10 Things Tuesday

1. It's 9:30 and everyone is asleep and has been for at least 30 minutes.
2. I have decided on Christmas presents for most of our family.
3. I am grateful that each of us has amazing talents. I bought a glass pendant this weekend and the couple who made it make them in their backyard. Glass blowing and the like are so beautiful, I am glad people have a passion for it and share with those of us who have other talents.
4. I am thankful for the Special Olympics and all the athletes and volunteers who make them possible.
5. Jman arrived safely at his destination today.
6. The weather is finally getting cold and I can get out my sweaters and thermals.
7. Petite #4 weighs 2.5 lbs and is in the 67th percentile. Little Jo-John is growing nice and strong. I can't wait to meet him.
8. We have wonderful friends who we get to spend time with. I am really blessed to have all of you in my life.
9. I'm glad we live so close to Joe T Garcia's. We should go more often.
10. Petite JT loves his school and so do I. The teachers meet them at the car in the morning and walk them to the cars in the afternoon. Curb side service. They are wonderful people.

10 Things Tuesday

Ok so it is Monday, but everyone is occupied now and I know I won't have time tomorrow, so...

1. JT loves his new school. I am so very thankful. His teacher is great and there are only 16 kids in his class and 13 of them are boys.
2. I continue to thank God that there was 1 spot open in his class. He gets to stay in school in Arlington so he can still play football.
3. I am so very thankful, once again, for our parents. They would have made sure we found a way to not totally uproot JT from his life.
4. I am thankful for loyalty. Last weekend when my sisters were here, they were ready to take on the person I think caused the whole school thing.
5. My husband loves me.
6. Everyone is quiet right now, not one person is yelling or touching anyone else.
7. Baby O really likes music. It is just the most precious thing. He nods his head and bops along to his favorite songs. And believe me he lets us know if is not a song he likes. So young to be so opinionated.
8. My friends are the greatest, most awesome people in the world.
9. My sisters are the greatest most awesome sisters anyone could hope for.
10. Baby Jo-John is growing safe and healthy.

Thanks to all of my friends and family. I love each and everyone of you and thank God for your individuality and friendship.

Talent on loan from God-
Jenn

Oh Me, Oh My

So, long time no post. Let me tell you a lot has happened in the last 2 months since my last post.
1. My sister is having a baby in January, that would be Petit Goddess#2.
2. School has started
3. Football season is in full swing, everywhere.
4. JT is now at a new school because a very miserable person felt the need to uproot an 8 year old to give themselves some sort of self worth that they don't get from their own life.
5. Along that note, we were blessed that the pre-school he went to has an academy and they had 1 spot in his grade, just for him. We went to meet the teacher today and he wanted to start tomorrow! Yeah, what a gift from God.

Anyway I hope to find my way to my blog on a regular basis again. Read me soon.

Dance Camp

My dance teacher when I was little has a school in Southlake and Miss M went to a Pretty Princess Camp last month. What can I say? She's a natural.

Happy Birthday

So, after way too much time has past we finally got ourselves together and had birthday parties. These pictures are mainly for Uncle Josh. We miss you and can't wait until you are home.

10 Things

After about a month hiatus I am back on the blogging train - for today anyway. We just returned from our annual trip to the Rio Frio River, my heaven on earth. The picture above is from last year. I really cannot express how much I LOVE it at the river. I'm ready to go back already. We are lucky to have a place so special to us. Our kids will have memories of the Frio trips with their Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles to fill up a lifetime. Thank you Mom and Dad for giving us and them this gift. Thanks to XBOX Wife. Be sure to visit her blog and join in on the festival of thanksgiving.

Here are my 10 things I am grateful for today.

One more thing

My Ipod is working again. One of the girls I had dinner with last night told me to try something and it worked. Yeah. I have my music back.

10 Things

Check out XBOX Wife for inspiration

Last night I had dinner with 4 friends from High School so my list stems from this evening.

1. I am thankful for old friends. I have known Freckles for 30 years give or take a few days. Just think about that. We took ballet lessons above the Nut Shell Bakery when we were 4 years old, went to Kids Kingdom together, Kindergarten, played Little Dribblers, T-ball, Middle school, Jr High basketball, survived high school, have buried friends, have married friends and have had babies. My earliest memories of friendship are shared with her.

2. One of the girls now lives in Costa Rica with her husband and 5 1/2 month old baby. Seeing pictures of her house makes me marvel at my God. The colors of the water took a mighty hand and a wild imagination.

3. These pictures also make me thankful for my walls. Yes I mean the walls of my home. Her home in a concrete slab with a second story bedroom covered by a thatch type roof. No walls. It is beautiful. I like to think I could live like that. Not with young children, but maybe some day. She is awakened by Howler monkeys in the mornings. Of course she did pass a Coral snake on her way to work the other day.

4. One of my friends is pregnant. Yeah. It makes me smile just thinking about it. How beautiful.

5. We all sat there healthy. No major health issues.

6. I was reminded how blessed I am that my parents are healthy. One of us has lost a father and another's father has been battling various cancers for some time now. I almost said I was lucky my parents are healthy, but I truly believe I have been blessed. I think luck has a place in our lives, but some things, even luck, are a gift.

7. As neat as a tropical paradise would be, I'm thankful that my Jman has an office job. I like stability and a definite source of income. Granted I'm not sure of everyone's financial status. They could be closet millionaires for all I know. (I think 2 of them are borderline) But I'm fairly certain at this stage in my life I could not follow the snow and surf and be that free of a spirit. Although there are times I could find myself being a bit jealous of the carefreeness this might bring.

8. Last night was we had perfect weather. We sat outside on the patio at Joe T Garcia's and it was absolutely perfect.

9. I love my life long friendships I share with these women. They have each played their part in my movie. Some by choice and others by circumstance. But, I came away also seeing how blessed I have been since high school too. I am surrounded by strong, beautiful women, from my past, from my family, and from my life with Jman. I hope each of them knows how truly precious they are. I think I will tell them.

10. I have been blessed by XBOX Wife in more ways than I can count.

SWAK
Jenn

Girl's Night Out

So last Saturday I met up with my girlfriends and watched Patrick Dempsey for an hour and a half. Not a bad way to spend the time. The movie itself was okay but with a little help from my friends it was great. It did turn out to be a real barn burner of a time. My Jman had a night out Sunday. He saw the new Indiana Jones movie. Said it was okay. I say Harrison Ford for an hour and a half, how bad could that be?

Talent on loan from God
Jenn

10 Things

Okay, so now I think I will title this post "10 Things" from now on - no day of the week attached. I know just taking the time to be thankful is the point, but I do feel guilty when I don't make myself get to the computer at type it out.
Check out XBOX Wife for guidelines.

1. We had no baseball related activities this week. I should say I had no baseball related activities this week. Jman and Jack went to the Ranger game on Sunday and Jack toured the stadium Tuesday on a school field trip. He loved it.
2. My husband has the best 10 Things list this week. I love to see what he is thankful for because many times they remind me of my blessings as well.
3. I have awesome friends and we have a girls night out coming up that will be a real barn burner of a time I am sure.
4. I have two great friends from home and we are going out next week. We have been friends since Jr. High and I love it when we can get together. With family, school and jobs it isn't always easy but it is important to all of us to make the time and for that I am grateful.
5. I too love that Miss M has an endless supply of words in general. I know someday I will beg her to talk to me.
6. Jack has his summer hair cut. My mom thinks it makes him look common, but I like it.
7. My parents have a group of friends that have been present what seems like my whole life. This weekend we have a bridal luncheon honoring one of our extended sisters and will get to see most of the women who I grew up watching. I love to see my mom with her friends and am thankful everyday that my children have women like that in their lives and older children to look up to and admire.
8. I have a wonderful husband and I know he loves me.
9. I am thankful for my health, I tend to take it for granted.
10. I am thankful for Joe T Garcia's and Indiana Jones.

10 Things Tuesday - Wednesday

Okay, so I think I should change my weekly blog to 10 Things WEDNESDAY! I really do love this exercise in thankfulness. Tuesday's can be really hectic at our house, especially during baseball season. And yesterday was more like a Monday than a Tuesday. Thanks XBox Wife.

1. I love the rain. I pray for rain every day in May. The more rain in May the more water in the Frio in June. And we all know hoe much I LOVE the Frio.
2. My husband is in the living room reading books to our babies. There are many facets of this I am thankful for - a. he is home, b. they really love their daddy, c. their daddy really loves them
3. Today Jack turned 8. I love him soooo much. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting around watching JAWS when I said, "I think my water broke, so I'm going to finish packing my bag. Just thought you should know."
4. My father-in-law and mother-in-law drove over Sunday afternoon to fix our dryer. Just to fix our dryer. Wow.
5. We have actually hired a babysitter for this Friday. We usually use our parents or aunts and uncles, so this is technically a first.
6. Miss M was singing in the car on the way home today. I love that.
7. My little man is in my lap right now, just talking away.
8. I have money in my budget to put gas in my car. Someone stopped me this morning asking for help with gas to get to work.
9. I love cell phones. My cell phone made it possible for me to call a friend and let her know Bobby Flay was at the Williams Sonoma in Southlake today. He oldest girl just loves him. They were able to get there in time to meet him. How I love technology.
10. Last but not least - I am totally awesome along with my mom, sisters and the sister-friends I have been blessed with.

10 things tuesday

Again, I am a day late and I apologize to KBox Wife for tardy. I love 10 things Tuesday and hate it when I let life get in the way of seeing what's around me.
1. I have 3 beautiful spirits I have been blessed with raising and thankfully our Church is having a parenting class to help and I really like it so far. I understand nothing is 100% effective all the time, but just hearing different options and theories always helps.
2. This weekend I am going on the ladies retreat with our Church and I am sooooo excited. I missed last years because I was in the hospital having #3.
3. I have had a great week of working out. So I ate chips ahoy cookies tonight.Oh well, you just have to every once in a while.
4. I have awesome friends. one of them called me today to see if I was going to the gym. she didn't know it, but I had talked myself out of it today. Her calling made it possible for me to eat the previously mentioned cookies.
5. My baby girl and I have not have a fight over clothes this week. In part because I have been giving her more freedom and letting my own personal objections take a back seat and in part because my wonderful husband has been home and fought that battle instead of me.
6. My Jman's travel has been reduced, so he has been home. Today he made breakfast for the kiddos.
7. Junior Goddess #3 was sick this weekend and ended up having pneumonia and a ruptured cyst. Both treatable.
8. Our Soldier was home this weekend. his sister had a beautiful, perfect healthy baby boy last Thursday and he was able to see him.
9. Last Saturday was our final soccer game.
10. Our house is so clean I can hardly stand it. I even cleaned baseboards. Strange to be thankful for cleaning the baseboards, I know, but they are done. I actually had time at home last weekend to clean. Also, everyone helped. Miss M even came and asked me what she could do next.

Thank you XBox Wife again for this opportunity to appreciate my life and my many blessings.

10 Things Tuesday

1. Today I realized there are only 3 months left in the age of 3. Turning 4 may bring some attitude changes, let's hope.
2. I am doing Weight Watchers and today I went window shopping for my reward for reaching my goal weight.
3. My sweet husband called to see if there was something I had been wanting because he was in Delaware, a no sales tax state. I had a morning of not so good news about a pending business deal and he wanted to get me something.
4. My sisters are coming into town this weekend.
5. Today I found out Jman will be home for the next few weeks and not traveling.
6. We have had a great bedtime week. Mornings are still shaky, but we have had no bedtime melt downs! YEAH!
7. Tomorrow's dinner is taken care of.
8. I saw a sweater at Dillard's today I am going to try to knit. It will be my first sweater designed my me.
9. I really love the way O gets so happy to play ball with his brother and sister.
10. Jman will be home on Friday!

Top Five - DVDs

1. The Princess Bride or the "Mostly Dead Movie" - He has eyes like the sea after the storm
2. Fletch - do I really need to explain?
3. Oceans 11 and 12 (don't have 13) - I'm a sucker for a pretty face
4. The Bourne Trilogy - pretty face thing again
5. Spies Like Us - Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.......
6. The Thomas Crwon Affair (with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo) - again, sucker for pretty people
7. Johnny English - watch it, it's funny
8. Three Amigos - does anyone else notice a Chevy Chase thing going?
9. Prelude to a Kiss - pre-Alec Baldwin/Kim Bassinger fiasco
10. The Whole 9 Yards - don't ask me why, I can't explain it

Cool things to do with Kool Aid

Here is some yarn I dyed with Kool Aid of all things. It was my first attempt at hand dyeing yarn and I loved it. My sisters and JT and Miss M dyed some also. I made the kids hats out of theirs and for Jr Goddess #2 (middle sister I of course am Jr Goddess #1) I made a Ponytail hat from the December 2007 Edition of MagKnits. I didn't get it done while it was still cold but it is really cute. I'll get a picture up in the next day or so. Jr Goddess #3's yarn is still to be transformed into it's masterpiece. I haven't found the right idea yet. Anyway, here's my yarn.

My 10 Things

I want to apologize to XBOX Wife for my tardiness and again thank her for challenging us to stop and count our many blessings:

1. I am so very thankful that the "winds" that up-rooted the tree in my back yard only did that. I'm not convinced it wasn't a tornado after some of the damage in our area. The tree didn't really freak me out but seeing the bleachers from the soccer and baseball fields all twisted and wadded up scared me a little.
2. I am thankful for the friends who called to check on us. With Jman being out of pocket it was very considerate of them to think about me and the kiddos.
3. Surprisingly, our neighbor wasn't really upset about the tree taking out part of his fence. You never can tell with him how he will react to things.
4. The kids slept through everything.
5. Yesterday I was thankful that baseball practice was cancelled. We had a game Tuesday and are scheduled for one Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Again, I'm glad JT plays baseball and little O loves being free to run around outside. Of course I just know he's going to get hit by a foul ball, but I try to keep my morbid thoughts to myself and let him be the "on-the-move" little boy he is.
6. I am reminded of how fortunate we are as a family with the health of our children.
7. I am so glad my husband loves to spend time with his children. He seems to know exactly what a gift that time is and I know someday they will too. I know some dads who would rather be at happy hour or on the golf course than with their families and am so glad my Jman is not one of them.
8. Again I am thankful that I am so incredibly awesome. And that my friends are equally awesome. (This may become a fall back as it is always something I am grateful of)
9. I also have two super awesome sisters and an uber-awesome mom.
10. Last but not least I am thankful for my relationship with God and the place He has provided as our church home. The weather was bad last night and I almost took the kids home and skipped church since I was by myself and I am so glad I did not. Our topic was the forgiving nature of God and we were reminded that He forgives as we forgive. It was good for me to hear. Everyone has people in their lives who have hurt them. In my life is someone who does these things under the guise of being a great spiritual person and never acknowledges she has done anything to hurt someone, much less broken the law (but that's another issue) Anyway I will do my best to not hold this against them and forgive them in my heart. But I do keep my eyes wide open around them. I guess that's okay.

Top Five - Songs on my ipod

I know I previously listed this on the side of my blog but here they are again in no particular order:
Threadbare Gypsy Soul - Pat Green
Somebody - Depeche Mode
Fabulous - High School Musical
Lukenback, TX - Waylon Jennings
I Need You - Faith Hill
Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
The Joker - Steve Miller Band
Beer for My Horses - Toby Keith (my Grandmother danced to this at her 90th birthday party) thanks for refraining your comments Tricky - it's because of the Grandmother thing I'm sure
Only You - YAZ - yes Tricky YAZ!
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel

Ten Things Tuesday..... 1 day late but not 1 "thing" short

Yesterday I was blessed with the chance to spend time with my children and catch up on tivo so I did not get my ten things done. As always, thanks to XBOX Wife for the inspiration.
So I guess #1 is the fact that no matter how they are behaving I get to spend time with my children. I work only 1 job. I get to put them to bed at night. To be there to referee fights and mediate arguments. I am home when they get up in the mornings. I get to pick them up from school. I have been blessed with a job where I have missed very little of their lives.

#2 I love to listen to Miss M sing so not only have I been blessed with hearing, I also have been blessed with a child who can find her own joy.

#3 I have been super blessed with the health of my children. Aside from an ear infection here and there or maybe a stomach bug or two our children are very healthy and that just amazes me, I was reminded today that not everyone is that lucky.

#4 My parents are wonderful. They absolutely love their grandchildren. I couldn't ask for more.

#5 I have great in-laws. I have always felt welcomed in their home and like an important part of the family. I know not everyone has that unconditional acceptance.

#6 Today Jack's school held the first annual Highlander Games and he had so much fun. The smile on his face was beautiful. (and not just because he looks like me)

#7 I have recently been blessed with the opportunity to expand our business. I have been actively pursuing this expansion for some time and I may have finally found the right situation. I know this will not only bring blessing to my family, but also to my parents and to the individuals who will be receiving our services. I know that sounds bad, it's just had to explain correctly

#8 Almost 7 years ago I stumbled into a little place called Simpatico Yarns and met MaryJane. She gave me the gift of knitting and for that I am grateful. Ask anyone who knows me - I love to knit. With baseball season upon us and a multitude of other things going on I have not had time to get to her shop lately until yesterday when I found here doors locked and the store empty. I later found out, it was a decision that had to be made, she closed her store. Last Friday she had a final sale and locked the doors. She was always excited to see me and more importantly, my CHILDREN. She had computer games for older kids, color books for all ages, and loved to hold the babies. For those of you who don't know, this is not easily found in a yarn store. So I find this a bittersweet blessing - I will miss the ladies who were always there and have watched Jack grow-up, Miss M crawl around and O through the yarn like balls. I'm really not sure what I'm going to do.

#9 I have magnificent life-long friendships

#10 I have two beautiful little sisters that I can't imagine my life without.

So there are some gentle musings from a Threadbare Gypsy Soul who may change her name to The Wandering Gypsy Knitter.




The most costly commodity we have in this country is ignorance. -R.L.

A weekend in the life of.....

Just thought I'd give a run down of our weekend: while not typical, they are like this more often than not

Saturday:
6:00 AM - rise and shine - Saturday morning
7:30 AM - arrive at baseball fields - now that's commitment
8:00 AM - baseball game begins
9:30 AM - baseball game over drive around to get O to sleep before Opening Ceremonies
9:50 AM - baby asleep - YEAH
10:00 AM - Opening Ceremonies - Congressman Joe Barton speaks and offers incentives for
selling all the Papa John's coupon sheets assigned to you - contact me for more info -
a sheet of coupons w/ 2 free pizzas for $10.00
11:30 AM - Leave baseball fields (in the city where I work by the way) to go to soccer game (in
completely different city)
12:15 PM - Arrive at soccer fields ( we have arrived at both games early - won't ever happen
again)
1:00 PM - I leave soccer game to go to my massage appointment (finally using gift certificate
received last April - sorry Mom)
1:15 PM - spa to see if need actual certificate - I do - I tell them I will be late a run by house
to get said certificate
3:00 PM - back at house - run around like crazy to get kids packed for overnight trip to
Goddess and Dads
3:30 PM - Leave house to meet said Grandparents - go to Target on the way to get a cup for
the baby - go to Costco
6:00 PM - return home - have a party at 7:00 - again run around house like a crazy person
getting ready - make appetizer for party - have small breakdown because left flat
iron at work - already know what wearing so that's covered (could have been much
later than actually were if I had had to find an outfit)
7:15 PM - maybe 7:30 - arrive at party - have a great time - no kids to chase, no one else to
worry about - no baby sitter to hurry home to - so we didn't - while we were not the
last ones out the door we were very close, and while some say close only counts in
horseshoes and hand grenades I say it counts here
12:00+ AM - arrive home, have margarita, take bath, finally get to bed - aah bed

Sunday
9:00 AM - rise and shine - while not necessarily early, Church starts at 9:40, takes at least 15
mins. to get there- no idea what wearing - teaching Bible class
12:00 PM - church over - go home to get husbands play clothes - leave for grandparents house
2:30 PM - leave grandparent #1 house - go to "carnival"- kids ride rides (7 year old anyway, 3
year old too short, baby doesn't care since it's not a ball) go to grandparent #2 house
4:30 PM- leave Grandparents house, ceremony for new building at church begins at 5:30
5:45ish - arrive at church building - kids have breakdowns, go to the car, Jman and I take turns
sitting with kids and signing name to foundation of new auditorium - very cool thing to
be a part of - go by store on the way home for a few odds and ends we need
7:45ish - get home and begin dinner (didn't eat at Church, only had ham sandwiches left and
children having breakdowns)
9:00PM - children in bed (3 year old gets up many times before actually falling asleep in my
bed while watching her daddy play HALO), do a little knitting, watch Dexter, get
PeaceLoveMom order ready, husband plays HALO
10:50PM - sit down at computer to write this entry still here at 12:00
Still to do ?AM - complete laundry necessary for husband to take on business trip, move 3 year
old to her own bed, pick out clothes for tomorrow, get baby back to sleep, put self to
sleep

So there is a weekend in the fabulous life of our family. I wouldn't trade a second.

Baseball Moms

Let we qualify this post with this - I love that Jack plays baseball and I will do everything in my power to help him be the best he wants to be.
So everyone has heard of the famous "soccer mom" but have you met baseball mom? They are very into the baseball scene. Camps (year round not just summer), private coaches, crazy expensive equipment. They really have more interest than the kids I think. Really can drive me crazy. I here by promise, I am (to my knowledge) a very long way away from:

Having a full blown batting cage in my backyard (a net to throw against of hit into is okay)

-or-

Spending $200.00 on a baseball bat.

I can hear my mom telling me she won't buy the expensive jeans (Gloria Vandervilt) until I stop growing. That's how I feel right now. But seriously they are 7 and 8 years old. Give them something to look forward too. They have no idea how much a bat costs and believe me unless it's a magic bat, it ain't going to make a difference.

We did breakdown and buy a baseball bag this week - along with the cup. But I consider that a necessity - more for me than for Jack. Now he has a specific place for all things baseball and I don't do anything but pick up 1 bag!

We are going to try to attend some TCU baseball games this year. We have a friend who played there and are trying to get together with them. Anyway, this turned out to be less of a rant than I had thought when I began. I was very sports oriented growing up and am trying very hard not to push that on Jack, especially after being around some very baseball-pushy parents. Jman reels me in when needed. I think I'm good until we start dealing with all those blind referees and umpires.

About my river

This is a picture of my paradise - the Frio River. We go every summer with my whole family, parents, sisters and husbands, my family. We definitely have a cabin full. Yes I said a cabin. They are great with plenty of room and will certainly do until I can retire and build my house there. We have been making this trip almost annually since I was in the 8th grade. (we may have gone prior to that, but I'm not sure) Our traveling party has changed over the years, but we still make it and can't wait to go back the minute we pack the cars to leave.
There is no cell phone reception. Which is wonderful, most of the time. We did miss information about a funeral one summer.
It is so beautiful there, you can just feel God's presence.
In 2002 when it flooded we almost had to cancel our trip. The first day we were there the river was closed! It is amazing to look at old pictures because the river changed so much. Water is truly a powerful force. The cabins we had stayed in the year before weren't there any more. I actually almost drowned twice that year. Kind of scary. My brother-in-law lost his wedding ring. That may have been on purpose though.
There are a very limited number of places I would rather be than at the Frio.
Anyway, if I ever find out how to do a countdown I might start counting down to this years trip.

Remember, it's all about the ball barrings.

What kind of name is Poon anyway?

J

10 Things Tuesday

1. Today I find myself thankful for a very wide variety of things. Some of them are silly and some are serious but my list is much longer than 10 things and for that I am grateful.

2. I love the way Miss M sings along with her new "music player" for all the world to hear

3. I am thankful that my friend Shelley was not captured by syphilitic Mexicans

4. My Jman had a safe flight to Baltimore

5. I absolutely love my O's strong and powerful voice

6. My dog has four legs - ask Jman

7. I am so very thankful Jman was home to explain to our oldest how to wear a cup.

8. I am thankful for Our Soldier

9. I love spring and all the colors that come with it

10. Last, but not least, I am thankful that I am awesome and I have equally awesome friends!

Thank you XBOX Wife for the motivation.

Butterflies in the Garden

Yesterday we went to see the butterflies at the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens. This was O's first time to go Miss M has been at least twice and I think this is Jack's 3rd or 4th time. It never seems to get old. It gets hot, but not old. Here are some pics from the day.

Check out my Slide Show!

Our Soldier

This is Sgt. Tracy pictured with his favorite nephew Action. He has been deployed for 400 days which began March 15, 2008 and ends April 19, 2009. Please pray for his safe return. We love him dearly and his precious wife too.

Eavesdropping, For lack of a better term

I have a friend who designs blogs Jilly Blog Designs (http://www.jillyblogdesigns.blogspot.com/) and when looking at her list of sites she has done, I came across a very personal site that has really touched me. I felt strange reading this woman's thoughts. She lost a baby at 31 weeks and it is amazing some of the things she has written. She really pours out her heart in several entries and wow. I thank her and commend her for sharing her experiences.

So I feel the need to make: My list of pure joy

1. My children each bring me joy in so many ways. They all came into the world very differently and I am thankful for each experience. (even the spinal-free c-section)

2. I get so much joy from my children's names. Sounds crazy I know, but they all have great meaning and history. Each was named for very important people in my husband and my lives. They remind me daily of how lucky we were to have been blessed by their name sakes.

3. The way Miss M looks at me when she wants something or is trying to be funny. Just pure joy.

4. The joy they bring my husband, gives me joy.

5. The crazy, nonsensical things Miss M says bring joy to so many people. The other day she said her Aunt J runs around in just her panties all the time. True? Maybe, but Miss M doesn't know that. Aunt J lives outside of Lubbock and has clothes on every time we see her.

6. When my 7 year voluntarily gives me a good night hug, brings great joy.

7. The beautiful smile on Jack's face when he's trying to be sneaky and break a confetti egg over my head. Absolute joy.

8. The way little O lights up when you had him a ball. This not only brings me joy, but obviously just make his day, or minute.

9. I love the way everyone lights up when J gets home from work. Everyone yells "Daddy" and runs toward him. They all have things to tell him from their week and all have to tell him at the same time. What a joyful noise.

10. I love that my children love their aunts and uncles. They are so happy to see them and I think the feelings are mutual. I know their letters and drawings will bring our Soldier joy and that gives me joy.

I know I could think of 100 more things that bring me joy about my children, so this week I pray that that list tops my thoughts always and that every time we have a conflict I remember the joy.

Count downs

Does anyone know of a good place to get a count down for my blog?

10 Things Tuesday

I know it's late in the day, but we just got home and unloaded. It's been a hard weekend for my family so I've had to think long and hard about today's list, but I made myself do it. I am thankful for these things....

1. Sgt. J. Tracy - U.S. Army reserves, deployed Saturday for 400 days to Afghanistan.
2. Mrs. J. Tracy
3. The family who loves and supports them.
4. Peterson, J's roommate. A youth minister, who will save J more than once I'm sure.
5. My freedom.
6. All those who protect me and my family.
7. The family of those who protect my family.
8. The new mom soldier who will miss the next 400 days of her infants growing.
9. The men who won't see their babies born.
10. The hand of God that will protect them while they are gone.

Ten Things Tuesday

My Friend has challenged me (and everyone else) to do this exercise in thankfulness every Tuesday. Or more often if you are feeling particularly blessed.
My 10 things for Tuesday March 11, 2008 are:

1. First thing this morning I was thankful for the very healthy lungs of O.
2. The tiny helpful hands of Mama Mia.
3. That Jack can dress himself.
4. I am thankful I can afford to put gas in the car.
5. I was reminded many times over today about how blessed my family and I are by our wonder, caring and thoughtful friends.
6. I am thankful it's baseball time in Texas and for the many able bodied little boys who play.
7. I am thankful for the men who take time to coach these little men.
8. I am thankful for the beautiful legs of my O that take him wherever he wants to go.
9. I am thankful for my beautiful legs that chase after him.
10. I am thankful for my friend who made me really see what I have been blessed with.

Count your many blessings, Name them one by one!

Tales from the Crypt

Howdy all. It finally happened. For the first time in my life I have been diagnosed with the flu. Granted I'm not 100% sure I haven't had the flu before, but I am 100% sure I had it this passed week. I know Tamiflu is a wonderful drug and I am thankful that it made me feel so much better, but mad it sure has upset my stomach - and little O's as well. After talking to the pharmacist I'm pretty sure he is exhibiting side effects. So I still haven't decided if it is bad enough to stop taking the med and chance flu symptoms again. I stayed in bed most of the day Friday and it was really nice. I tend to go stir crazy so I got up occasionally, but for the most part I took full advantage of my sweet husband (who isn't feeling 100% either) He took to and from school and played with O all day. I sleep best with some noise so I had the TV on and caught a rerun of Hope and Faith. I really liked that show. I had forgotten how funny it was. Kelly Rippa was just hysterical. And her clothes - loved them! And her body - wow. I'll be looking like that before you know it. Especially if my stomach stays upset.
Don't forget to change your clocks or you'll all be late for Church in the morning.
Peace out.

Happy Boy

How can a simple ball make you so happy?

Isn't he just precious.

Everyone is sick

I had to pick up MiMi early from school because she was screaming and crying about her ear hurting. Turns out she has an ear infection. While at the doctor's office, they took one look at Jack and said he needed to be tested for the flu, because he had "that look." It was negative, thank goodness, but he still looks like he feels terrible. Anyway when J got home I went to get medicine and spent about an hour alone. My headache finally went away and now I'm off to a hot bath and bed. After I figure out why Jack's nose keeps bleeding. I guess it just never ends.

My beautiful sisters

I know I am biased, but can anyone argue?

My first sweater

I am not one to buy People Magazine but their style edition caught my eye today and I thought, "What the heck." Inside I found a pic of Cameron Diaz, nothing special about it really, but I have been inspired. She has on this simple little sweater/poncho and I am going to attempt to make one. I have made several ponchos and shrugs on my own but this will be my first real attempt at making my own sweater with no pattern. Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted.

Tick Tock Says the Clock( is that right? looks very wrong)

Not that anyone would know, but the time stamp on by posts has been off and driving me crazy. So being the computer savy gal that I am, I have fixed the problem all by myself. Yeah Me! Yes that is correct it is 11:00 what am I thinking? I should go to bed early when the choking bear is out of town. (Sorry honey, I'll make it up to you)

Martha, Martha, Martha

Okay, I consider myself fairly fashion forward. I may not dress the part, but I generally at least know what the hip things are. So, today on Martha Stewart Robert Rodriduez had some of his fall pieces and I just don't get them. Ruffles just aren't my thing. They were all organic fabrics, which the bohemian in me loves, but aside from 1, maybe two outfits, I'll pass.

New topic - school ending at 2:00 is generally inconvenient. Not that I'm super busy, but 2:30 would make a big difference.

Last thing - dogs can be so disgusting. Sampson got out of the kitchen earlier and of course went straight for the litter box and cat food. Cat food, not so bad, but cat poop, bad.
Remember food good-poop bad

J

Obama - Oh my scarey

Okay let me start by saying I am a hard fast Republican. I love my President, I love my country, and I thank God daily for the protection (of my life and freedoms) that are fought for each day. That being said, I feel there is a lot about our country to be proud of and thankful for. My cousin is teaching in China, where their freedoms are decided on by their government. They are told what to study, what job to have, etc. and these things are what determine their worth. They are overwhelmed by the fact that Jenny likes them for who they are, not their position in society. I am proud that my country fights for everyone to get to believe what they want to believe. I live in a place where I have worth because I am a child of God. My freedom to believe this is one of the reasons this country was founded. Anyway, I really don't know what to say, just something on my mind.

Please pray for my sister and her husband. He leaves for Afghanistan in a couple of weeks and she's nervous, to say the least.

Someone has a case of the Mondays

And I don't seem to have enough flair.
Well with no school today we got a glimpse of what summer will be like and it ain't pretty. We will have plenty of activities on the schedule. Actually, the kiddos were pretty good, just a little stir crazy by lunch time. Jman left today, but fortunately it was late enough that the kids saw him this morning. O followed him around all morning. It was really cute.
Gotta go.

Thursday, not quite Friday

What more can I say. Actually, Happy Valentine's Day to all you lover's out there. I hope you have a wonderful evening. Jman comes home tomorrow and we have another whirlwind weekend planned. Crazy.
Do bears bear? Do bees bee?

J

The baby is 1!

O had his first birthday over the last weekend. It amazes me to think it's been a year already. I can't remember what it was like without him here. Let's see.... sleep all night, able to shower anytime, leaving all kids at grandparents and going to Vegas. Oh those were the days. Just kidding. I wouldn't change a thing. (well maybe the sleep all night) We had a great party with Grandparents - may parents Goddess and Dad, Jman's parents Big Honey Mamma and Ol Dad. My sister's Aunt J and Aunt Ashley and Jman's brother Uncle Brien. So here are some pictures.

JCrew

So, I'm looking at a JCrew email I received about their "final sale" and I'm thinking, since when did JCrew become a high end retailer. I mean come on. They have always carried nicer things that were not cheap by any means, but a pair of ballet flats for $225. They're JCrew for crying out loud - not Manolo or Jimmy Choo. (I do realize this would be a great price on those) Anyway, just another rant. The kids are in bed and Jman's gone, so what else am I going to do, laundry. HA!

Hope everyone has a great and wonderfully romantic Valentine's Day.

New subject - My sister is in her labor and delivery rotation at nursing school and told me an incredibly heart breaking story today so I would remember just how truly blessed we are to have our babies. So be sure to tell your's you love them and thank God tonight (and every night) for your little miracles.

Love to all,
J

My Sweet Boy

I know two posts in one night. I promise this is no precedent.

The other night there was a story on the news about a fire in Russia. It was an apartment building and a family on the third floor was trapped. They showed a picture of the couple throwing their 3 year old out the window to some people below, but of course you can't see the people in the picture. Jack said something about it, btu I didn't really pay much attention because I was trying to get them to bed. So, Mimi comes in the living room and asys Jack is crying. I go to check on him and he is worried about the baby that was thrown out the windo. (My heart breaks) He was also worried about how I will get O when we move to a two-story house, if we have a fire. I explained that the news story said the baby was okay and so were it's parents, and how they weren't being mean to the baby, they were trying to make sure it was safe, even if they were not. He seemed to be calmed by my answer, but who knows. I'm not really what you call wise by any means. I also told him the first thing we will buy for the new house is a ladder for each upstairs bedroom and a way to get to O's room. He can be such a tough kid and is growing up so fast, I forget sometimes he really is still a baby in so many ways. (none of which are bad) Anyway, that's my little boy with the big heart.

#2

Second entry.
I really should be reading a bedtime story right now, but I've been side tracked. I'm sure I will feel this late night in the morning.
So the picture is of the Rio Frio. My heaven on earth. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I just imagine sitting at the edge of the water, soaking in the wonder of my God. It is just so peaceful there. It always takes me back to not necessarily simpler times, just different ones. I feel like I'm a Church camp during Hug-A-Tree time. The time in the morning where you went off alone and read, prayed or just sat still. I don't really sit still much any more and at times I miss it. And when we're at the river it is busy, there just seems like more opportunity for stillness. I don't know.
The title comes from a song by Pat Green. I don't know exactly why, but I love that song.

In the beginning...

Okay, I broke down and am now a blogger. We'll see how this goes