Eve of 2006

Happy almost New Year. We have had ever so much fun over the last few days. The kids, Jeremy & I have played and played. Yesterday I went deer hunting for the first time. I climbed up into the deer stand and all. Of course, I took a book to read. But, I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed it. I even enjoyed the long walk from the truck and the long walk afterward as we hunted on foot a little. I think I might go some more, that idea might change when I actually try it on a cold morning or evening.

The kids are reveling in new toys - driving the Hummer like crazy (Jenna calls it a lawnmower...) Hudson loves stacking his new blocks and then destroying his tower, or mine because it's usually bigger. This morning Hudson joined us in bed, in hope he would go back to sleep. Of course, he did the cute giggle and excitement of looking each direction and finding himself wedged between Mom AND Dad. He would then giggle and poke at my eyes, if closed, or get nose to nose to look in my eyes, if open. I always forget how much fun that is. Soon I'm going to miss those days.

Tonight is a little party for StoneWater Life groups. I've prepared food all morning, you would think that I have made more than I actually have. And, since some of our friends from Dallas are coming, I had to make brownies, Victoria loves brownies! Well, I have one last day of free shipping, so I must go and shop Joann.com!

Merry Christmas

Wow - what a fun, wonderful Christmas season. I emailed my brother to tell him the gift would be late (and even later, Mike), and I liked his response, "I like to think of it at a season of giving, not just one day." We've celebrated our season from Friday until today (Tuesday).

I must interject here, I love my husband, because I am trying to block out his 'Northgate Noise' (Noise it is) CD he got for Christmas.

Christmas Eve, after StoneWater service, we came home and made cookies for Santa ("special" allergy free sugar cookies). After the kids mutilated theirs (they like the icing and sprinkles, but no cookie, and these cookies taste the same as 'normal' sugar cookies). We told Jenna that she would need to check to see if Santa came and then come and tell us. She was concerned that we wouldn't open our eyes a.k.a. go back to sleep; I explained that we would get up, so we launched into how to tell if he had been here. Check the cookies & look under the tree. Well, the kids were lazy Christmas morning, and it was 8:00 before we could make enough noise to rouse Hudson, who roused Jenna. Jenna ran to the table, cookies were gone! Then she looked at the tree, covered her little mouth in a very prissy little way and exclaimed, 'oh'...she even let Hudson 'drive' first. After driving around the living room a little time, we took the Hummer outside. We've already gotten our money's worth. Jenna loves to drive (mostly forward and then backward, she doesn't care to steer) and Hudson loves to ride - he just giggles and grins. We were watching the kids in the back yard as they drove, and I told Jeremy they were just what I always wanted. It's amazing how Christmas takes a completely new meaning with those two sweet babies.

Jenna was very impressed that Santa gave all of the yellow and green gummy worms to her and the red and white ones to Hudson, and that he gave daddy the red & blue gum and her the green, orange, white, and yellow. That Santa, he takes care of all the details! Hudson was just glad he got in on the action of getting candy.

Other than some monster allergies and asthma (I haven't had asthma is years, and I'm huffing on Hudson's nebulizer more than he is the past couple of days) we have had a tremendous Christmas celebration! I will be a bridesmaid (bridesmatron?) at the ripe age of 30 in June. Cynthia, my cousin, has asked me to stand up for her, and I am honored and now very motivated to get fit! We saw all the grandparents (mine and Jer's) and family, now I hope we don't wait around until Easter to see them all again!

financial responsibility

Well, Jer and I have found ourselves a little in debt...it happens about this time every year (we always buy more than we budget for Christmas), and it motivates us to get things in line. Jeremy is also getting into some financial responsibility - a friend of mine's husband did that, and she admitted, after praying for him to take some control, it wasn't easy. I have found myself in the same position. I've been the bill/budget/bank statement reconciler for some years now, and it's a little disconcerting to be handing it all over. In any case, he's taken on a couple of tasks that I just couldn't get handled. After talking and praying about the debt and what to do, God provided (just as he always does), and it looks to be taken care of. And, after two hours on the phone, he took care of one task I just couldn't master. When we bought this house, we took out an 'arm' with the intent/plan to pay double payments and get it finished. In October the first company sold our loan to a second company. Company #1 messed up our extra payments (despite repeated phone calls) and company #2 just couldn't get it straight, either. I was frustrated, doing the right thing had cost me $670, so I was ready to give up. Jeremy to the rescue! It's all fixed - 2 hours later. He was going golfing and had some good anger to take out on some balls, so I expect a big finish (or, little, I guess).

The kids are awesome. We are all home today. H and took a good nap in our bed, he was already mostly asleep, so his wiggly self was really cuddly to sleep with. Plus, he would stir, look at me, grin and go back to sleep. Almost a "hey, I love you Mommy" look. Jenna is on day 3 of wearing her beautiful pink slippers - she looks so grown up and can do the buckle herself.

Since it's the 22nd, I guess that officially means cards won't make it. Although, I took the pictures this morning, so I could work really hard tonight and some of you would get yours on Saturday...

Mommy Daughter Day & 8 years

This weekend was WONDERFUL! After three nights away, Jeremy and I are more connected to each other and more relaxed. We ate at some wonderful hotspots in Austin and got more rest than we've had since Jenna arrived.

Today Jenna and I took a Mommy/Daughter day. We took off this morning after depositing Hudson at daycare (about a mile down the road, Jenna looked over and asked where her brother was). We first got our hair cut (Jenna's first big hair cut) and then headed to Fort Worth. Jenna has wanted some pink slippers for about a month, and no one really knows what she is talking about, so we headed to see if we could find some. We stopped at Don Pablo's and ate lunch - Jenna ate chips and guacamole until I thought she would burst. Then we headed to DSW shoe warehouse...they don't have little girl shoes, but she scampered around finding some for me and asking if they had her size. Then, we stopped at "the gummy bear store" aka Hobby Lobby. I happened to know that HL has gummies AND 1/2 price scrapbook paper (and albums & doo dads) this week. Next was Target, where Jenna found her pink slippers! After a little more shopping, we headed home. Jenna fell asleep with her new pink slippers on her feet, happy as can be.

After picking up Hudson, who was glad to see Jenna and kept blowing kisses to his sleeping sister, we came home. Jer and I wanted to show Jenna the wedding video. So, we ate a picnic in the living room with the video. Hudson isn't good at picnics, so he kept running around the blanket, knocking over drinks. Jenna wanted a running commentary on the wedding. At one point, Jen was trying to climb up on Jer's head, and Hudson was diving between us trying to get on the couch with Jenna...to think, it all started 8 years ago...

Two days in a row!

Check it out - two posts two days in a row!

The kids are finally packed for the trip to Grandparents. Mom is not packed, but has considered it. I'm actually a little nervous about leaving them, but WAY hyped to hang out with Jeremy for 4 WHOLE DAYS without the sweethearts.

Hudson is still feeling yucky, but Dr. Watts said to ride it out, unless his fever spikes (it's staying below 100 right now). Jenna is still sweet and looking good. It's good to stay away from red & milk! Add the new lotion we have found, and the kids actually have SOFT skin!

Dallas friends, I have thought of you, but, just as I predicted, school has overwhelmed me since the new trimester began 4 weeks ago. And it's looking more and more like Christmas cards really will be New Year's Cards. We do enjoy all of those that we have received, and we really like those update letters...hint hint.

Off to celebrate 8 years of marriage to my beloved! Wow, it's really been that long. I do it all over again.

Christmas Cheer

Call me an elf. I decided this year I would make goodies for my department to share. Knowing that is an undertaking, and adding two sweet munchkins, I started Monday night. Monday I made two batches of pecan tarts and peanut patties. The patties turned out so well (despite initial reservations) that I made another batch Tuesday. This morning I made peanut brittle, but I put the soda in too early, so it turned into peanut taffy. Bright me, I decided to bake it a little longer tonight...I just threw away the entire thing - cookie sheet and all. As I debate making the cupcakes for Hudson's party tomorrow and other goodies (popcorn balls, more peanut patties -they're easy- fudge), Hudson is determined to get my attention. He is sitting sweetly in my lap, and just took his paci out and kissed my arm as I typed. Sweet boy. Jenna is sweetly watching a Barbie movie - complete in princess dress and crown, but the 'mean man' in the movie scares her and she wants me to sit with her.
This is why you may get New Year's cards again this year...although I bought all this cute paper, cards, and stickers at an after Christmas Sale last year...

Here is a picture of the kids working together on a good bed jump!

8:20 update...never ask me to make peanut brittle. batch #2 was smokin', and I don't mean good - black. NO peanut brittle. However, the fudge is excellent & Hudson's cupcakes for his party tomorrow are in the oven!

Peachy

One day down, four to go!

Tomorrow is Pirate Pig Out Day at GHS - my big contribution this year is chips! I'm making gifts for co-workers, and tonight I've churned out two batches of "Jeremy's Prize Winning Pecan Tarts" and peanut patties. I'm a little nervous about the outcome of the patties, as well as even having peanuts in the house. I'm sure all will be fine. After all of that, chips are the most I can muster for tomorrow.

Hudson is definitely ill in some way, but there is no fever, so, he's off to school. He's got a little green drainage (it comes and goes, and yes, I'm still sending him). He's also cutting 4 teeth (canines), so that could be the problem. He's been on omnicef for a week now. Here's what happens when you leave him unattended, so he's not too incredibly ill.

Jenna is just a little too hyper. I can't wait to get her in bed, and then I'm right behind her!

Christmas fever

After the two weather days, I have Christmas fever. I want to be with my family and away from work. It also so happens that Christmas is my favorite season, and time to celebrate another year of marriage with Jeremy.

Wednesday we received the announcement of school releasing early. Of course, by the time the buses got to the high school, it was 1:00 before I could leave. After some serious scraping, I got the ice off and got home. Just in time for naps! After nap, we took a walk down the road. Hudson was like a dog - frisky in the winter weather. He ran and hollered up and down the road. After some soup, Jeremy decided a trip to Wal-Mart was direly necessary (he wanted to try his driving) so around 5:30 we took a trip. I have never seen Wal Mart so empty. We all snuggled down. Jeremy and I watched a movie and snuggled down right after recieved the phone call that there was no school Thursday.

Thursday we decided to go down to the Fox's house to make cookies. Jenna slipped and fell in the drive, and then I fell once I made it to the road. Route #2 left me sliding down the neighbor's driveway with both kids after I decided we would just walk across the grass and driveways. Path #3 left Jer driving us down the road. After Hudson poured a cup of Dr. Pepper all over himself (hence, diaper only cookie pictures) and Kendra's dining room carpet, after Jenna and Marley dumped an extra cup of flour in my cookie dough, and after Jenna poured a half a cup of sprinkles on her cookies, we headed back home.
It was hoot making cookies with two 3 year olds, a 1 year old, and a 3 month old. Two mommies were tired! It was fun!

So, I returned to school today (I found the pendant from my necklace that I lost while scraping ice on Wednesday) with a little bit of Christmas fever. I am ready for vacation! As ecstatic as I was to find my missing pendant, I was later crushed, one of my student's fathers was killed in an ice related accident on Wednesday.

Great Weekend

It has been a WONDERFUL weekend. We had the delight and pleasure of our two friends and their little girl coming to visit. David, Robbin, and Paige spent the weekend with us. It was good, although I wish we could have had more down town to spend with them. Robbin and I got to go and scrapbook for the first StoneWater Women's scrapbook night. We're going to do it quarterly (until Lisa and I can make a solid case to do it bi-monthly, and we're formulating a plan).
Carson is home out of the hospital - he's doing well. Church was good today. Everything went smoothly - my teachers in 2s and 3s were great, and all ran like a well oiled machine.
I am a bit behind for class tomorrow...but, it will all come together.

crash, boom, bang

What a day! This will seem like a "complainer" blog, it's just an expression of God's grace. Something awesome is going to happen Sunday.

Carson has been in the hospital all week with an infection (he's fine and should come home tomorrow).

Last night Hudson woke 3 times not able to breathe. I gave him 2 treatments, and still no improvement. This morning when he got up even Jeremy was adamant that he go to the doctor. Jer met the office this mornign as it openen, not even a call for an appointment. Three breathing treatments and a chest x-ray later, there is no pneumonia and we are on oral steroid, breathing treatments every 3 hours, and antibiotics. We have a very hyper (steroid) and wheezy boy.

I had to take Jenna to day care, which was fine, but I was late. Once I got to school, I sat down to eat breakfast and realized I had given her my cheese sandwich and had her allergy free lunch. OOPS. I was watching another teacher's class during my conference, so I was in a quandry of how to fix it. I traded just in the nick of time.

Then, while I was working on my lesson plans, my computer froze. When it came back, my My Documents folder was blank - NO FILES. I was mildly freaking...but my tech person saved the day!

The good news, David, Robbin and Paige are here for the weekend. It's so exciting! We're up talking and hanging out.

Baby you're a star!

Tonight was FBC Preschool's first Christmas program. Jenna is a star! She took her place on stage and stood with her hands perfectly in place. After she located me and waved, she beamed. She sang every song with emphasis, and did the actions with emphasis, too. She was the best and soooo precious. I can't wait to show off the video (I don't know how to post it here, but is was terrific). Hudson was good, too. He shook his Jingle Bells during the song, and spent most the time hanging out in the buggy watching sister, who was just a couple of feet away. When we watched the tape, he hummed the tune of Jingle Bells, shook his arms for the bells, and then even did the turn and stomp for Reindeer Pokey. My kids are star material! This is my first experience with a program for the kids, and I'm beaming and my head is big!

I had a great day - I received one of the new laptops for the district! It is AWESOME! NO more random shutting down or ants crawling out (I think the ants were part of the porable). It is light, compact and reliable! Then, I went to TOP training (long explanation) and got to leave campus for lunch and leave an hour early! These two things counteracted the fact that BOTH eyes were sealed shut when I woke this morning (the infection has spread to the right eye). My eyes are watering, oozy, red messes...I'm not supposed to be contagious, we'll watch the fam. to see.

craziness

Thanksgiving is a lot about thanks, but it's a lot about craziness, too. We saw a lot of family and had some great visiting along with great food. My mom was careful to prepare dressing and side dishes that the kids could eat - it's different when others cook for my bunch now. I missed Michael, and Jenna even chimed in. After we left my maternal grandmothers (the one with six children of her own that has now grown to well over 100 family members), Jenna was contemplating that she had "a whole bunch of cousins" and then she asked, "Where was Michael." I guess she figured she had seen everyone, but he was missing. So, we explained his absence again, and she asked, "When I see him?" That was tough, but I'm thankful, above all, that he is in Germany, and not Iraq; that he is safe and sound. We're waiting on a little message to let us know his "fate" in the Army...(that's a hint, Mike).

We had the traditional "White girl" shopping trip on the day after Thanksgiving. This year none of us had any "hot" item on our list, so we slept in and didn't leave until 7:00. It is SO much fun, and this year we got to shop late...until 5:00. I'm almost finished - now for the wrapping!

I spent the last couple of days with a pink, mattery eye that was fastened shut each morning. The doctor agreed that it is infected, but no pink eye. My students have been fastidious about insisting that I should go home, after all, I had pink eye. I assured them I would not rub my eye and then come and touch them, high school is NOT touchy-feely. I can reassure them tomorrow...they'll be crushed that I don't have to get a sub (don't be tricked, they don't really care, they want a sub!).

Jenna is still staying clear. I have found a "new" lotion with the Melaluca company, and it is AWESOME! Even Jenna's dry, scaly skin stays soft. Of course, the diet is important too. She continues to amaze us with her young wisdom and insight.

Hudson found his favorite movie - Robots. All we can figure out is it is mechanical - he laughed (growled and grunted) so loudly that Jenna kept complaining and turning it up louder. It was hilarious. By the way, that is one funny movie!

Tomorrow we will put up Christmas lights - we bought them tonight. I'll post some pictures, because Jeremy is getting into the competitive spirit with the neighbors (I restrained him to just the lights on the house, he was about to head into bushes, trees, sidewalk, etc.). Jenna can't wait, and I"m sure Hudson will be into something!

Sweet Children

Hudson Reed is continuing to be a hilarious little guy. Last night, while playing chase, I noticed he was putting his little thumbs in his ears and sticking out his tongue. The tongue isn't new, it's his favorite play toy, but he was doing the "na na na na na" that Jenna does when she sticks here thumbs in her ears and waves her fingers. It was hysterical!

Jenna has been on a roll of "not being able to sleep." It really is taking from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to get that girl to fall asleep. And, around noon she passes out for a nap, so I don't think stopping naps is an option (not that we would want to).

Thanksgiving break is here! The kids are at daycare today, I need, desperately, to catch up on lesson planning and grading!

You're Fired!

I think the blogger people should fire me for so little blogging activity.

Friday I moved my classroom into the building - it was a hectic tear down and set up to start a new trimester on Monday. I welcomed my new classes Monday - 2 section Bs, 1 section A, and 1 section AP A. I like all of my kids, so far, but I've only been with them two days. Today went to training for Sheltered kids (language learners). We were supposed to be 'in class' until 3:30, but the lady let us go at 12:00. Whoop! I came home, Jer and I had a date at PastaFina, and then I took a little nap. I ran to Wal-Mart on my way to get the kids, and I saw the Karnes family - it's been a long time since I've seen (or talked) to my friend Jennifer.

Last weekend I cropped all day on Saturday. I didn't finish many pages, but I got a lot of sorting and organizing done. H's book skipped from birth to 1 year old to 2 months - just not my kind of order. I also made some new friends. StoneWater has a crop on Dec 3rd for the ladies - yea! This weekend I'll be at AP training Friday and Saturday. That means a night and another Saturday away from the kids, but I'll get all of next week off.

Jenna is funny. We asked her what Mom and Dad do when she's at school. She said that I scrapbook and Daddy hunts deer. Oh, if only we had that life of luxury!
Hudson is busy being Hudson...he still prefers his grunts to actual words, but they're coming along. His grin is still the funniest thing about him, and I can't describe that.

Blessings

I can't even count all of my blessings right now, but one of them is the little girl with curls at my toes right now that has the little piggies going to market, etc. She's so cute & sweet.

Our Life Group had 21 adults and 15 kids tonight. We had all walks of life, really. Imagine the walk, and it was represented tonight.

I move into the building from my portable. I am mostly happy - civilization, dry erase boards, no wading through the gravel sea in and out. I will miss my anonymity, windows, AC control, and cat family (under and around the builing). However, the benfits far outweigh the losses, so, in I go!

I love little H; he's a hoot. He's talking a little - momma, dada, bye bye. Last night in the middle of playing in his room, he went trucking out, turned and blew me a kiss, then came and gave me a signature open mouth kiss on the cheek, waved and said 'bye bye' and took off. He was in the garage, unloading the fridge when I found him next. We just have to keep the garage door down because he can open the door and go out as he pleases.

Kendra is taking over planning for 2s and 3s - Huge, Huge praise. The boulder has been lifted and rolls down the road.

later...

Peace

Tonight was our Life Group meeting for StoneWater. We don't have a mom in our group who doesn't have peace (and patience, but you know what they say about praying for patience) on their prayer list. Jenna is still having these crazy fits - if you tell her no, even the nicest no on the smallest little thing, she begins screaming, crying and then screaming at the top of her lungs and just falls apart until she throws up. It's awful, and we just don't know what to do.

Our group was good, we're all really forming a connection and care group for one another.

StoneWater had 197 on Sunday. We felt a little silly for being a little disappointed that attendance was 'down.' We're still amazed at God's grace and provision for this new church that he has allowed us to be a part of. I love hearing how God has touched people's hearts. Set up and tear down are getting smoother. I have created the 2s and 3s into 'centers' so that is making my class easier. Plus, next week I will be meeting with a friend who is interested in doing the planning - that would take a HUGE burden off of my shoulders.

Kids are great, cute, and cuddly. I missed H a lot tonight, he was in bed asleep by the time we got home. Jen and I had time together, I just can't wait for Thanksgiving week!

Trick-or-Treat

Jenna was Magenta from Blue's Clues and Hudson was Blue. Mom and Dad are just plain ol' Mom and Dad.



Wow, we heard that Misty Meadows, our neighborhood, was crazy on Halloween night, but it was CRAZY! It's 7:00 and we're out of candy, and I bought more candy than I ever have! Of course, Jenna helped some, and those people got 'a bunch' by Jenna standards (she's very generous).

The kids had a ball on our outing. Hudson wasn't into it until he saw a sucker was involved! Tonight he's eaten four suckers - all in a row, and two at once at one point. He likes Halloween; he's sticky! Jenna was very good about letting us go through her candy and sift it for her 'approved' pieces. Since we really only did our street, we didn't get too much - a definite plus!

Enjoy the pictures!

DraMA

There's been a lot of drama in my life lately.

Friday was a very dramatic day at school. I'm not going into it, but it was bad.

Friday morning Jenna woke up with a tummy ache that ended with a 'special' trash can keeping her company. She stayed home with Jeremy. We were supposed to go on a StoneWater family campout that night, but we couldn't take her after being sick all day. Since she was better, Jer went and got firewood and marshmallows and we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace.

Today, Hudson fell and busted his lip in the garage. There are blood drops out there, it was so bad. He's fine, not even a swollen lip! Jenna would still be crying.

Jenna's really itching tonight. I've used the strongest cream we have and she's got gloves on, whew!

Tomorrow is StoneWater!

been awhile

When Mom notes that the blog isn't up to date, you know it's been a while (no offense, Mom).

It's been a crazy week, but that's always my excuse. StoneWater welcomed 234 people to the service Sunday, so we had to regroup with Joey & Lisa Tuesday night. They and the boys came over for supper. I had a turkey Mom gave me (thanks again, Mom) and made corn and green beans. Lisa made dressing, dumplings, pumpkin bread, a salad, and brought cranberry sauce. Together, we had Thanksgiving (and we must be getting older because it all tasted like our grandmother's).

Wednesday I went to a TAKS workshop to see how those silly essays are graded. Since we are 'unacceptable' according to TEA because of that test, I'm arming myself with knowledge. I think I can talk the talk and teach the material according to my standards and work in what the State wants. I just can't bring myself to teach to the test, but I will incorporate what the kids need to be successful. Really, it's just plain ol' good writing, unlike the days of TAAS. (Teacher talk can be awful, huh). But, when I woke up I felt a little sick, but shrugged it off. Hudson 'gave back' his breakfast and then I discovered his supper was on his pillow (and he never even cried Tuesday night). Anyway, little H stayed home with Jer, and I went to Ft. Worth for my training. I felt worse, and worse, and worse. By 3:30 when we got in the van, I just wanted to die. I got home at 5:00 and crawled into bed. I just couldn't make it; usually I can limp along until the kids make it to bed, but my head hurt too bad and my tummy too. At 5:30 this morning, I was 100% better. Not 100%, but better.

Today was good. The kids were happy when they got home. We had small group (Life Group) and had 17 people and 11 kids. The kids were at our house with some FABULOUS care takers (Denise from Hudson's school and Amber and Alyssa from next door)!

time flies

What a week.

Sunday began with Howdy biting the next door neighbor's little boy's finger (did you get that) that he was sticking through the fence.

Monday was a scramble to get rabies records and figure out what to teach.

Tuesday was the parking fiasco.

Wednesday, ah Wednesay. Jenna threw a tremendous fit about taking a bath. While I was attending to her, Hudson (seeker and destroyer) was loose in the house. Not usually a bad thing. While I took care of her, he managed to pour syrup all over the carpet (he climbed up on the kitchen table and poured it). Then he made his way into the bedroom where StoneWater's office is. StoneWater purchased a very nice laptop computer to run all of our media for services. When I came in the room, Hudson was standing on a chair and the computer, normally on the desk, was upside down, sideways on the floor. I picked it up and prayed,"Please be okay." It wasn't. The internal workings of the screen had been shattered. That takes care of our $700 we just got back on our old house from insurance.

Just now, the kids arrived home. A little boy in his class spilled his milk today. Hudson splashed in it and then licked his hands. He's a little puffy and has had a big dose of Benedryl...ah the joys of motherhood.