill any further.

We went on a field trip to visit GE and had a great time.  I let Allye run out to the car to stash her coat.  A few hours later when I needed the car keys I couldn't find them, I stood in the pouring rain looking through my purse, I finally had to call her(thank you Kaytlin for having your ringer on) she said she gave them to me, I said "no you did not".  She followed up with "maybe they're in the car."  WHAT?  Turns out she was right, she left them in the cup holder, but don't worry we weren't locked out, she also left the door unlocked!  GAAHH!!!

I know my random and occasional use of grammar rules probably drives some of you crazy, but I just can't seem to help my self.  It feels less conversational if I am correct all the time......

Impossible!!!!!!!

I find it incredible that my baby girl is 14.  WOW!!!  It's true though, despite my efforts to stop it, she is growing up and before I know it she will be independent and forget her mom....  Well maybe she won't forget me since I will nag her to death if she tries but a grownup nonetheless.

Then......

......now.

We celebrated her birthday with a little party with some of her best chums.  I am very impressed with the kids she calls her besties, they are sweet and full of fun.  We did some hanging out, Just Dancing, Sock Hockey and oh yeah we also ate some poisoned food.  Well it wasn't intentionally poisoned and really 24 hours should have been plenty of time for the spray paint to set and not bleed into the food I put on the platter.  Needless to say her pals are pretty sure I am a terrible cook, unless Sharpie marker is your taste of choice.  She got all kinds of presents and after opening them at her party and squealing, she had to reopen them with me at home and squeal over each item again.

This kind of enthusiasm is such a precious part of her I wouldn't change a bit of it.  I often desire to be like her, filled with wonder and joy at every little thing.  I wish everyone could spend time with her and get to know the exuberant spirit God placed within her.  Since it's not possible for everyone to do that allow me to share some highlights.....

*I love every moment of being her mom from immediately after delivery when the Dr. with his crummy unusual bedside manner said "Take it it's yours." and tossed her slimy body onto me until now.

*I love that when she was 3 she called God to confirm my admonition that when she obeyd me she was obeying God.

*I love that as a toddler she walked around chanting "Happy happy happy."

*I love how she used to sing "You are my Suh-shine."

*I love how she said Fry Fries and Napnin.

*I love that she thought that while using the breast pump I could produce milk for our babies and maybe some apple juice too!

*I love the way she gnawed on her toes as a baby.

*I love how spotty she was with chicken pox.

*I love that her first sentence was "I smell chocolate"

*I love the freckles on her nose.

*I love when people meet her they say she looks like me..

*I love her willingness to give her friendship to everyone.

*I love that she cries with those she loves.

*I love that she still needs me when she falls down.

*I love how she used to say "Night night piggies when she had to put shoes on."

*I love how she can memorize movie lines and song lyrics very quickly.

*I love her sense of fun.

*I love her passion for remaining pure and obeying God's plans for her.

*I love her confidence.

Blindfolded makeovers

*I love how happy she is to be a dork.

*I love that she doesn't feel like she has to impress people to valuable.

*I love that she has accepted her training as a bargain shopper with zeal and enthusiasm.

*I love that she trusts me with her secrets.

*I love her gift of encouragement.

*I love her willingness to tell people when she appreciates something in them.

*I love that her heart squeezes for kids who have less than her.

*I love that she thinks our modest life is awesome.

*I love that her favorite music and TV shows are from my childhood.

Girl date at Starbucks!

 Fun with the brothers

*I love that she is who she is all the time and isn't worried about what her peers think.

*I love that her goal is to be a part of the fashion industry responsible for creating stylish and modest clothing.

*I love that she wanted her hair cut like mine.

*I love that cries if she discovers she inadvertently hurt someone's feelings.

* I love how she is constantly thinking about ways to do something for someone else.

So much more could be said and as much as I would love her to remain a baby, I am anxious to see how God continues to bless us with her.  She is sunshine and joy, energy and love.  She makes us laugh and warms our hearts.  I am honored to call her mine.

Sometimes my kids aren't funny, they're just kids......

I told someone this week that one of the greatest things God has done for me was to reveal that I am to enjoy my children and not just endure the growing up years.  It's true.  When my boys were small I spent many days just enduring, you know, getting through all the diapers, the feedings, the sicknesses, the messes, the impossible road trips, the training of bedtime routines, all of it.  Sometime around the boy's third birthday I just got it, I began to see that God not only entrusted my four babies to me but He expected me to be rewarded with joy along the way.  Nice!


That being said, let me be clear that sometimes things aren't so lovey and rosy.  Sometimes the delightful darling blessings from God annoy me.  Yesterday was just such an occasion.  I think I have mentioned before how my boys can no longer tolerate each other, yes?  While we were supposed to be completing our math lesson, Tucker and Landry were yet again engaged in a shouting match heated debate over something non-mathematical.  I told them to stop it, and they actually behaved as if I hadn't spoken.  I again asked them to show some self control; at which point,  I realized we must have morphed into some alternative dimension where I am no longer in charge. Seriously?  After having to explain the math concept yet again, I informed the 2 vile children that they had officially lost the privilege of staying home without adult supervision.  Well apparently being required to attend drama class with me is akin to prying off fingernails with hot bamboo shoots.  There was much weeping and wailing.  All that wailing meant I had to stop math and gnash my teeth.  Once I pulled myself together I then mentioned that although they had lost the stay home privilege they had yet to lose electronics, so either they could get it together or the DS was history.  Finally we were able to finish math, and we had to grab a quick lunch meaning sandwiches and then we had to scoot.  Well apparently in this new dimension where I am not in charge, Tucker can reject the offered foods and I will whip him up his own special meal.  Since I was unaware of  this change and didn't follow the rules Tucker had to melt down entirely.   Grrr...... Finally, we leave for drama, but acceptance of their fate was not part of the plan.  The boys launched a campaign to convince me that I was wildly unfair in my consequences.  They tried to assure me that they never fight when I am gone.  I asked them to give me some good reasons(any good reason) why I should believe that since they couldn't quit fighting when they were in FRONT of me.  The only thing they could say was we promise we don't.  I once again repeated the challenge to give me a reason to believe them.  After a few moments thought, Landry in all seriousness gave me the best he had,  "Mom, we're not allowed to lie."  .......sigh......

Have I Told You Lately.................

Tonight our beautiful sweet daughter wanted us to have a nice romantic dinner.  She coerced convinced her brothers into helping out.  We were told only that we had to stay out of sight from 4-6, yes I hated that.  That meant that from 4pm until 6pm I had to lay on my bed and read a book.  Earlier in the day Allye picked out a nice outfit for me and Scott to wear, she even selected jewelry for me.

At the appointed time we were called to the dining room, where we were greeted by four servers with dazzling smiles, think "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast.
Allye had her hands full getting the boys in line but she managed to get them  to dress up a bit.  Tucker wore a blue striped shirt with a yellow and blue tie and jeans.  Landry went with a red black plaid shirt, black pants and a red and blue striped tie.  Ash went with the old stand-by of green shirt with camo PJ pants.  I think I heard it cost Allye a dollar or two to get him that dressed up.  They were set up with towels over the arm and everything.


We were served ceasar salads first with french bread and saltines (the darkest ones available).  Lasagna was next, it was very tasty and I only had to send it back for reheating once.  During the lasagna course, our servers were very attentive,  Landry even walked over and offered me the towel on his arm for wiping my mouth.  They even made sure there were no awkward silences.  Allye tried to get the boys to take the hint about quietly standing by and giving us our time together.  The way the boys interpreted this was to say, "Mam, Sir would you care for your waiters to converse with you today?"  Of course we said yes and the first thing Tucker said was "You may admire my shoes."  He had very kindly worn his church shoes.....

After dinner we were escorted into the living room for dancing.   It was very romantically lit with every light in the room on, we turned some off and I could hear them whispering, "Man we just turned those on!"  They "left" us alone to dance although we could see them peeking around the corner.  They found it all very amusing.  After some slow dancing, the DJ went for some upbeat music and all six of us danced together.

Next up we were sent to our room to get our jammies on, so of course we did.  When we returned to the living room it was arranged for cozy movie watching, snuggies were laid out, brownies were in the oven and the Princess Bride was set to play.  We were brought beverages during the movie and as required we were each brought our anti-inflammatory of choice and ice packs for our bum shoulders.  A more romantic evening I couldn't ask for!

This is probably more than you bargained for.....

I bet many of you think I am just a regular, ordinary, occasionally moody run of the mill female.  Yep you're wrong.  I am more along the lines of neurotic, obsessive and often moody.  This week has been a real challenge for me but honestly I am managing because I am blessed to be important enough to some strong women who will stay on their knees and pray me out of whatever funk I may find myself in.

You know that feeling when you are planning for summer camp and you have to consider lice?  Immediately
your head starts to itch and your skin does a little crawly dance all over you body.  Well that is the reaction I have to many situations I am presented with.  Not the itching or dancing skin but say for example, your in a CPR class and stroke is the topic of discussion, I may briefly, theoretically experience some symptoms. Through the course of said CPR/First Aid training, in addition to the stroke I recovered from shock, rabies and heart attack. It was a rough week.

So as luck would have it I have been working on my commitment to stop drinking pop, and get healthy.  As luck would not have it I became overly anxious about getting winded on a walk.  That of course led me to the natural conclusion that I might be having heart problems.  So I started taking an inventory of all the important body parts.  Not giant chest pain, oh wait was that a ache in my shoulder?  Is my neck hurting?  what's with the heartburn?  So I took some tums, pepto and sinus meds(maybe that's why I was winded, couldn't breathe).  I survived the night but by mid morning I was insane again.

I had to run Allye around and a meeting in the afternoon.  Scott went along with me and I began confessing to him all the ridiculous thoughts I had been having.  I told him about the tums and Pepto and then I told him that earlier I bought aspirin, icy hot and tweezers.  He was just great he was understanding and loving, he just listened.  Then he said, "Tweezers?"  He couldn't fathom where they fit into  my self diagnosis.  It was at this point I burst into tears as I had to explain that because I am now old sometimes I have an unwanted hair on my chin and the pluckable lighting is so fantastic in the car.   It was lowering..... 

 TMI ahead.......


Now after days of this sort of mind twisting anxiety,imagine my distress when the next day after that coffee kicks in and I visit the little girls room where I find that  my pooh is a horrible shade of near black(everybody looks!).  That nearly caused  those heart problems I was fretting about.  Turns out this can be caused by intestinal bleeding or yes that's right, Pepto!  So hopefully my tummy wont hurt because Alka Seltzer is yucky!!

Just because satan likes to mess with my mind, I will not allow him to rule it.  Love to you all.