Blah!!

Blah! What has happened to this day. It started off well enough but is going downhill fast.

1. Mason has a small cold (as previously) mentioned and is using that as his excuse to avoid
everything. He whined so much during homework that I had to leave the table and dive into
the Halloween candy. I really need to throw all of it AWAY. Now we are taking a "break" while he plays the
Wii. Now I have to motivate him out the door to karate.

2. I made chili in the crockpot today. It is extra spicy just the way I like it. I always put a blob of sour cream
on top to put out the fire. Well, I made the mistake of leaving Mario in the kitchen unattended and he
helped himself to the whole container of sour cream. He is now in time out.

3. After 1 + years of complaining about our refrigerator door making a popping sound, I finally had it fixed
today. Kaylea strolled in from school noticed that the door was demagnetized and asked why it was so bare.
I explained that the popping sound was fixed. She slapped the door and pouted out of the room. She said
and I quote - "That was the only thing that I liked about our frig. Now I hate it."

Is it bedtime yet??

The real reason

Mason asked to stay home from school today because he has a small cold. I agreed since he hasn't missed a day this year. Plus, I didn't want him to spread his germs to his classmates.

But ....

I have a feeling this is his real reason -

He has been playing non-stop with his nutcrackers. He is starting a collection. This is his third year and he wants me to take him to Target to get a second one for this year. I gave him my usual response of "We'll see".

It was the cuties thing this morning. He woke up own his on at 7:00 and walked out with all 3 nutcrackers in hand.

Where I Sleep

I really need new bedding! I LOVE the comforter that we currently have but not long after we bought it my sweet dog Boomer went pee pee on it. Not once, not twice but three times. I don't know what was going on with him. That was a couple of years ago and the problem seems to have stopped.

It is dry clean only and after 2 cleanings it still smelled like pee. Gross, I know!

The last time I took it in to the cleaners they suggested having it washed. Same price ($25.00) but it didn't help at all. 4 cleanings at $25.00 really starts to add up. I just can't get over the smell. I think it may be in my head but still I can't get over it.

I am definitley looking for something that I can wash at home. Duvet covers seem to be the best option. I have been debating this purchase for months and just can't make the big move.

Here are my two favorite options:

It has to match these curtains because they absolutely can't be replaced at this point.

Hopefully, I can make a decision soon. They are an internet only item which make it more difficult to decide. It would realy help to see in person.

Back to School

We made it through the first week of school. It sure was hard going back after having a full 2 months off. I think it made it harder to get back into the swing of things.

The kids are on two different schedules now. Mason's school starts at 8:15 and Kaylea's at 9:05. It takes me forever to get the kids off to school in the mornings but at least we get to sleep a little later.

Here are their first day of school pictures:

Car Talk

I just love to listen in on the conversations my kids have with their friends. No, I don't ease drop! I get the best material from the back seat of the van.


Yesterday while picking the boys up from school:

Mason says to his friend Chandler:

"Do you want to live in the same house when we grow up?"

"Yes, that would be fun."

"Well, I get to own the house because I am going to build it myself."

"OK"

"But, I get to drive a Mustang, because that is what kind of car I want."

"Oh, man, I want a Mustang too."

And if this isn't cute enough - Chandler says to Mason -

"Are we going to be girlfriend and boyfriend?" (sounding a little confused)

Of course, I had to jump in at this point and explain that they are both boys and will just be good friends. I wish they would forever stay innocent minded.

Aim for the stars!!

Mason just announced to me that he wants to be a garbage man when he grows up.

Why? Duh!! "You can do something different every day. You can ride on the back of the truck, drive the truck, or run the bulldozer at the dump."

Reach for the stars babe. Reach for the stars.

Meeting the Teacher

Today was orientation for Mason and Kaylea's schools.

Mason was sooooo excited to meet his new teacher. I asked both kids to get dressed, brush teeth, etc..... Mason came out with his hair all styled and wearing his 2 favorite necklaces (one is a silver shark necklace from Sea World and the other is a "gold" chain he picked up from the local gumball machine). He pulled his good luck stone from his pocket and announced that he was ready to go.

Mr. Snow (the nurse practitioner at his pediatrician office) gave him this smooth glass stone for good luck with a medical problem. It brought tears to my eyes when he told me he searched through his treasure box to find it. I guess he felt a little nervous about meeting his new teacher.

His teacher is Mrs. Hadley. I am so happy! She is sorta family - many times removed. She loves her students and is just precious. I think this will be a great year for him.

He immediately became shy when we entered the classroom but we did manage to snap some pics:

We attended Kaylea's middle school orientation first but she wouldn't allow me to take any pictures. Can you believe that? I didn't force the issue since I didn't see a single parent with a camera.

Her focus was definitely not on finding her way to each class or meeting her teachers. It was all about seeing the friends she's missed seeing all summer. I sure hope she can find her way around come Monday.

I know she is super excited about this next chapter in her life. It literally seems like yesterday that she was starting preschool.

RaceTrac is my fav!!

RaceTrac is my all time favorite place to stop for a Diet Coke (fountain style, of course).

Bobby calls it my usual watering hole. We have to stop there on the way home from his parent's house each and every trip. It even works late at night since they have caffeine free Diet Coke. You can even choose crushed or cubed ice. The employees are always so friendly, the parking area well lighted, and I just really like the layout of the store. I know this sounds strange but it just makes me happy to stop there.

I really don't stop at our local store that often. It is not quite as fabulous as the one in Orlando but today the kiddos really wanted to stop for one of their frozen drinks. I happily agreed. When we were ready to pay I accidentally knocked Kaylea's frozen drink off the counter. It fell all over me, Mason and all the gum and candy underneath the cash register. I think I went into shock!!

I just stood there and continued to count out the correct change while the frozen, sticky drink soaked through my pants and puddled in my croc flipflops.

I looked over at sweet little Mason and he was covered. It was all over his shirt, face and legs and he was crying. He looked so pitiful. I just had to bend down and give him a big sticky and cold hug.

I was afraid to look up at the lady behind the counter but have no fear because she was not even upset. In fact she was overly nice. The manager rushed to get a mop and all the while assuring me that it was all OK. Complete strangers shopping in the store also came to my assistance. One man directed me to the restroom and another man found the napkins.

It was such a nice experience. Even thought I left the parking lot with ice cold and wet pants, I had a smile on my face. Isn't it nice to know that there are good people still in this crazy world.

I think I need to corporate RaceTrac and tell them how much I love them.

8 A.M.

This morning we got a little sneak peek at getting our day started super early. Kaylea had a CVTV training day at Lakeland Highlands Middle School. 2 weeks from today we start back on the daily grind of school and my baby girl will officially be a middle schooler.

I have gotten so spoiled this summer with the long break. It's the longest break we have had from school since Kaylea started kindergarten. I don't think they have gotten out of bed before 9:30 the entire time - unless I woke them for some reason.

I can't wait to see what the new school year brings to our lives but I am gonna enjoy every last minute of this summer break and time with my kiddos.

A lots changing around here

In 4 short day we went from

This....

To This....

I have to say that things have gone very smoothly this far. I know we are at the beginning of the process but so far so good.

I have already been advised to have tons of patience so maybe that is helping. I just hope things continue to roll along without any major problems.

I really thought that walking the dogs on a leash would be a major problem for me. It has been ok this far. We can still let them in the backyard when the dirt is dry. They are pretty good about staying out of the dirt and in the yard. I think the big mound of dirt keeps them confused so they don't venture over to the open fence area.

This is definitely the highlight of Mason's summer. So much to watch. He sits on the patio for hours just watching the progress. Such the life for a little boy.

Wilderness in the Smokies

The kiddos and I along with my mom took a little trip to Tennessee last week. My 2 aunts, Lora and Amy, met us there. It was a nice little girl's getaway (that did include Mason).

The Wilderness in the Smokies is fantastic!! It is a vacation destination all in itself. I have to say that it did feel a little chick like to not even enter the National Forest. We spent most of our time at the resort.

This was Mason's favorite thing to do...

He was so excited to get to ride alone. The main water park would not let anyone under 48" ride alone. He is 46". That means that I rode with him for his first 49 times before we went to the 2nd water park and low and behold they let him ride alone. He grinned from ear to ear the entire time. Each trip down was just as exciting as the first time.

This was Kaylea's favorite thing to do...

She become a pro at body surfing. The long wait in line was totally worth the 2 turns she got on the board. She was the best chick there. I have to say that the teenage lifeguards were super with the kids on this ride. They really took the time to instruct them on ways to improve and showed them new tricks to try. That's what folks in Tennessee are like.

This is what I rode...

The Storm Chaser. I have never laughed so hard in all my years. I rode this ride with my Aunt Lora and Aunt Amy. I wish I had a waterproof camera on the ride. The looks on their faces was priceless. I have to say the anticipation is far worse than the actual ride. It was loads of fun but I never got the nerve to ride it a second time.

The kids and I took a little trip into Gatlinburg. They each wanted an airbrushed t-shirt (you might be a redneck if .....you have an airbrushed t-shirt). Plus, they wanted to eat at Bubba Gumps again. We ate there in January and for some reason it made an impression on Kaylea. It was fun. Our server was a hoot. He hosted a friendly Bubba Gump trivia game. Our table smoked the competition, if I must say so myself!!

I completely enjoyed being back in Tennessee. I would pack up and move tomorrow if my entire family would move with me. The weather was perfect. No humidity and I only broke a sweat one time while walking at a very brisk pace. I sat outside and read one evening for 2 hours and did not see a single mosquito.

We sure did have a wonderful time. It was so nice seeing my aunts and spending some time with them. For some reason I did not have a single picture of them on my camera. I will have to post some later when I get them from my mom.

It works every time.

Our girl's get away to TN if fast approaching (except for Mason - he is also included) and Kaylea really needed some new swim suites. I thought it would be fun to do some mother/daughter shopping. She is 11 and really not that into shopping YET. I know the day will come when I wish we could go back to these days.

As usual, she just wasn't feeling it and was in a bad mood. UNTIL - she started trying on the clothes. She turned into a completely different person. All smiles and giggles!! She even said "I look great in this"

She walked away with 3 new swim suites, 3 pair of earrings and 2 pair of sunglasses.

ME? I got a $11.99 cover-up.

Never underestimate the power of shopping to turn a bad day into a good day. I went to the store and brought home the happiest girl ever.

No Fair!

I am going to stick to my guns this summer and have the kiddos earn all the fun little adventures they are wanting to do by helping more around the house. This is win, win. They can do fun stuff and I won't be tied down to housework.

I asked Kaylea to delete a bunch of stuff off Quickbooks in exchange for me paying her $10.00. I thought this would definitely be worth it since I estimated it would take an hour and I had been putting it off for over a year.

That clever little girl found an easier way to do it and was finished in 15 minutes.

It's is scary to see your kids passing you up in the intelligence department.

The Beginning and the End!!

This week was Kaylea's last week as an elementary school student. It feels like it was literally yesterday that I was a sobbing mess driving her to school for her first day of kindergarten. It felt much the same today except that I couldn't really relish in my many memories because my tween couldn't stop talking long enough for me to actually have a thought of my own. I say this with much love. I really do enjoy all those silly little stories that I hear play by play.

What a young lady she has become. I can't wait to experience the next 3 years of Middle School. I have already started praying!!

Over IT!!

Kaylea wore a previously worn uniform (in other words straight from the dirty basket) to school this morning. I think this is the first time in her entire K-5 school career that this has happened.

Why??

Because I am soooo over the school thing. I need the official start of summer vacation to begin NOW - not next Wednesday - but RIGHT NOW!! Unfortunately, I do have to wait until the 24th.

The good news is: We have a full 2 months off instead of our usual 2 weeks. Our school won't be a year around school next year.

When I opened my eyes....

When I opened my eyes this morning I knew that I was in for a long day.

Every muscle in my body is sore!!

How do those people on the Biggest Loser do it?? Do they give them a few days in between workouts to recover? Seriously, I want to know.

Don't know if I will make it to the Thursday session of fitness class. I'll see how I feel when the time comes.

Worked up to Work out

The title of this post pretty much says it all.

I'm trying to get myself WORKED UP to WORK OUT this morning....

My church offers free fitness class taught by a personal trainer from Peak Fitness. The word FREE (especially after dropping some major $$$ on a trainer 2 years ago) really caught my attention.

We'll see how it goes!!!

House Flies

What is up with these flies??

There has been a fly in my house for 2 weeks. Not the same fly - this I am sure - because we send one to fly heaven daily.

One just buzzed by my head as I sit and type.

What to do? What to do?

Gone Fishing

Mason got his first taste of fishing (sort of) last weekend while boating with friends. Before that day, I'm not sure if he had even held a fishing pole. He fell in love with Ashton's Spider Man pole and that's all we've heard about since. He didn't even fish with any bait, he just practiced casting into the water.

Bobby took Mason to Sports Authority last night to buy one of his very own. I can't believe how excited he is. We came home from church today and Mason ran to his room saying "I'm home fishing pole". He happily brought it into the kitchen and said (to the pole) "I get to take you fishing today" and gave it a kiss - YES - a kiss for the pole not for mommy.

Bobby and Mason are now heading down to the lake to finally do some fishing. Mason said "Where is my money maker". That is now the pole's name because he is planning to earn money from fishing by the time he turns 8. I'm so glad he has big dreams.

The 1st of the 2 best days of a boat owner's life.

You know what they say about boat ownership? The first best day of a boat owner's life is the day they buy it and the second best day is the day they sell it. We'll have to see how that all works out for us but it has had some difficult moments thus far.

We picked the boat up (which we have named The Skinny Dipper - get it?? with a play off our last name "Skinner" - I happen to think it's cute). On the way home we realized that our cooler (included with boat & my favorite feature) flew out while driving on the interstate. We now know that everything has to be completely snapped down. When we were almost home, Mason starts to look for his favorite doggie which we quickly realized we left at the boat dealership - an hour away. Thankfully, they agreed to mail it to us.

Day 1!!

Our first full day of boat ownership was spent at the soccer fields. We didn't get home until after 3:30 and were just itching to get the boat into the water. Against some sound advice, we decided to take it to Banana Lake a couple of miles away. We were warned that this lake has low water right now due to the drought & is shallow even at it's best. We proudly got it launched into the water and it was immediately beached on a sandbar 4 feet from shore. We couldn't get it to start and were going nowhere fast. A complete stranger offered to jump into the murky water to assist. He must be an angel. I guess he owed us one after his Pitt Bull ran toward me at break neck speed. I nearly had a heart attack but felt much better when he assured me that he was docile - yeah right.

With the angel's help, we did finally get things going and had a good time.

Day 2!

Today we took more sound advice and took the boat to Eagle Lake. We were a little nervous because there were lots and lots of people on the beach. If it took us forever to get the boat launched we would have lots of eyes on us. Me, myself & I being a woman felt the need to immediately tell a kind gentleman that we were new at this and didn't know what we were doing. He came right over to assist. Boat people are so great!! Bobby would be terribly embarrassed I'm sure but I didn't want this to take all day.

With the kind man's help, it was a breeze until my sweet hubby said we were out of gas - so that's the reason we couldn't get it started. Normally I would shrug this off but on this particular day, I asked while at a GAS STATION, if we need gas and the answer was NO. The kind man offered us his can of gas and allowed us to take the can to the gas station to refill it so we wouldn't have to reload the boat. Boat people are great!!

We finally got out on the lake and had a great time. When it was time to leave Bobby did a great job driving the boat onto the trailer. We didn't have to pull it on like the last time.

All was well in the boat owner world until we got home. Bobby informed me that he was going out but I couldn't call him. "Why not? Is your phone dead?" Then it hit me, he went into the lake with his cell & wallet in his pocket. The new phone we bought just 9 days ago.

I guess we'll create some good times and some stories to tell throughout this adventure.

Oh yeah, I still feel like I'm still on a boat. Will the sensation eventually stop? When I went on a 7 day cruise 2 years ago, it took me 3 days to stop swaying on solid ground. Maybe there's a pill for that.

Oh, this is the only picture that I was able to take over the past two days. Both my cameras had completely dead batteries.

Monsters vs Aliens 3D

In an effort to provide much fun & entertainment for the kiddos I took them (& their friends) to see Monsters vs Aliens in 3D. I am not a big movie person - not even the adult variety but it was actually very good. Since the kids are off track from Valleyview, we took in the 12:45 movie. We were the only patrons in the theatre. The kids really enjoyed playing musical chairs.

Check out these 3D glasses! Fancy!!

We had to follow up with some Coldstone Creamery.

This was the start of our Easter morning -

Yes, Bobby is painting Kaylea's nails. She just had to have them painted "baby blue" to match her dress. I was running late & couldn't find the time to assist her.

It looks like the Easter bunny brought some good little boy this red truck.

School's Out, School's Out!

Today is the first day of the kiddos last off track time at Valleyview. Next school year Valleyview will be like every other school around and have a traditional calendar year. Kaylea will be moving on to middle school (OH MY!! Let's say a prayer) so now at least they will have the same schedule. I really like the year around school year and hate to see it go. Just as you are getting terribly burned out on the day to day routine, you get a little break from it all. Plus, we are able to visit some of the local attractions at non peak times and usually have cooler weather.

I already feel the pressure of providing a dynamite experience. What to do? What to do? Unfortunately the day today starts with a doctor's appt. for me. That doesn't sound like fun. At least I did remember it at 10:00 last night. I would hate to be a no show for my very first visit.

P.S. Kaylea just asked what fun thing I have planned for today since it's her very first day off.

I just can't get it together today. What's up with that? Seriously!! I have finally gotten all our tax stuff together to give to the accountant Friday. I thought it would only take till lunch time and then I could enjoy the rest of my day off but I finished at 2:00. The kiddos get home at 2:50 so not much R & R for me today.

It's now 5:49 and I have very messy kitchen and no dinner to be found. Sounds like we're eating out!! I want something really, really tasty and bad for me. I think I've burned a trillion calories getting up and down a trillion times to attend to my house full of kiddos and dogs. Decisions, Decisions!!

Yesterday was my Mamaw Dunn's 85th birthday. She lives in a nursing home a few miles away and I hate to say that I do not visit her enough. I am always a little uneasy going there b/c you never know what I will find. This visit was actually pleasant. It is really a nice facility - clean and all.

My mom being ever so thoughtful bought a slice of cake for my grandma. Even though it was a bad day for Mamaw (she was not responding very well), mom put a lite candle on the cake. Kaylea did not get a chance to help blow it out so she lite it again with a match.

I was relaxing and enjoying the visit when I noticed some unusual commotion in the hallway. I saw nurse and several maintenance men seeming panicked and acting as if they lost something. Suddenly I realized that they were smelling our candle & match and thought the place was on fire. The nurse was saying "I checked all the rooms" and "I smell it really strong right here". We were totally busted. You know - oxygen and all - I guess open flames are frowned upon.

I think I will forever remember Mamaw's 85th birthday.

Oh, the stress of it all!

I used to say that motherhood is the hardest job in the world and really believed it. Those sleepless nights, tantrums, climbing furniture adventures, diapers, strollers, car seats, drool and lets not leave out spit-up - those were some tough things BUT the older they become the harder it becomes. My brain is completely mentally exhausted.

We want to give our sweet darlings the best upbringing possible and this leads to much stress in my life.

Mason wakes up every morning - GRUMPY!! He mentions daily that he hates school - its boring, and he doesn't like anything but spoons full of sugar for breakfast. When I try to make him behave in a kind and respectful way he says "You hate me". What? Is he crazy? That must explain why I spoil him so much and give him 100 kisses everyday. When, oh, when will this phase end??

Kaylea on the other hand is perfect in the am. If only I could get those emotions under control. I can't believe that she already has the "I don't know why I'm crying" down to a science. Boy, are we in trouble!! She's just turned 11.

Speaking of science, FCAT starts tomorrow for her. She is a ball of nerves. She performed very well last year and I keep reminding her of that. So much hinges on the scores from that stupid (I mean standardized) test. Her whole middle school future is apparently on the line. Science is the big thing in 5th grade. Fortunately, she loves it and seems to understand it completely - unlike her dear old mom.

Anyway, Kaylea and I said a little pray tonight for a week of pleasant and stress free testing. It is so hard to send our kids out into the big world sometimes but - such is life. I just strive daily to really listen to them (or at least pretend to) and to tell them how much I love them. I really want to live in the moment and enjoy the utter craziness. Before we know it they will fly from our nest and start to build their own.

Here are some Monster Jam Pics! What can I say ... big trucks, big tires, big noise, lots of people. Actually we had a great time. We got there early enough to meet some of the drivers with a pit pass. I can't say that I actually knew who Grave Digger was and that he was by far the most popular driver, but when I saw the 2 hour line just to meet him I figured it out. Yes, we did wait in that line. Kaylea got her hat signed - at least we had good company for the wait ... our ever so sweet friends Kevin & Angel got there before us and graciously allowed us to "merge" in line with them.

It's Good to be home.

Today is my usual day off from work. I usually spend it running around catching up on errands. I hate to do errands and tend to push them off as long as possible. Today was a little different because Kaylea was home sick. I really enjoyed attending to her ever little need. She is growing up so fast and doesn't need me as much these days. In between caring for her, I actually started spring cleaning the house. I think it has been 2 years since I've given the old home place a deep clean. Sometimes, I really miss being at home full time. My job is so stressful these days and it is difficult to get out of stress mode once I get home. I think I will be home with her again tomorrow and hopefully she will be feeling much better.

Mason and I had a nice little evening out until we got called out of an old lady.

We went to Party City to pick up his birthday invitations and Mason asked to eat dinner at Wendy's. I was completely on board because the dog trainer was at our house and I wanted to stay away as long as possible.

The line to order was long and slow, as usual. Mason picked a perfect table by the window and during the long wait decided to take the salt & pepper shakers off 2 other tables and built a pyramid. I have totally learned about picking battles and this wasn't a big deal at all to me. At least he was not using them as bowling pins (which he has been known to do). Once our food was ready we had a nice little dinner - just the two of us - having great conversation. When we were ready to go, Mason left the pyramid as a special treat for the next lucky family at our table. As we walked to the door, an old lady totally called us out. She looked right at Mason and said "Young man, you need to put those salt & pepper shakers back on the other tables." We both looked at her confused and she repeated it and added that other guests would need to use them and he needed to put them back. Mason was terrible shy and embarassed and tried to hide behind me and asked me to help him put them back. I was still uncertain if the lady was actually serious. I think she was. I just didn't see that it was a big deal (at Wendy's after all) and I didn't want some crancky old lady to ruin our evening. Mason was actually behaving (for once) and now he was getting in trouble by a stranger with a bad attitude.

I thought about assisting him in putting the S & P back in their rightful place but changed my mind. I simply said "Please don't get on to him about that, his mommy thinks it OK." The lady mumbled something about his mommy and we left with a friendly smile on my face.

Maybe, I should have listened to the old lady but by gosh it was OK with his mommy.

It been a long time.

I was reminded that it has really been a long time since I blogged anything. Mostly because things have just been - how do I say this?? BORING!! I need to put some excitement back into my life so I have something worthy to share.

I just remembered that I haven't posted any pics from our vacation in January - so I'll do that soon. I feel like we just got back and it has been over a month.

Random things:

I am doing pretty well on my Couch to 5K adventure. I just love the whole running experience - not really while I'm doing it but the way it somehow lifts my spirits and I just overall feel better. My big 5K is less than 2 weeks away. I really doubt I can run the whole way but who knows - maybe with the adrenaline flowing.

We had a very unromantic Valentine's Day. The sad thing is that neither Bobby or I seemed to really mind. We spent it with the kids at a soccer tournament in Tampa and ate Wendy's on the way home. I really needed to go some place that served cocktails after entertaining Mason for 2 hours at the game. He is really over soccer. I could watch it all day - Well, depending on the age level. I am sorta over watching adults on the soccer channel every single night.

Mason has started tutoring after school one afternoon a week. He is there as I type - that is why I am able to type. She has recommended speech therapy for him. I am thankful for any suggestions that will help him in school. I am really tired of hearing that boys just learn slower. I don't expect perfection but I really don't want him to fall behind so early in his school career. Trust me, I know that boys are different than girls (Kaylea is currently doing her homework without even being told) but I so want to see him excel in school. I also want it to take less than an hour to do a 1st graders homework each night. The tutor does his homework with him and that makes for a great afternoon. Do you think I can pay her a weekly rate? It is just delightful to have it all finished so early in the evening.

We have dog training tonight which puts an uneasy feeling in my tummy. It just stresses me out and I really don't like to participate. It has made a huge difference in their behavior so for that I am thankful. This will be our 4th week so we are halfway there. Mario is drinking rain water out of our fire pit as I speak. I'm sure that tastes yummy not to mention I can't remember when it last rained.

Well, Mason is home now and begging me to play with him. I will try to limit my Facebook time and blog a little more.

It's official! We keeping Mario (the big dog). I have not been a very proud mommy of a new puppy because I have been really stressed out about him. He is just - BIG! I know he's not the largest dog in the world but to me he seems really, really big. Things are starting to settle down a little. He is sort of getting into a routine - if you can call it that. We start dog training tonight and I am hoping it makes all the difference. Boomer is also getting a piece of the training. According to the dog trainer Boomer is the "alpha" dog. He may be small but he rules the roost. He really needs to learn his place in the pack and learn some doggy manners. If you have ever watched the Dog Whisperer, you know what I talking about.

Anyway, here are some pics of our newest (and last) addition to the family

Going home from the SPCA

He really looks big in the truck

Cute Face - Isn't it?

He loves this chair but he's not allowed.

I have officially started my Couch to 5K and can I just say?? I FEEL GREAT! I'm not even sure how far we ran tonight but I already love it. That is what I like about doing it in a group - the leader just leads the way and I can just be mindless. The first step to any fitness program and is always the toughest for me. I'm glad I've gotten that out of the way.

I am a huge water drinker these days. I think I was the only one of about 50 runners carrying a water bottle. I just can't help it - I get thirsty.

By the way, I think they put some sort of addictive substance in Dasani water. The more I drink the more I want. I am a total Dasani snob and nothing else will do. I can really and truly taste the difference. It's sort of like the Diet Coke thing - there is no other substitute. They are both distributed by Coke - there may be something to my theory?? I'm just saying!

I'm sorta sure that if you read my blog you are thanking me right now. I decided to say bye-bye to the music. It totally got on my nerves every time I viewed my blog and I can just imagine how other people feel. I have muted every computer in our house so I don't have to listen to it when I plugging around my blog. Nothing against the music - I love those songs - I just don't need the distraction.

Bobby & I got a laptop for Christmas and Santa brought the kids one of their very own. We are in computer heaven around here. Now we are not all fighting over the same desktop tucked away in our office. I have discovered my newest favorite thing about a laptop. I copy and paste recipes that I find online - when I'm ready to use them - I just pull them up from my documents. My laptop sits right there with me in the kitchen and it is easy as pie (not literally - I don't really bake).

Which brings me to-

I have committed myself to cooking at home for several reasons:
1. It saves lots of $$$
2. It is definitely easier to count calories
3. I sorta like it these day
4. It makes our evenings easier - not having to get ourselves together and out the door
5. We can eat healthier - nothing fried

I think it is all about planning ahead. I can't tell you how often through the Holidays that it is suddenly 6:30 and I haven't a clue about "Whats for dinner?" I am finding this to be the most dreaded time of day. So, my commitment (or resolution??) is to play out a week's menu and cook at home.

I am just sitting here on a cold afternoon sipping hot chocolate. I make this delicious treat in my new Keurig coffee maker. I am slowly starting to LOVE it. It only makes one cup at a time but it is unbelievable easy. That is the part I love most. I do not have to add water and ground coffee each time. I just simply insert a single K-cup and press a button and I'm good to go. I can easily make a cup anytime that I need a little pick-me-up.

The other good thing about the single cup thing - I don't over do the caffeine in the mornings. When I used to make a full pot of coffee, I would have the jitters by 10:00 a.m. The Keurig way gives me just the perfect amount of caffeine to start my morning.

And the Power Shifts

I was sitting here watching some Inauguration coverage and had chills run thru my body as I watched the motorcade taking President Bush and President Elect Obama (in the same car) to the Capital Building. This has been an uncomfortable ride for some throughout the years when the outgoing President was defeated out of office. Even thought the candidate of my choice didn't win the election, I think this is a monumental day in history. I do pray that our new President will seek God's guidance when making decisions for our country. I also pray for his and his family's peace of mind and for their personal safety. After today their lives will never by the same.

Did you know?

The President never drives. President W. Bush could drive his ATV's on his ranch in Texas but most presidents do not drive themselves anywhere for their entire term.

The outgoing President leaves a letter in the Oval Office for the new President. This is his last word to him (or advice). This started with Reagan. He was known for his note writing.


As I'm seeing it - silly things interesting to me:

Hilary arrived in a pant suit!

It is 14 degrees in the Capital today.

The Obama children are so well behaved. Their grandmother will live with them in the White House and they will be making their own beds. Young children have not been in the White House since Kennedy.

I love Laura Bush - she is always so graceful

The tradition is that the President's wife holds the Bible used for the swearing in. Lincoln's Bible will be used today.

I love to watch service men in uniform. What a day of honor for them to participate in this event.

Rich Warren (wrote The Purpose Driven Life) did the opening prayer. This has created some controversy because of his views on abortion and same sex marriage. I so glad Obama did not back down on this decision. He did a fabulous job.

I just can't imagine what is going thru Obama's mind right now. He looks so calm.

Thank God for our free country.

Our vacation is almost over. This time last week we were sitting in a hotel south of Atlanta and I was just thrilled to be away from home with a week of excitement ahead. Tonight, I am sitting in a hotel room south of Savannah and I can't wait to get home. I think 5 days out of town is about my limit. We had a wonderful time and experienced some new adventures with the kids.

Can I just say that I have a new favorite hotel??

La Quinta Inns & Suites

We stayed here on the way up to Tennessee last Saturday and again tonight. They were both in the $70 price range with free wi-fi, free breakfast and they are pet friendly. Both rooms were very clean and the beds comfy.

I am crazy tired and just had a giggling attack - laughter tears and all! I haven't been more than 10 feet away from my kids in an entire week and I think I've gone crazy!! As I sit here typing, Mason is turning the lamp beside me off and on and off and on. Somehow I have had an incredible amount of patience this week. I have had to take some deep breaths a few times but managed to stay calm and sweet (all while un-medicated).

We're Here!

We finally make it to Tennessee. I already feel more relaxed.



This is my current view -

We are staying at a cabin named Starry Hope and I think I'm in Heaven. After staying in a hotel on the road last night - this definitely feels like a little slice. We have 3 (yes - 3) floors all for our little family of four. We have flat screen TVs on every floor, along with video games, pool table, board games and much, much more. No, I don't plan to spend the entire time indoors but when the weather is chilly it sure feel nice to sip hot chocolate by the fire (even if it is only gas logs).

Couch to 5K

Tonight was my first Couch to 5K meeting. I have been waiting for weeks to finally get started. I have always wanted to try running but just couldn't get the technique down. The Fit Niche (a local athletic store) will give us a weekly schedule and pointers to help master running. After 8 weeks of training we will run a 5K as a group. This all sounds great and fun in theory but it probably won't be so much once the hard work begins. Especially next week when I am running the hills of Tennessee in 35 degree weather. I hope our little cabin community has a gym.

I bought these great running shoes last month - I hope they help!