GIVEAWAY: Silhouette SD Machine!!!!

GIVEAWAY: Silhouette SD Machine!!!!

This is legit! I've known Alison since she was little, in fact it's hard for me to imagine her all grown up, married with children. To me she is still in Primary at about age 10, but Her blog proves otherwise. She has a ton of crafty ideas to do for less. I am sure one of her mantras is "don't pay department store prices" and she doesnt LOL-- This is a fun way to either try and win Silhouette machine or buy one with a great coupon exclusivly for her readers. Even if a silhouette isn't something you desire, I'm sure one of her crafty ideas will inspire you!
Much love
Kareena

Aww Baby Quentin is 11

Below are few pictures of Quentin. The digital camera did not come for years after he was born and therefore it's hard to show you digitally his progression from birth to 11 years.

Take it from me once he stopped the colic and slept through the night on January 26, 1997

he was and still is adorable.

We were so thrilled to get our little Quentin. Robert wanted his middle name to be Michael after his youth pastor, Michael Clements who passed away the year before we had Quentin.

MIchael was a great man who touched many lives for the good Quentin lives up to his namesake.

His first name came to me while watching a documentary on the Air Force Academy, the cadet was very articulate and also attractive and his name stuck with me.

Upon further investigation I found out it's gaelic for

"From the Queen's estate"

So basically I was sold.

Here is what Quentn likes in 2010

1. Xbox360 --LIVE (gamer tag sweetmamak--add him and Dave as friends)

2. FOOTBALL--He is first and foremost a cougar, but will happily cheer for any team. He loves the Texans too.

3.Swimmig

4. Camping.

5. Sleeping until after noon-

6. Fried Shrimp, Boiled shrimp...all kinds of shrimp.

7. Doing well in school- his handwriting is awesome.

8. And like the waterboy, he "loves his mama very much"

We love you mr. Quentonius Maximus!

Put em up--

This is Quentin as the reluctant Cowardly Lion-

Cute but he felt ridiculous.

He was much happier when trick or treating, since it was anonymous, here everyone knew who he was.

Here Quentin is seven and he and David were playing in the Capital in Austin one evening. They were preparing for Quentin's inevitable political career.

He is a masterful suck up and is already efficient in telling people what they want to hear.
His talents will serve him well.

Same time frame, on the way to Austin we stopped for Blue Bonnet Pictures.

This was our first of many trips with Austin and Allie from ST. George. UT

Here is the "rug rat" he was on an awesome undefeated soccer team in Henerson TX

This is his grandpa and "baby Alice" He was 6 in this picture --Alice not quite 3.

Here he is at age 7 with Baby Joely

Age 5 with David (shirtless) and BFF Caroline Rains

I have an embarrasing photo of he and Caroline dressed as Princesses. It's in his scrapbook, you'll have to come by and see it as I'm certain he would kill me if it was in cybersace.

This is Mrs. Butler- If you know Quentin you've heard of her

She's the reason my daughter in law will be a petite blonde with curls and a darlin'southern accent.


His favorite place to be- Grandma's Pool- That's David helpinghim up. At least I hope he is helping him up and not trying to push him back down.

This was a birthday party he planned for Sally. He was 4 and alice wasn't two yet
Sally was a mean hamster.

Pumpkins 2010

Trick or Treating in Crosby

Ward Halloween Party

I am finally able to talk about it

David, my firstborn, is turning 12 this week

TWELVE!!!!

Seriously where has the time gone?

So last week, he had one of his many firsts-

He went on a scout trip WITHOUT ME OR ROBERT.

Granted he was with people I love, trust and adore.

And he's stayed overnight with friends and relatives numerous times-

BUT THIS TIME HE WAS SCOUTING WITHOUT ME!!!

I was his first den "mother" --now they are called Leaders, but I still referred to myself as his Den Mother.

His little den was adorable and his den grew and grew and now he is a boy scout with 5 other friends and they all went to a weekend trip to celebrate the scouting centenial.

They camped with about 20 thousand scouts at Texas World Speedway, just south of College Station.

I was excited for him to go, but when it came down to it, I was sad.

So I did the responsible thing.

I took him out of school at ten thirty that Friday, so he wouldn't be counted absent-

and we ran a couple of errands and had a lovely lunch at El Toro in Baytown.

He is very funny and had me in stitches the whole time, except when I was tearing up and then he would laugh at me.

I bought him Chick Fil A to take for his dinner and sent him on his way.

He had a great time.

I was blue most of the weekend.

I think I made myself sick.

I think about how now he will be doing more things without me, than with me and it makes me want to go back to when he was my only little baby and just hold him more and squeeze him more.

But I can't.

So I hope that he has enough hugs in reserve and that I've taught him well and he'll make good choices and -most importantly that he'll always need hugs from his mama.

Not necessarily a Good Witch....

So this Halloween the Family will head down the Yellow Brick Road.

You may be wondering how Robert agreed to be a part of this- and I do to, but here is my speculation-- I think he only agreed because he will do anything to make Alice happy- and he still remembers when we were dating and listening to Dark Side of the Moon while watching The Wizard of OZ, and well it was wicked awesome, and no - there were not any hallucinogens involved. And then there is the "Let Love Rule" mantra that he has adopted as a true follower of Lenny Kravitz.

The boys have aquiesced because they have learned it is much better to go along with Alice (within reason) than feel the wrath of Alice. Also they are (almost 11 and 12) and well a bit too old to trick or treat, but if you are going with your baby sisters then you can squeeze several more years out--so BONUS

Alice wants to be the "star"so she chose Dorothy and quickly handed out the lesser parts to the rest of us.

I will be the wicked witch of the west, I was BORN to play the part. Plus I have more or less been her every year for Halloween, except for last year when I was Lizzie Borden, but basically it was the same costume, just not a green face and instead of a broom it was a bloody axe, but I digress.

Robert will be the scarecrow, coming full circle from when we were just about engaged and the last time he dressed up.(15 Halloweens ago)

David will be the Tin Man and like he says, "at least I can carry a weapon"

Quentin will be the Cowardly Lion, he's been practicing his signature line, "Put 'em up, Put 'em up"

Joely as pictured SHOULD be Glinda the Good witch -which would complete the theme- but she refuses, she wants to be a princess. So I steered her toward a pink princess costume and blonde wig and she looks like the Good Witch but she is the lesser known Princess Annaliese.

When we are all dressed up, I'll post more.

For now I'm happy to report that I have a free thinking little -not-quite-four-year-old that will do her own thing regardless of the peer pressure.

And for Joely if it irritates her Big Sister, that just may be the Bonus-

Quentin "Brian Cushing" Mullens

Quentin is happy that Brian Cushing will be back playing with the Texans tomorrow.

In fact he's so happy that his favorite Defensive player is coming back that today he got a mohawk too. He had been sporting "faux" hawk this school year, but today he became a committed d-tack.

You mess with this Cougar, you will get the claws.

Quentin has done so well a the nose tackle, that his coaches have started having him play on the offensive line too, Quentin says, "I take care of my quarterback." But- he till LOVES to throw "playuhs" down on the ground for the defense and go for the sack. He's brutal,until the whistle blows, and he's learning to "Leave it on the field!"

"Holding"


I LOVE watching him play, his team is now 7-0, with two more regular seasos games to go--and the superbowl.
And who knows, he may make all stars this year....


The Red Machine is coming through!

Saying Farewell to A Friend

Two weeks ago I had to take Sammi Jo in her for her last visit to the vet.

It was heart wrenching.

She has been getting worse and worse for the last year.

But still making that decision was extremely difficult.

Even knowing that it was best for her was hard.

For the last year she has had trouble getting up by herself and would have accidents in the house. Her arthritis was really bad and she wasn't eating well.

In July 2009, she weighed a Robust 97 pounds.

In July 2010 when I took her in, she was down to 87 pounds

and then two weeks ago, she was down to 77 pounds.

It was time.

However she didn't make it easy.

For literally months she could barely manage to get up, but on that day when I put her leash on her, she pranced about like a little puppy.

My resolve was shaken.

Whale waiting at the vet there were some labs there that were bouncing around and stretching and I thought, "I don't remember seeing Sammi stretch, it's been that long"

So the memories flooded along with my tears as I waited.

For my birthday in 1997, a short 8 months after we were married, Robert got me a dog bowl and a leash and told me to pick out a yellow lab, "because every boy needs a yellow dog."
We didn't' have kids yet, but we planned to.

She was precious and small and such a good companion.

Robert worked nights, so she kept him company during the day and kept me company at night.

She loved to play at "Barking Springs" in Austin.

She loved the Dog parks.

She welcomed in our other dogs the Gryndl Monster, Nomar Garciaparra and most recently Truffles.

She was a good older sister to David, Quentin, Alice and Joely. The oldest learned to walk holding on to her tail, fur or collar.

I don't remember Joely toddling after her.

She ate toilet paper, sought out mud and loved to wipe her face on the couch.

Up until about 3 years ago, she slept on our bed with us.

She snored.

When I was a sad crying mess, she was right there with me.

She couldn't resist a piece of cake and would jump up on the counters to eat cake.

Once she ate 1/2 of a baked ham that I made for some guests...I actually cut part of it off and served it -LOLOLOL

She also loved to eat hot pads, she was crazy for them.

She always followed the command to "Leave it"

But mostly she was my dear Friend and I miss her.

My children miss her and Robert misses her.

We look forward to another life where we can reunite with her.

Taking her back to the vet's room, was so hard.

My parents have done that for our family dogs and while it saddened me to have them gone, it wasn't as hard as actually taking them in.

Thanks mom and dad for shielding me from that fr 40 years.

But now I'm the mom, so I took her.
I held her paw and scratched her chin and ears until she had passed.

I could feel her spirit leave and it was very peaceful, I'm glad that I was with her to the very end.

I'm grateful that was in out lives for 13 years.

So the kids have been complaining...

That the blog hasn't been updated.
And I don't know why.
School started last Monday on the 23rd, without a hitch.

So now it's just me and Joely all day and let me tell you...

It's a blast, it's all cartoons, video games, eating out and shopping, mixed in with ice cream and peanut butter cups and some post-seminary naps.

We try to destroy all evidence of our fun before the bus comes again, but too many times we've been found with Chick-fil-a in hand and we are busted.

Alice usually wakes up with a smile, but this week she had enough and complained that it wasn't fair that Joely didn't have to go to Kindergarten.

It doesn't matter that Joely is only three!

David and Quentin are both in the same school this year and they ride the same bus as Alice.

This is their Bus. And if you look closely you can see Quentin Rolling his eyes and saying,

"Really Mom?"

Crosby, like other small towns, has several campuses, but each campus only holds two grades, so last year each child was at a different school, a logistic nightmare if you shuttle the kids to school. A genius plan if they ride the bus.

For me the positives outweigh the negatives.

By the time they get to middle school and high school, they've gone to school with the same kids their whole life. It's nice and keeps down bullying and cliques.

But I digress...

Here is everyone decked out

As always I worry most about David.

This year he raced home all pumped up.

I asked him how the day went and he said,

"it was great, I have 4 classmates with Xbox live, I wrote their gamertags in my agenda, gotta go and add them as my friends."

So clearly this year is a success.

Alice all ready for 2nd grade-

She's with Mrs. Kaune and loves it.

She summed up her first day like this,

"I don't know anyone but Mrs. Kaune is sure glad to have another Mullens in her class."

Mrs, Kaune, bless her heart, has taught everyone 2nd grade so far.

We hope she sticks it out for another 4years so she can teach Joely too.

She's a great teacher who enjoys being with children and is a very consistent teacher.

We totally appreciate her and am thrilled that once again we have someone in her class.

Here is the Qbone- he's all decked out with his

"faux-hawk or bro hawk" whatever you call it,

"It's all good baby"

Quentn has three teachers and various elective teachers. He's happy to be back in school but more than that he's happy to be a Crosby Cougar. So far he's worn this shirt twice and his jersey twice. Quentin is proud of his red and black Cougars.

His foolsball has begun and with his sisters cheering him on, his team is 2-0 and he made his first sack of the season, with numerous "hurries" and tackles.

More about this on another blog.

Joely and I do miss them, but if we get too sad we go to the park or hang with friends and the feeling passes. We love four o clock when everyone is back home exciting us with tales from school.

We are blessed to be in this school district

And big news for me, Seminary started the same day- so my days begin officially at 4:30 and my four students arrive at 5:45 (or should arrive) this year proves to be another study filled year.

I've enjoyed the lessons so far and look forward to learning more about Church History and Gospel Doctrine.

Another thing is that in our training we were told to relate everything back to how it fits in the Plan of Salvation, so I'm trying to do that, it's bit challenging to get them to think like that, but hopefully soon we all can get the hang of it.

I'm very grateful to be teaching seminary.

50 words- a cool video that I did not make- LOL

This is one of those good finds on facebook, I loved the sweetness of this video. It made me think of what words mean and how they can shape our actions.

Look Mom I CAN sew!!!

Megan got a cute pattern for some easy peasy skirts when her mom visited last month.

I was inspired from a cute post from Jennifer Sorenson Scott's blog
and i really wanted to sew, so we finally got together and made these cute easy skirts.

Next time we'll try to do Jennifer's pattern- (seriously check out her blog)

so cute on her way to church with her scriptures and her song book.

And best of all they twirl and twirl and twirl

watch out mom, I just may "borrow" your surger on my next visit.

It was fun getting in touch with my inner seamstress.

She had been in chains for years.

Just don't look to close to the hem and you'l lbe impressed.

Alice LOVED hers

and Joely Loved having a BEAUTIFUL NEW SKIRT.

This is the Place!

On July 24th 1847, Brigham Young led a rag tag group of Pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley. It is well documented that he rose from his fever stricken bed in the back of a wagon and said,

"This is the right place"

Thousands upon Thousands followed and the Salt Lake Valley thrived with the faith, hope and determination of the myriad pioneers that came across the plains and the Atlantic.

Today we celebrate our heritage and I think about my grandparents that made the sacrifice to practice their religion. I'm proud of my pioneer roots.

In Utah and Idaho (where my family comes from)

They have BIG HUGE PARADES, FIREWORKS,THE OSMONDS

IT's a big deal

And that's how the Mormons up north roll.

However, here in the deep south, we celebrate Pioneer Day a little different.

While Brigham Young's words are well documented, a lesser known tradition was born that day.

Apparently the morning of the 24th the Bishopric got up early and made pancakes for everyone and all the women and children had to do was get ready to eat by 8 am.

And that's how we roll.

Thanks for the good food and good times this morning.

Oh and A Huge Thanks to

Grandma and Grandpa Ward

Grandma and Grandpa John

Grandma and Grandpa Bright

For doing all they could do which led to me having it real easy to grow up and beleive in this church- that they literally toiled over.

Happy Pioneer Day.

Toy Story three

Dreamweaver

I realize we are Johnny Come Latelies on this.

But we went today.

I'm still VERY TEARY EYED.

Usually Disney gets me with a dead mom or dog, but this time it was thinking about my precious little guy leaving for college in a brief six years.

Just before it got sad, Joely decides she wants to sit by Alice so David was in the seat with me all snuggled up when I started to bawl- true sobbing you know CHEST HEAVING and all. David was wondering if I was ok and I told him it was sad.

I just kept thinking about all the many firsts I had with the little dude and how once he goes off to college he'll have plenty of firsts but none will have me in it

WAH WAH WAH

He was sweet and held me tight.

Hey what are Alice and Quentin doing sitting next to each other?
Mr. Oil and Ms. Water?

HUH?

Well on Monday they were at each others throats until I made them go into their rooms until they could get along.

I figured they'd still be there.

These two can literally disagree on anything.

For instance They fought over who will win the Final Jam, Alice says it will be Camp Rock and Quentin says Camp Star.

Clearly Quentin knows "aint no way in a manger" a Jonas Brother will lose, so he's just doing it to "offend and insult" (her words) Alice. I'll be honest that one irritated me, I mean come on-

Who doesn't love Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers?

But I digress--Back to Monday

Robert, David, Joely and I left for scouts and told them they still needed to work it out.

They joined together against us and right now we are all enjoying a temporary cease-fire.

Alice called us while we were gone and said,

"You should leave us together alone more often, we played board games"

Most likely they complained about their parents a lot and played a little,

Whatever works.

Cheese Joely.

She didn't like the previews-

"TOO LOUD"

But she enjoyed the show and the popcorn and even Mr. Pibb

(they didn't have the Doctor at the AMC Theater)

Oh yeah, why do I have Barbie and Ken up there?

Because true love wins in the end.

He Lives All Glory to His Name

Tonight I was able to attend, yet another, wonderful inservice meeting. Our leader, President Pomeroy is the Church Education System Director for the Houston Area. Each month he meets with us and gives us ideas, insights and a spiritual boost.

Tonight's lesson was about the Apostle Richard G. Scott and his powerful address about the Atonement of Christ. President Pomeroy provided us each with a a transcript of the talk and asked us to read and ponder the following questions:

1. Reasons why it is important to understand and rely on the teachings and atonement of Jesus Christ.

2. New Insights you receive from Elder Scott's teachings

3. His suggestion for ways we can better understand and appreciate the atonement.

It was wonderful to read and ponder and I was amazed what I learned and reviewed. I encourage you to listen to the talk or read the transcript here

And if you are interested here is what I learned.

1. Reasons why it is important to understand and rely on the teachings and atonement of Jesus Christ.

1. "He opened the path wehereby each of Heavenly Father's children born to earth would have the opportunity to rise from death to live again"
2. While speaking of the Resurrection Elder Scott said, " What a glorious moment that morning was for all who understood the significance."
3. "we realize that what He has willingly done with immense suffering and sacrifice will affect us not only in this life But throughout all eternity"
4. "Jesus Christ Lives, He is our Redeemer. He is a glorious, resurrected being. He has the capacity to communicate love that is so powerful, so overwhelming as to surpass the capacity of the human tongue to express adequately."

New Insights I received from this particular Teaching of The Apostle Richard G. Scott

1. "How our Father in Heaven must have rejoiced that sacred day when His totally obedient, completely worthy Son shattered the chains of death." I guess I had never considered the rejoicing that took place..This has always been to me part of the plan, so I thought about it as kind of a business as usual thing instead of something the Father rejoiced in. I got chills when I imagined the happiness in the heavens as a result of the Saviors Sacrifice.
2. while speaking of your own personal witness of the Atonement Elder Scott said,"They must be more than principles you memorize. They must be woven into the very fiber of your being as a powerful bulwark against the rising tide of abomination that infects our world" I had to ask what a bulwark was, it is the part of the ship that keeps the water out. The powerful imagery that comes from the phrase "infects our world" really shook me. What an wonderful promise though that our personal knowledge (which leads to action) of our Savior and his sacrifice will keep out the evils of our day.
3. While referring to Second Nephi chapter 2 verses 6 and 7 Elder Scott said, "That scripture indicates that for the proud and haughty, it is as though there never were an Atonement made" Proud and Haughty? whooooaaaa- that includes me a million times over. What a scary statement, that is is if the Atonement never occur ed.
4. "When we break a law there is nothing left over from prior obedience to satisfy the demands of justice for that broken law" Again, whoa! How many times have thought or even said out loud---"well I did this and this and this, so I'm going to slide on that" or though, "I've served enough, now I can rest on my laurels"
   I guess I've always known those thoughts were inconsistent with my knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan (specifically read the address of King Benjamin regarding our debt to the Lord) but to hear an apostle declare it really gave me a "rude awakening"
5. "None of us can ever adequately appreciate the mortality the full beneficial consequences of the Atonement" I was glad to read this. There is so much I get frustrated with and I need to remember that I won't be able to understand everything during this mortal state. In the next life when the all of mankind is revealed and our memories are open, I'll better understand the complexities of today. For now to quote the Young Woman Anthem, "I walk by Faith".
6. Another wonderful Apostolic promise given "As parents, prepare your children for the challenges they will encounter. Teach them truth, encourage them to live it, and they will all right no matter how severely the world is shaken" They will be all right, I can't think of anything more that I wish for my little family than that they will be all right.
7. "In Time we will be released from all other assignments we receive but not from that of father and mother" WOW!!! Again, not really a new concept, because Families can be Forever, but I never thought so much that all the other assignments will come and go. It makes the admonition "NO other success can compensate for Failure in the home" all the more meaningful.

Elder Scott's suggestions for ways we can better understand and appreciate the atonement.

1. "Strive to Understand more about it"
2. "I believe that it is instructive to try to imagine what the Atonement required of both the Father and willing Son"
3. "I energetically encourage you to establish a personal study plan "
4. "Profound Personal Pondering of the scriptures accompanied by searching, heartfelt prayer"
5. "Consistent Temple attendance"
6. "the best way to make a permanent change for good is to make Jesus Christ your model and His teachings your guide for life"
7. "repent of improper choices and to conquer the negative effects of a life contrary to His teachings."
8. "Qualify by obedience"

I am so grateful for tonight's lesson and for the time and effort President Pomeroy puts into each inservice meeting. Tonight made me want to be diligent in studying the words of the living prophets and pondering their message. I know they speak the will of the Lord.

Bueller, Ferris Anyone, Anyone?

The boys and I stayed up late on Thursday Night watching a couple of classic

80's movies on Turner Classic movies.

We watched the end of Sixteen Candles and all of Ferris Bueller (until the very end part where Cameron goes a little nuts and the car goes flying out of the amazing glass garage in a forest in Chicago-- I thought that might get a bit intense plus the whole Charlie Sheen/Ferris' Sister thing I deemed inappropriate for nearly 11 and 12 year olds)

But I digress.

They loved Farmer Ted and his "clean close shaves."

I had to explain head gear. (orthodontists, anyone, anyone- do they still do head gear?)

I pointed out John Cusack, and told them how when I met their sweet Dad that I thought he looked like John Cusack.

They collectively rolled their eyes and said, "ya we remember"
(I guess they've heard all my stories)

They also recognized his voice, but couldn't place it. I'm guessing it's from IGOR, which I didn't' see, but found out he was the lead voice.

I enjoyed staying up late and sharing these flicks with them. I loved that They BOTH Cracked up during the parade scene, when the garage employees took off in the Ferrari. I loved that they thought Ferris was a genius to rig his room with the mannequin and the synthesiser. David acted like he was taking notes when Ferris was explaining how to fake a good sick day. During 16 candles they giggled during the wedding scene, they enjoyed long dong duck and realized that they played the silly "Chinese sounding" music whenever they said his name. I'll admit to being proud that all day yesterday Quentin kept repeating this scene when mr. Rooney is at the arcade and he asks the guy behind the counter about the Cubs gain

Mr. Rooney "what's the score"

Guy behind the counter"nothing- nothing"

Mr. Rooney "whose winning?"

Guy Behind the Counter "The Bulls"

But I was a bit nervous, because there were parts that I had overlooked that can get inappropriate, but I (hope) that it went over their heads and they were so busy laughing at the girl who thought she had to cut her hair off instead of just open the door, to realize she was beyond drunk.
In the movie she says something like, "Help me out I'm your prom queen"

To which David responded, "what has that got to do with anything?"

I laughed.

While watching and repeating these movies from memory I was transported back in time to my senior year--back to the Salad Days of my youth-- and I'm dating myself here, for those of you who I thought I was in my early 30's-

It was August 1997.

That's when my old friend Danielle made her triumphant reentry into Colorado Springs.

She returned tanned, rested and ready for senior year.

We had so much fun, their were sooo many "best" times that I can't really order them

but the most memorable was our love for these hilarious movies.

While getting ready for school, instead of listening to the radio, we both (at our separate houses)

had the movies in the VCR.

There was a time we could have acted out every scene, and she probably still can, and if we were together I know I could still do it.

She Had the secretary from Ferris Bueller, spot on, with her imitation.

Other movies we quoted

1. Breakfast Club (demented and sad but social)

2. Pretty in Pink (he's nursing some serious emotions)

3. Top Gun (I feel the need, the need for speed)

4. Some kind of wonderful, (your bleep is too precious for vinyl)

5.Grease (this is senior year and we are gonna rule the school)

6. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (just eating some pizza and learning about Cuba)

7. Princess Bride (my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die)

8. Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in the corner)

I'm sure I'm missing a slew of the movies we loved.

I miss my high school friends. I didn't end up near any of the people I loved back then. Although, I love connecting with them on facebook and through e-mail, but sometimes I get really JEALOUS that they and their families are having fun with other people and not knowing me or my family.

It's much easier now to keep in touch with the miracle of the Internet and cell phones.

When I moved away from Danielle, Tiffany and Jo (the three besties who I actually consistently kept in touch with) we had to correspond with letters and stamps and we had to pay outrageous phone bills to keep in touch--but we did and I'm so grateful for that. But a day doesn't go by that I don't miss them and wish we were, maybe not back at Doherty High School, but close enough to meet at the park or go catch a chick flick, scrapbook, or be in a book club together-- and have over for birthday parties, holidays, etc.

I am blessed with wonderful friends wherever I've lived, but you know those besties you have in your senior year, well words can't explain them.

For sure the actions of high school, don't define you, (thank heavens)

but your friends do help to define who you'll be and I'm glad I had the great ones I had and that they are still just a click or phone call away.

Two Thumbs Down

Joely is giving up the thumb

And it's hard.

So last night she kept asking ever so sweetly,

"Are you sure I can't use my thumb?"

and I kept telling her no, but to use her blankie for comfort.

She finally wrapped the blue blanket around her head and went to sleep.

This morning she cried for her thumb and kept looking at it.

It's going to be a rough two weeks for her, but she can do it.

I do hate hearing her cry for something that she loves,

I'm sure this is one of the life lessons that will make her stronger,

If it doesn't just kill her.

Fireworks

This is about the light the sky kind of fireworks

and not a description of my ongoing love affair with Robert.

After all it's a family friendly blog-

Here is what we did on the 4th in Baytown.

We hang at the Former MHMR (mental health and mental retardation) building

now the Harris Cty Health clinic parking lot.

We are not about the crowds,

We don't roll that way.

I rarely can get a good picture of the actual fireworks, but this wasn't too bad.

How could they have more fun?

I know it's hard to imagine anymore fun than seeing Eclipse, going to a parade and shopping at Hobby Lobby, but noooo our fourth o july fun did not end there.

Saturday we headed out to Uncle Rex's to check out the new pool and have some lunch.

As always, there was plenty of food, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, chips, sodas, you name it and it was there! YUMMY

Her Royal Higness Alice, kept mentioning how cold she was, until Uncle Rex turned on the Hot Tub, and then she was able to relax and not be cold. This little cutie with her is Uncle Bo and Aunt Tessie's niece. They came out too, it was a lot of fun.

The pool, it now has a deck around it- Gosh they move quick!

And farm fresh eggs. David and Quentin gathered these at Uncle Rex's chicken coop.
He has 10 adult chickens and 12 babies- but no roosters.

David declared, "It reeks in there"

Apparently it smelled like Chicken Poop in the Coop.

We Missed Aunt June- hopefully she'll be back from Corpus Soon.

And More fun...

After the parade the kids thought they were on their way home.

HA HA HA HA

When I told them we were headed to Hobby Lobby,

nobody complained, because they thought it was a joke.

And the joke was on them

Because we went to

HOBBY LOBBY.

According to David, "it's the least happiest place on earth"

When we pulled into the parking lot, the boys were still in denial.

Only Joely was singing the "Hobby Lobby Song"

which sounds somewhat like Spongebob's C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G Song.

I needed the exact right color of red to go with some baby shower invites, due the next day.

Alas they were out, so I made do with some other papers, but I had to take their picture.

To which Quentin said, "Really mom? I am in my uniform."

To which David replied, "Don't fight it, you know it's for her blog."

To their relief, I really did just go in for paper and not to browse the merchandise.

And to make it up to them, we had Chick Filet for lunch.

Chick Filet (or Chickolaid as Joely says it) is the best way to show your gratitude for children behaving in a place like Hobby Lobby.

More fourth fun to come, right now I'm being called back to battle Mario Karts.