Cuz You're My Best Friend

Tanner and Mason. Double trouble to say the least! Those two are hilarious together. Today, Billy and Ty went to do something with the cows, again, I'm a city slicker. So anyway, he opted to leave the two little boys with me. They are in the other room just being their own funny selves.

I heard Tanner say, while playing NBA on PS3, "When in the world is half-time? I am starving!" Then Mason informed him that you could just press pause. So away they go to the kitchen. Tanner grabbed a leftover cookie and Mason says, "Tanner! We should eat real food, like chips." I've done well with them and the food pyramid haven't I? Tanner agreed and went to the pantry with Mason. They were discussing what nutrional food to partake in and I heard Tanner say, "No, not that. We need MAN food. Turn on the light so I can see what to eat." Mason: "Real men don't need lights!" Tanner: "Well, I've only been a man for a little while (he's 5) and I still am a little scared of the dark. Now, turn on the man lights!" Where do they come up with this stuff?!

Billy had them one day at the farm this week and whatever Tanner doesn't eat, Mason usually is there to pick up the scraps. While eating the leftovers, he tells Billy, "Dad? You know how King Cobras were basically born to kill? Well, I was born to eat!" I foresee a Dr. Phil episode with us as the subject. Oh, I kid!

One more Mason story. My brother gave him a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble, his 2nd favorite store right under HEB, our local grocery store. (His words, not mine) Sadly, I dreaded taking him to use this gift card, only because I knew it would be about an hour to two hour trip. We clocked in at 54 minutes! Not bad! We were all helping him try to make a decision by suggesting books, topics, etc. We were quickly informed that he's sticking to non-fiction since he's turning 8 next week. Excuse us! Billy suggested a book all about snakes. Mason asked the author and then promptly said, "Gale Gibbins. No, I'm done reading his books." He ended up with a book about Gems (DK publishing) because he's "seriously thinking about being a gemologist."

I really need to meet this kid's parents someday. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! Right now, just happy being these funny kid's mommy.

Christmas 07

We had a wonderful Christmas! Everyone was was well and excited to be out of school and Billy is off of work for the next week and a half. As usual, I put alot of thought into the gifts purchased. Now, I am reaping the benefits/regrets of those decisions.

Example 1: Ty asked for a guitar. So we got him the guitar and my mom offered to pay for the lessons. Great! Only draw back is he wakes up, grabs up the guitar, still in PJ's and sits on the couch and strums out random tunes. I must be PMSing, but it's driving me loco! Later Christmas night, we all piled into the truck to go see Christmas lights. That little booger is fast! He brought it along to play us music while we drove. I love the ambition, but I'm gonna smash it like a rockstar soon I fear!!!!!!

Example 2: Tanner and Mason asked for those mini Ipods. Now they walk around with earphones in their ears and can't hear me yelling over the guitar for them to come eat lunch. But the cute part is hearing them sing real loud while playing with Legos or riding in the car. You've heard the expression "Sing like there's no one listening." Yep, that's their motto and I love it!
They both also got cute, navy and green tartan plaid robes from Nana. Now they are walking around in PJs and a robe. So Hugh Hefner.

Example 3: Billy. Hard-working, sweetest man on earth, Billy. He wanted a PS3. So I went ahead and got him that. Only that! Then Christmas morning's paper had sales ads galore, and they had THE game he bought this system for on sale for 30 dollars off! So at 6am his alarm goes off and away he goes to Target. He comes home and hour and a half later with his game and $89.76 in Christmas lights. Remember the for-mentioned "go look at lights with the guitar" scenario? Well, he was inspired to say the least. I cringe for our electric bill next December. Only regret is that he is on that crazy PS3 with all kinds of other people playing. I don't get it, don't want to get it, but I do know that I have the bedroom TV all to myself for awhile!

Now for me. I know that this will be lame to most, but Billy bought me a laptop! I'm in love!!!! Now I can be in my bed with the computer?? Who knew! I learned a good lesson. Don't tell everyone you're favorite candle. My MIL has not ever listened to a word I say and somehow she heard me say which is my favorite candle. I did tell my mom that I needed a new one and Tanner heard Mommy say it to her. So guess what? I have 3 Tyler "Diva" candles. One in the kitchen, one in my bedroom and one in the closet for when these burn out. So here I am, in my bed, cozy in PJ's, typing and smelling my yummy Diva candles. Too bad I'm not a Diva or it would all be perfect.

Hope ya'll had a wonderful Christmas~

Jolly Ole' St. Nick

We had our annual Breakfast with Santa this weekend and here we are huddled around the "18 year old" Santa. He did such a great job.

We all go in our PJ's and eat breakfast, sing songs, crafts, ya know, stuff like that. I voluntered to take all the pictures with Santa which I heart. I just love seeing those sweet babies and their first Christmas or the screaming ones because they are scared to death! Like this darling. Poor Kourtney! She fully recovered. Don't worry about her!

Friday was my #35 birthday. And Tanner had his sweet Christmas program. He was one of the wisemen.
He was so proud to be more than just livestock this year.

So, we are festive and ready for all the parties to begin. 3 this week! Then we are out of school for a long time. It should be nice sleeping in. And by sleeping in I mean 7am. Why don't those boys get the concept of sleeping? I usually wake up if I hear the oven, microwave or the front door open. Until then, I stay snug as a bug in a rug until someone needs assistance. Ty and Mason took cooking classes this summer and they are pretty sure they are the next Emeril. Bam! They got the bam part right. So if I hear the preheated oven noise, I fly out of that bed. It's hard to get mad when they say, "We were making you breakfast in bed." Awe!

October Air in SA....finally!

Well, it's about time for some cooler weather in good ole' Texas. Why is it that everywhere else has on a sweater and I still go to the pool with the boys? Finally, it's 70*. Gotta love South Texas.

Lots have been going on. Mason is a self-proclaimed 'slugger' at baseball. Our wonderful coach gives the game ball every game to a player. Mason finally got his last week. Don't get me wrong, I love it when my boys pray and especially when they decide to pray without my prompting. But Tanner, every single game we hear "Dear God, PLEASE let Mason hit that ball SO hard that he will get that game ball TODAY GOD!" (said with the most dramatic 5 year old voice). then Mason will say, "Tanner! Don't say that. That makes me nervous and I might strike out."


Tanner and Ty are now into racing BMX. Cracks me up to see that little guy peddling as fast as he can with his huge helmet.
Yet another potential bone-breaking sport to participate in. Such is my life with boys and lots of prayer!

My friend Chasity just started her photography business and she took our family pictures this week. Imagine 3 boys, outside (90*+), hungry, at the Witte Museum with ducks. Despite all the elements, there were actually some great shots! Says alot of her talent. To break up the testosterone, she brought me a tiara to wear while all the boys and Billy gave me kisses. So cute. I love different shots. You can see some of them if you go to her blog from her website. If you live in San Antonio, give her a call. She rocks!

Off to the ballpark AGAIN. At least this time, we won't sweat to death due us part.

Bedtime Song

This is too funny! Thanks to my friend Addie who sent it to me.

HSM2

Tonight was party time at the K house. Complete with Papa J's pizza, no limit Dr Pepper, popcorn, movie box candy from Walgreens and channel 302 cranked baby! That's right, High School Musical 2 was in full effect tonight. I'm a sucker for a song and dance. Thank goodness for the sturdy coffee table because I am notorious for getting up and getting down on the funky town table. Poor kids don't know that most parents are NOT this weird. They don't even flinch when I get funky. Don't even put on Cha Cha slide. I can't contain myself. I usually keep that one in the kitchen to add a little "bam" while I'm cooking dinner.

We had a great time tonight. After cluing Billy in on what all the buzz was about, he really enjoyed the movie too. Should I be worried? Nah! He's just a great dad. The only one who wouldn't participate was Ty. Even though I did see him sneaking a peek around the corner. I know he really liked HSM1, but his reason for not watching 2 was because back then, "he was in 4th grade, 5th grade is totally different". Whatev! But being a 5th grader won't stop him from watching a new episode of Hannah Montana. Can you say crush?!?! She is adorable though. I just hope she doesn't break his heart, his achy, breaky heart. Sorry! That was bad, but unavoidable. Speaking of Hannah, the other night I was putting Tanner to bed and broke out with "You get the best of both worlds. Chillin' out, take it slow. Then I rock out the show." (at the top of my lungs) Tanner just looked at me with not so much as a grin on his face and said, "Why are you like this?" Stop! I'm funny! In some circles.... Gotta go learn some new HSM2 dances...I DVR'd it~ he he he. Already have the soundtrack.

My Baby is 5

My baby Tanner is 5 and big! I hate it. Sunday morning during church, Tanner was in my lap and Billy whispered "I am sad that he's almost too big to sit in our lap." Then I saw him with a tear in his eye. But we both agree that we are not interested in having any more. So I'll just clear that up now.

Here are 5 wonderful reasons why Tanner is Da Bomb!
1. he loves his family with all his heart
2. he cracks us all up. he is our little comedian
3. he would do anything for his 'best friend in the whole werold', his momma
4. he still wants to sit in my lap during church
5. he's just plain adorable, loving and precious

Happy Birthday Luke! we love you!

We got to go on vacation last week to South Llano state park. SO FUN! The highest temperature was 75 at 3pm. It only rained 1 day and the boys would tell you it was the funnest day there.They got to ride their bikes in the rain and mud with all the other kids in the park, so rain was good. Here are some pics of this great place.
notice the sign and Tanner running towards it.
The water was great. We went tubing, the boy's first time.

There was a canopy of HUGE pecan trees. So pretty.

Mason is allergic to anything outside. Nothing a little Benedryl won't fix. Excuse the dramatic photo. He perked up when we made smores.

Funny story, the last night, we (the boys) had eaten up all the food we brought, so we went into town to Sonic. On the one way in/out road was the park ranger with a flashlight on the bridge. We didn't think anything of it, went around him and headed to our trailer. Well, his wife was at the campsite and said the river will be up in 2 hours and we had until then to pack up and get out or stay for the next 2-3 days until the water goes down IF the rain stops. Um, we'll go. We had NO food, well maybe a can of ranch style beans and some grapes and no more clean clothes...we were leaving in the morning. Now, if you know me, you know that I am pretty much useless after 9pm and it was 9:45pm. Mind you, Billy's arm is still broke and I am from the city, camping is fun, but don't ask me to set up a travel trailer. Clueless! But we packed up a campsite,in the pitch black darkness, hooked up a 30 foot travel trailer and got out of there in under 1 hour. We didn't get home until 1am! Crazy! Thank the Lord for a 10 year old who knows what to do since Daddy only had 1 arm and his mommy doesn't have a clue. You rock TY! A vacation we'll not soon forget. There was a Church of Christ youth group from Hwy 36 (Abilene area) there also who packed up and hauled it out of there too. Pretty much everyone got loaded up and out. Too much rain to know what to do, unless you are out of food, then it's a no-brainer!

Dream Come True

Tuesday, a huge dream of mine came true. I got to ride on the back of motorcycle through the hill country! It was all I knew it would be. When I saw "Kerrville 16 miles" I was so sad that the ride was coming to an end. A friend of ours was getting a new bike and was riding this one to trade it in, so I hopped on back while Billy drove our truck with his other bike in the back. Billy said, he could see me smiling the entire way there! When we finally got to the dealer, Ty ran up to me and hugged me so tight and said, "Mom, I prayed 5 times that you would be OK!" I guess that would be horrible if they were following me and something did happen right in front of them, but God is good and so was that ride! I mean, you could smell so many different things. First rain, then a skunk (wow strong), flowers, everything this beautiful state of Texas has to offer. As we drove by others in boring old cars, there was not one person smiling, only me! I can't wait until we can get a cruiser and go again. So much fun if you ever get the chance!

After that cruise through Texas, Billy and I watched a movie. All during, we could hear hammering, no screaming or yelling, just hammering, so we just kept on watching the movie until there was screaming. So, credits roll and still no sign of the boys. Now I am scared! I go upstairs to see Tanner outside of his room sitting quietly and says, "Hey Mom. The boys are decorating my room for me and it's going to be surprise." Just about then, they were done and I get to see the extreme makeover too.



Needless to say, it was a baseball theme. Nate Berkus would be so proud. Giving credit to the decorators, they did a nice job nailing everything to the wall very straight. The only thing is, they used HUGE nails. Like the ones to build decks with! So my walls are going to be so messed up. Oh well, such is life with decorators.
Here are some pictures I took from the jet ski races. Our friend, Kory who got 1st overall! Yeah Kory!
Our other friend, Paul who got 3rd overall.

Poor Billy as a spectator, which was KILLING him!
Tanner sitting quietly with his momma. He's such a great 4 year old.
Mason doing his own thing. Perfectly content to be alone and playing with rocks.

Here is Ty in the lake. He didn't get out I don't think. That boy can't wait until 2 years from now when he can race. I can wait, but he can't!
One last picture. This xray was taken this past Monday. 2 1/2 months after Billy's accident. It is still broken in half! Although it doesn't look like it, there is some new bone growth around the break which is bonding it together...somewhat. Heaven help us!

July is hummin' along. We've successfully accomplished swimming lessons for Tanner. The last lesson, Tanner asked Emma, the adorable teacher, if she could ask his mommy if she would please buy her again. He cried when I was putting him to bed that night. Those were "the most funnest time I've ever had. Better than going to Fiesta Texas!" WOW, that's big. Luck for him, Emma is the lifeguard at our neighborhood pool, so he still gets to give her a hug almost every day. Nothing like living directly across the street from the pool. The whole "outta sight, outta mind" motto is not working for us.

OK, now to my silly rant. I know I'm getting old when I have problems with Rated G movies, but seriously! Ratatouille, rated G: the word "hell" is said, way too much red wine drinking and Chef whatever his name was has illegitimate son. Nothing like answering your 10 year who old whispers, "Why is he giving that boy so much wine to drink? To get him drunk?" I'm sorry, but that was weird. I'm old fashioned I guess, but rated G means pure kid, not junk inserted to keep the parents interested. I think Disney paid off the movie critics. This was NOT the best movie of the summer. Off rant!

Evan Almighty, on the other hand, was precious! So many hidden meanings and lessons to learn. I loved it. Now back to life.....

The kids on our street had a lemonade stand, which branched out to ice cream sandwiches, Popsicles and slushys. They made $34.25! There was a line of cars waiting to purchase their yummys. Too cute. Then our neighborhood association had a late 4th of July party on Sunday. Complete with a catered meal, games for all ages and door prizes. So fun.

We're off to another jet ski race. This time, as spectators! Yeah, can't wait. The lake is in College Station, which is always a fun place to visit for the weekend. Here is a picture of Billy who raced last time before he broke his arm.

HSB was amazing!

We went on our "adults only" weekend to Horseshoe Bay. We sat on their make-shift beach setting right on Lake LBJ, complete with sand, chaise lounges with big umbrellas and a cabana boy there for our every need. (not us in the picture, by the way)
And we needed him a lot. On a funny side note, Billy checked in, with his arm cast and sling, being that his arm STILL being broken.*4 more weeks at home.* When we waltzed up to the 5Th floor ready to see room #510, I noticed that ever so familiar blue square with the cute little stick figured man in a wheelchair on the plaque by the door. I asked Billy our room number again, and he confirmed #510. We were issued a handicapped room. We laughed so hard! They felt sorry for him and his broken arm get up. Turned out to be nice. Two different leveled peepholes to look out of, the thermostat was at waist level and we had so many bars in the bathroom, there was NO way we would fall down in there. I went to the gym the day before and I did one too many squats so the rails by the potty came in handy for me. I just might request that room all the time.

A funny "Mason-ism": After church, we went to get fried chicken. Mason will only eat the drumstick. Now this boy is all about eating and does a great job. Therefore, we must put limits on his intake. Today, it was 2 drumsticks. After his 2, he says, "Man, I wish God made 4 legged chickens! I am still hungry."

End Of An Era....Or Two

Lots of things have been happening to remind me that my kids are not little anymore and are growing up. For starters, I sold my double jogging stroller on Craig's List in about 20 minutes,
I might add. No more strollers for us. The lucky girl who is buying it is so excited. Me, not so much! I loved my Kelty! Second reminder, Mason lost one of his front teeth.
That is always the saddest tooth to loose in my opinion. Those big front teeth just look so out of place for the next 5 years until the rest of the mouth catches up. (sigh) Funny tooth fairy story, Tanner has a cow head in his room that he brought from our farm. We call him Buck.
Nothing says farm boy than a cow head from one of YOUR cows. Icky, in my opinion! Anyway, I was putting him to bed when he told me to look under his pillow. To my surprise, there was one of Buck's teeth. He pulled it out in honor of the tooth fairy coming for Mason's legitimate tooth coming out. Tanner said, "She can just fly over to my room too and give me a dollar. Will she care if it's Buck's tooth?" Hum, good question. She did fly down the hall to give out some dough for the fallen Buck, just in case you're wondering. She didn't want to touch it, but she did. That tooth fairy is a tough cookie! And the last end of an era incident, Billy and I are going out of town ALONE tomorrow here and the boys packed their own clothes to go to Grandmas and didn't miss a thing! They even remembered their toothbrush, vitamins and a hat for each of them. Grandma always wants everyone to wear a hat in all seasons. Winter; so you won't catch the flu and spring/summer; so you won't pass out from the heat. We keep a hat for all seasons in the car just in case we run into her in town to cut down on the lectures. She means well! So that's my sob story for the day. Our kids are big! Oh and hot!! We came home from our annual Inks Lake trip to a broken upstairs air conditioner, so the boys are excited to get to have a slumber party in the living room. And since it rained allllll day long, they got to play in the living room with alllllllll of their toys! Ah, gotta love Summer.

Eves Dropping

Sometimes it's just plain fun to be quiet and listen to your children converse with each other. Tanner (4 yrs) and Mason (7 yrs) were talking out in the garage about why Tanner put his "Jesus bracelet" on the jeep. Mason, "Tanner I bought that for you with my hard-earned money. I had to do 2 loads of laundry and clean out the toy closet for that money. You need to bring that inside the house." To which Tanner replied, "Well the colors match the jeep and you may not believe this, but Jesus really likes riding in the jeep with me." Mason: "He does? Well, the jeep has to stay in the garage and if someone breaks into the garage, they will probably steal that bracelet and then it will be gone! Lots of people love Jesus Tanner." Tanner: "OK. I'll bring it in."

How cute is that?

GO SPURS GO!

We love our Spurs here in SAT!!!! Sweeping the Cavs was so cool. We are planning to be at the big river parade sometime next week. With the rest of the city!

In other news, despite 2 very convincing "no's" to the Children's Director, I still found myself microphoned and up on stage, SOLO 2 times a day singing and dancing for our VBS. It was fun, but the first day was sscccaaarrryyy! VBS at the CofC has come a long way since I was a kid. We did the Cha Cha slide and chanted "GO SPURS GO". OH and we had lots of Jesus singin' as well. Pretty fun overall, but 2 times a day for 5 days in front of 400 people, well let's just say, I'm tired! So fun to get ready for, but even better to be done with it!

Kenny/Tony

A little over 11 years ago, I said "for better or worse", right now isn't exactly better or worse, just somewhere in between. Billy went to work (12 hour shifts) last week and quickly came to the realization that it was not doing him any good. So he took a 90 day disability leave. So this summer, it's the 5 of us, ALL day, EVERY day. He had his 2nd appointment to reset the bone today. This time he came medicated, highly medicated. Still hurt though. He will continue this for the 6-8 weeks.

Sunday, we went to church. He knew he would catch some grief and some laughter due to the nature of the accident, but he took it all in stride. I went to Walmart in search of a value-priced shirt that was meant to meet a pair of scissors. We have kindly named this shirt ritual "Making it the Half Kenny Chesney". Cutting off the left sleeve to ensure it to get up and over the cast which goes all the way up above his shoulder. One lady at church found out about his injury and said her new name for him is "Tony" (Tony Hawk). I say, "Here kenny, kenny, kenny". Now we just need a pooka shell necklace and a guitar and voila KC. The only part of Kenny Billy is interested in is "have a little beer in Mexico" right about now.

Seriously!

Well, after 3 hours of IV drugs and 4 visits to the doctor and hospital, my leg is much better! That spider really packed a punch. It developed cellulitis with a staph infection. whatever!

Not 12 hours later, my darling husband took all the boys to the skate park to let them skateboard and he decides to "drop down the bowl a couple of times". Whatever that means. The last time, he dropped alright, and broke his arm in half! The left humerus and being that there is a radial nerve that runs by there, surgery is the last resort. The radial nerve controls the arm, wrist and hand. This happened Sunday and with the holiday on Monday, we just got to the ortho doctor this morning (Tuesday) where he set the bone and put on a temporary splint. He will have to go back every week to reset and re splint (the no surgery idea). I have never seen someone in such pain, well, not him at least. Poor guy! So he is in bed with his pain meds and the remote control for a while. We were supposed to leave this weekend to go on vacation, but that has been postponed. He feels so bad about beginning the summer like this. I'm just sick of all of these bones. Now when I get his medicine in the middle of the night, I bring him a glass of milk to wash it down with! Pray for sanity and safety and our insurance. Let's hope they have enough money to pay all these claims!

My mom took Mason to his favorite store, besides HEB, Barnes and Noble. He got a Bones Book that came complete with a put together skeleton. He has not put the book down and keeps studying the skeleton and showing Billy which bones he could have broken during the accident and the ones he has broken. Curious minds want to know!

When Things Go BITE in the Night

I'm sorry itsy, bitsy spider, I had no idea how hungry you were, but in no way, shape or form did I advocate taking a bite out of my leg! We just don't take without asking in this house. Now my boys think that I shoved one of their tennis balls under my skin behind my knee where it's almost impossible to bend/walk. Seriously, that wasn't cool IBS. I used to make my boys just "shoo" you out of the way instead of smashing you with their shoe. I'm rethinking that whole, "don't kill them, just get it out of the way" motto. Off to seek advice. Some solicited, some not.

The good doctor says there's not much you can do with it except:
1. do not itch *oh, ok! easier said than done
2. take Motrin for the pain
3. take Benedryl for the itch *only drawback is it knocks me out cold, so this must wait until the PM.
4. ice, ice baby on the site

The good mom of the mom says:
1. make a paste of baking soda to "draw out" the itch
2. try not to itch *why do people keep drilling this into my head?
3. pray it stops itching and goes away quickly

The "good" mom of the husband says: (she just happened to come by last night)
1. what color was the spider? *well, since I just woke up with it there, I'm picturing it as a pretty little rainbow spider with lots of hearts and sparkles on it. are those bad?
2. you should go to the ER!!! you don't want to loose that leg do you? *yes, I thought it would be an adventure. the only thing I want to loose right now is screaming in my face.
3. drink a hot Toddie *a hot who? they are Catholic and very OK with drinking concoctions to make you "forget" your pain. just nod tell her you'll think about it.
4. do you want some of my prescriptions? *what? weirdo!
*at least she didn't tell me not to scratch it, oh wait, there it is as she's driving away....DON'T ITCH IT!

Thanks to Benedryl, it knocked me into an oblivion and I slept with sweet, sparkly spiders that didn't take one bite of me all night. Thanks Sparkles, could you tell your friends that we're not that tasty and it' just not nice!

Class of 2007

Our newest graduate, Tanner! Although he's not really going to Kinder next year, he still participated in the graduation ceremony. So funny when the director said, "Pre-Kinder, please stand, sit, etc....", after they all walked across the stage to get their diploma,she said "Kindergartners, please stand!" Tanner's little face looked at me, like should I stand, cause I know I'm not going to Kinder. So funny! Tanner was so cute today, readily posing for picture opportunities and grinning ear to ear.

Such anticipation for HIS name to be called.

Since his class was the first to walk across the stage, he had to do something to kill the time.

In other news, the day before, he got his hideous, yellow/filthy cast off. I'm so glad! He took a bath last night with bubbles and was saying "Ahhh!" the whole time we were washing his arm. I have talked to a doctor friend about coming over once a week with a milk IV for all the boys. I am boycotting broken bones! I really should be quiet right about now. The weird thing is seeing that nasty, McNasty thing laying on the counter and not on a little boy's arm. Freaks me out everytime! Especially first thing in the morning stumbling to the coffee pot! If not the sight of it, the smell of it will wake you up. Time to clean out the "white stinky part" and put it in Tanner's room.

Quiz Me

I just rocked on Jacinda's blog quiz. Sometimes it pays to be attentive and that you knew her at college! I just made one too and if you don't get a 100 MDM, you will need to go to summer school. And it's located here in Texas at our pool, so fail girl, fail! Go ahead and try, for fun. What Do Ya Think?

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Well, Monday was my last day at church. This morning, my sweet husband gave me a dozen pink roses to celebrate. I guess he's pretty excited to have me home full-time again. It was only a part-time job and I was able to drop off and pick up the kids, but I guess he was just ready for me to stay at home. I have to admit, it was nice going to the gym at 9:30 this morning...with no kids. I'm a gym junkie and now I have more time to be there (in theory). Nothing like burning 705 calories in an hour before lunch. I used to burn 700 calories BECAUSE of lunch. As long as I am home in time to cook dinner and do a load or two of laundry, I think I can be a SAHM and a gym junkie.

Luckily, our church just published another cookbook so I have more recipes to play around with. Dinner won't be easily excused now that I am "home" all day. This month of May is CRAZY! Muffins with Mom, teacher appreciation, PS graduation, field day, field trips, PTA program, eye yi yi. Looks like my first full month at home I will spend running in the car instead of the treadmill. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Yep, It's Broke

I know this will be hard to believe, but this is our first cast in the family. Tanner fell off the parallel bars on Thursday at school. He seemed OK so we didn't go to the doctor. The next day, he wouldn't move it so we went to get x-rays. Nothing showed up broken, but certain positions made him tear up and cry. He was so cooperative. The doctor sent us to see a specialist since there was so much fluid around the elbow which was hiding the fracture.They couldn't see him until today, Monday at 4pm! A WHOLE day. Sure enough, one look and she knew it was broke. Time to pick out a cast. He picked out a black cast and I promised to get a silver Sharpie to make it a Spurs cast until he saw the other options.....fluorescent yellow. I mean this thing will keep him up at night with it's glowing. He absolutely loves it! Well,NOW... until it itches within the next 3 weeks. Mason was with us at the doctor and he was about to come unglued with pain for his little bro. But I reassured him that since he was smiling ear to ear during the whole thing, he wasn't in any pain. Then Mason recapped all the "Do's and Dont's" of a cast. Good thing he was listening because I was freaked out. My baby has been walking around with a broken elbow for 5 days! The doctor assured me that I wasn't a bad mom and these things just don't always show up the first time. One the way to the car, Mason was already asking to sign the thing. (in cursive too) Tanner said, "Sure. But keep it small. I have lots of friends." I sure hope this enthusiasm keeps up the whole time it is healing. Wouldn't that be wishful thinking?! Keep us in your prayers....again! My life with 3 boys and a thrill-seeking husband. I just want to do things without a break or blood involved sometimes.

Fiesta!

It's Fiesta again! A San Antonio tradition. Basically a city-wide party for 10 days. Every year, the first graders at our school have a Fabulous First Fiesta Float Parade through the school hallways. Everyone in the school comes into the hallways for 1 hour as the first graders pull their floats for all to see, parents come too. Mason finished his "Exploding Cascarone" float today. He is so proud of this thing! He invited all the neighbors to come see it and made me take his picture to print out and frame for his room.
I had never even heard of a cascarone until we moved here. For those who don't know of them, they are a colorful egg with confetti inside. The main purpose of them is to crack them over other people's heads for fun. Silly, right? But that's a cascarone. Mason found wooden tulips at Michael's. He painted them and decided that they looked like cracked cascarones and added "confetti" in the middle to look like it is exploding. Flower halos are big at Fiesta also which is around the box. Fun stuff!

Boys and Their Toys

My crazy house of boys! Our neighbors across the street just moved in about 2 months ago. They are really nice people and apparently, VERY cool! The other night, the boys were on their way to bed and Ty starts screaming "What? That is majorly cool dude!" Which of course makes everyone, including myself, come running to see what the majorly cool thing is. They bought a humongous boat. I mean this thing is muy grande. The next thing I know, all 4 of them *boys and equally excited dad*, are running out the front door and across the street in their PJ's. Excuse me! We were on the way to bed, not the neighborhood boat show. I give up! That's when I go to bed and let Billy try to calm them down to beddy-bye and judging from the excessive talking, I'm thinking it was a pretty big task in deed.

Update on our new TV channels: one word, FIT TV! Um um good.

Oh and another new gadget in my life. Nike+ for my ipod and shoes. This thing is great. A tiny sensor goes into your shoe and it tells you how far you have run, how fast and at the end, Lance Armstrong tells me how good I did. After your run, you download it to the Nike+ website and it keeps track of your mileage. Too cool!! Now I would run outside to the neighbor's house if she pulled up with something like that. No one else in this house would, but that's OK.

OCD w/TV

Hi. I'm Tracy and I am an addict...or something like that. Or there's always, I'm Tracy. T-R-A-C-Y (dramatic music)and I'm addicted to the television. As most of you all know, I love me some TV. I could spend, and do spend, ridiculous amounts of time watching the boob tube. I've never really cared what size the TV is, but cable is a requirement. Recently, after many flow charts, pie graphs, thesis papers and numerous other avenues of investigations, Billy purchased a 50 inch TV. I never dreamed my life could get any better, but it has! Who knew Matt Lauer was aging on a dinky 30 inch TV without high-def? Now I know. He's still cute though. Anyway, my addiction was just fed the mother-load of all doses of my drug of choice. We have a new cable provider and I thought I had it all planned out, but with the addition of Bravo, Discovery Health and 4 nick jr.'s and about 1000 other new channels, my life has changed! Here is my old schedule of events either watched in person or DVR'd.

Sunday: Planet Earth, Deperate Housewives, The Apprentice
Monday: Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor (he's just about adorable!)
Tuesday: American Idol
Wednesday: American Idol results, Lost
Thursday: Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?, The Office, Grey's Anatomy
Friday: Wedding Bells, Intervention (see excerpt from intro paragraph)
Saturday: Flip this House: San Antonio or anywhere else they are that episode
Then we're back to Sunday!

These are only the core shows. I have been known to channel surf back and forth from the E!Channel, Mtv, CMT, Vh1,TLC, etc. With the ability to pause live tv, the children are never neglected (she says with a smile). Some people read (blah), some people knit (never), some people lay on their booty and watch TV. I am prouldy one of the few, one of the proud, one of the lazy!

Easter 2000 and burr

Whew! That was a doozie of an Easter. I had to do an impromptu outfit change Sunday morning. I looked like old mother winter instead of yellow daisy spring, as everyone else did. Lucky for me, the boys were already set to wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Tanner fit into Mason's suit that he wore in a wedding. Mason loves to dress up even though ties make him gag.Picture a cute blonde boy looking all dapper with his hands folded in prayer and out of nowhere, GAGGING and then he's OK again for a minute. Kind of a funny site. He tries so hard to smile with his closed mouth grin but it quickly turns into gagging, which quickly turns into growls when we all giggle at him. Aren't we mean?! Tanner looked so handsome and big. Mason was so proud that he was passing down "the suit". Billy said Mason dressed Tanner head to toe Sunday morning. I would have loved a picture of that. Billy also said Mason was gagging the whole time he was helping Tanner with the top button on his shirt and his tie.

We had our egg hunt and Billy made the BEST meal I've had in a long time. But of course, anything I didn't have to make was good with me. We had grilled salmon, baked potatoes, green bean casserole, corn,and blackberry cobbler with ice cream. He is such a great guy for doing all of that and all I had to do was come in from church, sit down and eat! While the boys were running around hunting eggs, I heard them screaming "yuck!". Billy was laughing and said "Silly Easter Bunny. We don't have any little girls in the house do we?" Then he showed me that the bunny left Mommy something very girly this year. The most darling rhinestone and pearl basket filled with my favorite candies! Did I mention how great he is?

Easter was great! Hope yours was too.

Fight the Power!

Well, well, well...what have we here? Oh, it's my blog. see reason listed below as to why this thing is a bit dusty. ha choo~

I'm not good with change! I tend to shy away from it at all cost, but it is a fact of life...sad, but true. For example, old blogger vs. new blogger. I have to fight an act of congress just to sign in to blogger since I have a new template, I have to go through too many hoops so I have neglected the thing.

Here are some updates on the kids which is a good reason to log in:

Mason, our 1st grader, got the Tim Duncan character award last week at school. This is a big deal! I knew something was different when I saw him a mile away in a BRIGHT green shirt that I would have never let him wear, I can't help it! Then he got in the car with his little face beaming with excitement, "Mom. I won the Tim Duncan award and I got this t-shirt, a lunchbox, a spiral, 2 pens and a poster." Feeling a bit dizzy from all that was going on in the car, I got home and we sat all sat in the floor by the front door to hear all about it. Ty chimed in with, "Mom, this is a big award. You have to be of noble character to get this one." Such a good big brother. We are so proud of our nobleman.

Tanner was learning all about Jesus and why we really celebrate Easter at his school all week. So it's pretty interesting to hear some things that he comes home with. He asked me the other night at dinner, "Mom, is this my last supper? Is someone going to betray me?" OK, at least he's listening! Then, at bath time, "Mom please wash my feet like they did in the Bible." He's so funny. I put him to bed last night and he called me back in 3 times. By the last time in his room, I asked him why he keeps on calling me back. His response, "Because you put me to bed and I still have a lot more things to say that just can't wait until tomorrow." Good enough reason for me. So I turned on the light and we chatted a bit. We both felt a lot better. Did you know Pluto is a planet? Couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Then we have our big 10 1/2 year old. He had his first sleep over at a friend's house. I know, I know, but he is a home body. He never has wanted to have a sleep over before. He said he is thinking about away camp with church for a week. It won't happen I don't think. This is his first year to be able to go with the church....we'll see.

Update on me:I am in my last month of working at church as the Children's ministry assistant. May 6th,I get to actually attend church with my family,in one car and sit with them for assembly and possibly go to an adult Bible class!!! What will I do with myself? That is what I have missed so much. For the last 2 years, my wonderful husband has graciously gotten himself and 3 boys up and ready for church, fed and at 1st service at 8:30am while I am at work/church for 5 hours every Sunday. Too many times, I haven't been able to get into assembly with him and the boys. I have been at almost every camp and event, which was so fun, but now I am needed to stay at home again. This will take a lot of pressure off for the summer and Sundays. Billy is off 3 and 4 days each week, so he has tons of fun things and vacations planned to do. We can't wait! I will definitely work at church again someday when my children are bigger. But right now, I want to dress them for church and enjoy them.

Well, that's about all for now. I will fight the power and log in more since I will have a bit more free time on my hands. Enjoy your Easter Sunday!

El Pogo Loco!

OH! Busted without a helmet!
Mason got a childhood favorite toy for his birthday...a Pogo stick. This thing is driving me crazy! Besides the constant boing, boing, boing, there is the horrible risk factor. They do look a bit goofy with a helmet and a Pogo stick, but with the stunts they are doing with this wonder stick, it's a must! Curse agility. Mason is Pogoing up and down the stairs in the back yard/patio area and in and out of the backdoor. This genius idea was given to him from his father's reminiscing. "I used to do it up and down the stairs." That would be cool, try it. Me: NO! that's not cool at all. So now Ty and Mason have mastered the stairs. Bring on the next challenge. Mason decided to do it with no hands. Talk about core muscles. That kid's got them! He can Pogo with no hands for 332 jumps. I know because I was recruited to count. Oye! Anyway, this Pogo stick needs to wear it's newness off pretty quick before we jump ourselves right back to the hospital. My chair just got cool at the Children's ER. Pray for safety and dullness. Thank you!HELMET? Busted again!
Time to go instill more rules on this stick!

I'm A Copy Cat....meow

Ok, so I admit it! I copied Jacinda's idea of a new blog, but what I didn't plan on was needing to borrow Jacinda's brain to do this! It took me an hour to read how to do it and to actually do it. I still don't see where to put the blog links so I can read other people's blogs that I frequent. Aye yi yi! I'm not too computer savvy, or so I just found out. Sorry Jacinda for coping you, but we have the same taste! I need a girly blog since there are SO many boys around this place. Hats off to Zoots Design to even figure out how in the world to design this stuff. I should have paid her the $15 to have her put it in my template. So enjoy the new "do". I sure do! And Jacinda too. (see I'm not all dumb, I can rhyme like nobody's business.)

Ice, Ice Baby!

Sometimes in Texas, the weather is just crazy! This is the 2ND day of canceled school and work. Monday was a legit holiday, Tuesday was inclement weather and Wednesday was also one. Still up in the air for Thursday. I love being home in my sweats and a warm fire. We did venture out this afternoon and the scary part was the ice flying off of the cars in front of us. Freaky man, freaky! There were sheets of ice flying through the air and there was nothing you could do about it. The boys have been bundled up and outside scraping ice off of everywhere. I found them at our neighbor's house, because their house is a one story. The icicles were enormous! One had the broom handle knocking them off and the other two were catching them before they hit the ground.

Here is what Billy kept his entertainment levels up with...XBOX.
He wastes more time doing that crazy thing. Oh well, nothing else to do. I, on the hand, was busy cleaning out my closet, which prompted a trip to Lowe's for more storage ideas in the closet. While we were there, we saw Sean Elliot.
(former Spurs player, now commentates for the Spurs)I get so excited when I spy Spurs out like the other common folk.
Luckily, our power has been in full effect here in our neck of San Antonio. Bless those whose electricity has been out. Brr! Looking forward to life back to normal. But not tonight. Kinda glad church was canceled and I can stay in my sweats and watch American Idol. Horrible, I know!

Mason and Chuck

Mason had his annual birthday party at his old friend's place, Chuck E. Cheese. The boy has had 6 of his 7 birthdays at good ol' Chuck's. I personally am convinced that Chuck's special pizza sauce has mayonnaise in it somewhere. Nasty! The salad bar is Chuck's saving grace with me. So our little Mojo is 7. When did that all happen?
9 months old

2 years old



5 years old, preschool graduation

I feel like we just had him in the hospital weighing a whopping 10lbs, 9oz. He was at the doctor's office last week and he now weighs 65 lbs and is 51.5 in tall. Mason is such a happy guy. He is always singing or humming a song. For his birthday, he got the "Jump In" CD and he sings every word,not to mention he jumps rope just like Corbin Bleu and can even do the push up jumps (without the ropes, but that's cool). We love our Mojo's love of life and he's the coolest 7 year old around.

2007

Happy New Year! We have a couple of resolutions for the new year, like eating less sugar,not so many trips to the ER, you know, the basics....Oops, no such luck!

Let's begin with a wonderful date night minus the 3 hours of sleep we got before the cows "mooed" us good morning. (It seems we got the worst bedroom in my brother-in-law's house.) Billy and I decided before hand that we would pick up the boys from my mother's house where they spent the night and I would get to take a nap first while he "watched" the boys. Question: why does the dad of the house seem to always be able to catch some z's no matter where, when, or what is going on around them? Needless to say, Billy's naptime was uneventful! Anyway, they were playing XBOX in the living room when all of a sudden, Tanner is screaming! I come out of the bedroom to see this.
Tanner was wrestling with dad and came up and caught the corner of the coffee table with his eye. It isn't cut,just scraped and already turning black. Which leads me to question #2: why do these such accidents happen the day before a pediatrician appointment? We are innocent, but it seems every appointment, we are armed with a new story, and a true one too! Luckily, our pediatrician has 3 boys of her own and she gets it.

So much for Resolution #2 Not As Many ER Trips in 2007. Aye yi yi!