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Alone Time

The other day SJ got a hold of a razor, but it didn’t have the razor on it, just the handle, so I watched her pretend to shave her legs. It’s pretty funny to see a 14 month old mock shave, but it’s also sad. It’s sad because the reason she knows how is because she’s seen me do it many times, because I don’t even have one stinkin’ moment to myself, not even a naked one. By the time my birthday came along I was ready for some much needed alone time.
It was about 17 years ago that my mom was inching her way towards an empty nest and was wanting a break. She had plans to drive to Atlanta (to pick me up) and decided to take off a day earlier than originally expected, but what my dad didn’t know was that she decided to stop along the way take in a movie and stay at a hotel for the night. She didn’t think anyone would be effected by it or care because they weren’t expecting her in Atlanta for another day, and remember this was before cell phones so it wasn’t as easy to touch base back then. The next day my dad made attempts to find out if she had arrived safely and when no one knew of her whereabouts panic struck. We all thought something horrible must have happened. The police were notified and sent out an APB alert in 3 different states. There was a prayer vigil going on at our house and everyone was worried sick. In the mean time my mom was enjoying some R&R and taking her sweet time before she finally made it to Atlanta and found out that she had been missing for 24 hours!
I enjoyed almost 24 hours to myself on Monday. I reveled in the coffee for one, the shopping, the unfamiliar sense of peace and quiet. J even stopped by the house and “caught” me reading my Bible out in the backyard.

He didn’t even interrupt me, I found out about it from my friends who thought it was cute, but they just don’t realize how difficult it is to get alone with the B-I-B-L-E around here.

I wanted to say thanks for sticking around this week just so I could go on and on about my birthday. I felt a little juvenile making such a hoopla, but you all assured me that I have every right to have a special day to myself. So thank you for the encouragement and I would like to encourage you to do the same whether it’s your birthday or not. We all need take some time to rest, to be refreshed, to celebrate, to partake, but on a side note you may want to inform people of your plans in order to avoid police involvement.
By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00July 2, 2011|Uncategorized|2 Comments
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What a Girl Wants

The book I bought on Monday teaches about communication between men and women. It is described as the language of blue and pink and how so many marriages get lost in translation. I am not surprised by this at all. I don’t know how I expect J to know what I want when a lot of times I don’t even know myself.

For example, the first thing J told me when he woke up on mother’s day was that he didn’t get a card. I said “It’s okay. I don’t care about cards. Mother’s day really isn’t a big deal for me.” By the end of the day I was exhausted from playing outside with the kids who had gone inside and tracked mud all through the house and this was after a long list of other things that were a far cry from Kodak moments. J was playing guitar for a Sunday night worship service and I was at home on my hands and knees scrubbing mud off the floor realizing that I DO care about mother’s day!
I wanted to avoid a repeat of this for my birthday so SEVERAL weeks before the date I sent him an email titled “Birthday Wishes” and it stated exactly what I wanted including that I don’t want to go shopping for my birthday, and an amazon wish list for gift ideas. The reason I was so specific was because in years past when he says “how about we go shopping and you can pick out something for your birthday” I hear “I forgot about your birthday and don’t feel like doing anything for you, but here is some money.”
He ignored my wish list and got me a purse because he knew I needed a new one and he knew I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. Ironically, I did find what I was looking for at a thrift store (on the right of the photo below) the same day he found this Fossil bag for me (shown on left)! I told him he obviously did a great job because we both bought almost identical bags and his bag was actually a lot nicer.
I suggested that since I couldn’t take my purse back I would return his and then go shopping with the money. He was shocked since that is the exact opposite of what I said I had wanted. This is true, but really what I wanted was to know that he put forth some effort in finding something special for me, which he did. So now I have a new purse and a bunch of other stuff. Happy birthday to me.

By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 30, 2011|Uncategorized|5 Comments
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Birthday Songs

Yesterday I posted that I would try and get a video of my birthday serenade up in “10 minutes” and it never happened. I don’t understand why I had such difficulty. I uploaded it to facebook without any problems but, since I know several of you are not connected with me through facebook here is the video as promised.

The first part is of my little Z monster who voluntarily began the day with this song. The part after that was the tale end of the birthday serenade I got from the guy that did my pedicure (I really wish I would have gotten my phone out to record sooner), and lastly is a friend of mine who surprised me with an Italian opera song. The three spontaneous songs were about as diverse as they come, but all three certainly brightened my day.
By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 30, 2011|Uncategorized|2 Comments
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Birthday Bounty

Yesterday was my day to be spoiled, to feel pampered, to indulge in the simple little things I never have time for. Yesterday was my birthday. Along with a few birthday gifts from friends I went on a little shopping spree all by myself. If you have ever been a mother of preschoolers you know that the gift of solitude is priceless. And because you know I love participating in Oh Amanda’s top 10, here are the 10 things I got for my b-day.
1. Car Wash- I’m not even talking about a nice professional detail, I just mean driving through the thing at Exxon. I never get my car washed and it was something I wanted to do since rain certainly isn’t holding me back!
2. A new dress- This entire outfit head to toe was purchased on my birthday and I wore it out last night.

3. Accessories- I finally got some new jewelry. As I mentioned before, I am in desperate need of accessories so this was probably the coolest gift of all.
4. Nice tweezers- Sounds so simple, but I have only ever purchased cheap tweezers and when I used my moms which are nicer it made a huge difference. I finally upgraded and I am glad I did!
5. Love & Respect- Who doesn’t want love & Respect for their birthday? Just kidding, I have wanted this book about Christian marriage for a long time and I found a brand new copy at half price books. Score.
6. Eisley CD- I have wanted They Valley ever since going to the Eisley concert a few weeks ago. I am taking in the ear candy even as I write this.
7. A pedicure- I haven’t had one of these since I was pregnant with SJ (a year and a half ago). This gift was from the same friend that treated me the last time. What a friend!

8. Birthday songs- My little monster sang happy birthday to me which is the best gift of all, then MP, who was the best man in our wedding and just so happens to be an Opera singer, gave me a birthday card that came with a singing telegram. Lastly, my male nail technician insisted on singing to me at the salon. I’ve never had such a serenade.*
Hopefully I will have a video of this when it’s done uploading in about 10 minutes*
9. Cake pops- I am in love with the Tiramisu cake pops from Starbucks. They also have a birthday cake flavor which I had never tried so I thought yesterday was the perfect opportunity. In lieu of a birthday cake I had a tasty cake pop out on a patio in Deep Ellum listening to live Jazz music. What a way to end the day.

10. Number 10 is a work in progress. I looked everywhere for some Keen socks. I know where to get them, but I was hoping I wouldn’t have to drive that far. If I get these socks then that completes the entire Amazon wish list I had concocted a month ago.
This very happy birthday makes for one happy refreshed mama (a 29 year old one).

By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 28, 2011|Uncategorized|3 Comments
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Movies and 3D

I have heard so much hype about watching movies in 3-D, but I didn’t want to pay extra because I am cheap and I was worried that Z wouldn’t be able to wear the glasses over his glasses which could be frustrating for everybody. Then there were a couple occasions where we had some opportunity to watch 3-D stuff at home with some of the little reb/blue glasses and I was never impressed, but I blamed it on the cheap glasses. Then come to find out the cheapy glasses were working for everyone except me! I don’t have any vision problems so I thought maybe my eyes were too sharp to fooled by this three dimensional illusion, but then I googled it and it turns out there are a lot of people that can’t see 3-D (Johnny Depp is one) and it’s because of visual impairments. I’ll admit this diagnosis caught me off guard, but contrary to the online recommendation I don’t plan on going to an eye doctor. I can read, I can see near and far, I can take pictures, and play sports (well, maybe not the sports, but I don’t blame my eyes). I guess not being able to watch 3-D movies is something I can live without. I rarely go to the movies anyway. It averages about once or twice a year lately, but this week went to the theater twice!

The first one was the Kung Fu Panda sequel. Both of the kids wore panda shirts. We all laughed and I even cried at the end a little.

Then next day a friend of ours offered us 4 tickets to see Cars 2 at 9:00 am on opening day! Well, we couldn’t pass that up, so yesterday we got up early and went to the theater at 8:00.

Z had all his Lightning McQueen fan gear from his sippy cup down to his underwear.

They played a game of tossing around the beach balls while we sat and waited for the movie to start and State Farm insurance who sponsored the whole thing gave away lots of prizes. I left with a balloon, Lighting McQueen tattoo and a teddy bear. It really was a blast.

I think that’s enough movies for me for a while. Although, I admit I am curious whether or not I would be able to watch 3D with polarized glasses. Supposedly there is a good percentage of people that get sick, tired, or just can’t see 3D images at all. So I have to ask does anyone else have any issues seeing 3D or know someone who does?
By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 25, 2011|Uncategorized|3 Comments
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Summer List

On Tuesday I got a comment that said “you are so great with your list”. I haven’t always had lists or goals and the ones that I’ve had haven’t always been successful. A year ago I participated in Oh Amanda’s Top Ten Tuesday for the first time and my list was 10 Things I am looking forward to this summer. Then 3 months later I was able to review the list and find that I had accomplished all of it! It was so encouraging and motivating that I have done it for fall and spring too. It doesn’t always mean that I will do all 10 things, like the time I said we would go to Scarborough fair, but it does help. I know I would have never had that yard sale if it wasn’t on my list. So even though it’s a little late here is the 10 things I am looking forward to Summer 2011.

1. Dress Like a Cow day at Chic Fil A
Our second year to participate.
2. My birthday
I know I shouldn’t care about birthdays, but mother’s day was such a dud this year, and I figure I am allowed one day a year to be about me so we’ll see how my birthday turns out on Monday.
3. Watermelons from the garden
We already have some, but they aren’t that big yet. I can’t wait to eat the first one.
4. Reconnecting with old friends all over the country
The biggest thing going on this summer or year for that matter, is our crazy cross country road trip extravaganza. It all goes down in 3 weeks and you’ll hear all about it I’m sure.
5. Camping in Canada
Part of that trip consist of going over the border for a great white north adventure.
6. J’s Birthday in Michigan
Another part of this trip will be visiting our friend’s in Michigan and J will be turning a big number I won’t disclose.
7. Z’s Awesome Veggie Tales Birthday Party
Yeah, we have a lot of summer birthdays in this family.
8. Going to see some summer blockbusters
I was going to put my first 3D movie on this list, but turns out I can’t see 3D. More on that later.
9. Taking a picture each day for my 365 project
It’s a flickr thing that I am thinking about doing for my final year in my twenties.
10. Getting our first egg.
It should happen by the end of the summer. We’ll see.
By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 23, 2011|Uncategorized|3 Comments
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The People of Yard Sales


I had a yard sale last weekend and spent several days deciding whether or not it was worth it. In the end I think it was. I made over $100 after expenses, which included a babysitter and an ad in the paper. Next time I don’t think I will do either of those things.

You see the tricky thing is, you take a bunch of your old stuff, which may have sentimental value and meaning to you and you price it for next to nothing, then a bunch of people you don’t know come by and want to take it for even less. I was okay with that, for the most part, but it wasn’t always easy. I had two women show up in a nice car. They had just gotten back from a cruise. One took me from $1 to 50 cents for a full bottle of Bath and Body works lotion. Then she came across the braball which retails for $20, but I was selling it for a buck. When I explained how it worked she said “I’m a double D, do you think my bras will fit in there?” and lifted up her shirt to show me. Slightly stunned I told her I wasn’t sure and silently thought it was doubtful. She asked me if I’d take 50 cents which I did. Then I had a Hispanic women with a truck full of watermelons trying to barter for some of SJ’s dresses which I had to turn down, because I don’t need any watermelons I need to make at least enough money to pay for the stupid yard sale ad. I had another woman who bought two items, one was fifty cents, the other was a quarter, and she gave me two quarters. It doesn’t really matter, but before she walked off I said “Ma’am I’m sorry, but you actually owe me 75 cents.” I’m not asking for much people, just please give me the dignity of 75 cents! That’s not two but three stinkin’ quarters!
On top of some of the hagglers, I met some really nice people too. Like one women that worked for the cities women’s resource center, which Z is helping raise money for by collecting coins in a bottle. And I met some of my neighbors for the first time. That was cool. I also had a girl get really excited about this Express skirt I was selling.

Then the next day when I went to the video store with kids I saw her working there and she was wearing my skirt the skirt she bought from me. I wanted to say something about it, but I didn’t want to embarrass her. I love wearing used clothes and don’t care who knows it, but not everyone feels that way. In fact, when I started this blog nearly 3 years ago I did a series called Thrift Store Fashion show where I did side by side comparisons of new clothes vs used clothes and that skirt was one of the items featured.

I will never know who owned the skirt before me, but I know I had fun wearing it, and I was happy to see it found a nice new home. The girl at the video store looked really cute in it. That’s what I love about yard sales. Buy something at the mall and you may have a story about the great deal you scored, buy something at a yard sale you still get a great deal and the item comes with a story of it’s own.
By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 22, 2011|Uncategorized|5 Comments
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Top Ten Spring Accomplishments

At the end of March I did a little list called “Top 10 Things I will hopefully accomplish this Spring.” I have procrastinated reporting my success because there were something that I really just could not get motivated to do (like #5). So I googled when the summer solstice actually begins in 2011 and it is today, so I found a loophole to accomplish everything within the spring season, technically. Now for updated list

1. Fly a KiteCheck. My brother gave Z what is called a power kite for Christmas a few years back. It’s big enough to carry him away, but between that kite and a few cheap ones from the store we had a blast this spring. Really I can not stress enough how much fun we had. I hadn’t even flown a kite in like 20 years and just didn’t realize how freeing it would be. We are totally hooked on kites now.

2. Change Out Closet ClothesClothes are swapped and summer wardrobes are in place!

3. Go CampingWe went camping twice this spring and had a blast both times.

4. Walk to the StoreI love living within walking distance of some stores. I am so glad I put this on my list because walking to various stores means I get fresh air, exercise, and run some errands all at the same time. Our favorite thing to do lately is walk to the local Family Video. Sometimes the kids and I will walk there and pick out one of their free kids rentals which makes for super frugal fun.
5. Sell StuffI finally had a garage sale last weekend. More details on that tomorrow.

6. Get an iphoneCheck. I not only got an iphone (the 3GS), but I finally was able to replace my old macbook pro with a new refurbished one. Thank you tax return.

7. Get a TanI do have a bit of color right now. Thank you yard sale.
8. Spring CleaningOf all the things on my list this is the biggest flop, go figure, but the yard sale really did help me declutter so we made some headway.
9. Poetry ReadingI did do my first poetry reading and I think it was a success. I would love to do it again sometime.
10. Blue Bonnet PhotosForget what I said about #8. #10 may rightfully be the flop of the season. I actually got the kids all dressed up, put them in the field of flowers and gave up after 10 seconds of excessively strong winds that made the whole shoot pretty much impossible. I did get this spontaneous shot of some calves in a field though.
It’s not exactly the traditional Texas family portrait I had in mind, but there’s always next year.
So that’s my top ten list check out Oh Amanda for more.

By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 21, 2011|Uncategorized|4 Comments
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Father’s Day 2011

I have a friend who has a photography business and we have traded services for years. It works out great. She also did the photos at SJ’s birth and our anniversary. Her pictures are amazing, so we sneakily met up a couple weeks ago to do a photo shoot so that I could surprise J with a framed pic of me and the kids. I thought a lot about what to wear and decided I couldn’t go wrong with this Banana Republic dress that J picked out and bought for me before we even had kids. The kids had Old Navy outfits that were given to them and it all just came together.
This was the one we framed.

This one was in his “card”.
And these are just some other random shots.




Sorry I couldn’t help but show these off. I hope everyone else had a great father’s day.

By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 20, 2011|Uncategorized|2 Comments
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A Few Good Reads

In closing out this week I would like to recommend some resources dealing with the topic of death.

The first one is a book called Heaven Is For Real. It is an amazing TRUE story about a 3 year old boy on his death bed that had a heavenly encounter. He actually went to heaven for 3 minutes and had a full books worth of information to tell about it. I know it sounds hokey, but you’d have to read it for yourself to know that it is the real deal. The family has gotten national recognition included appearances on the Today show, Fox news, and many others. Check out the link to hear his story, and more importantly check out the book! On a side note my mom got to meet the author and the boy that went to heaven and the rest of the family when she checked them in at the airport.
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, but Nobody Wants Die is another book on the same heavy topic, but more of a lighthearted approach than some. Christian artist “David Crowder explores the complex relationship between life, death, grief, and community.” I haven’t read the book personally, but I know some who have and they recommend. Another little fun fact, my sister in law has an autographed copy that she got from Crowder himself when my brother was on tour with the band. Talk about six degrees of separation, I guess it should be my turn to meet an author.
I also wanted to post a few blog links because I have some friends who have written about their personally experiences recently and each one shows how you unique the experience of loss is for every individual and yet we can still all relate to that same core feeling of sorrow.
First Amy who kind of inspired me to write about my brother to begin with. When she wrote about the sudden death of one her best friends in High School and how it was the 20th anniversary of this small town tragedy is when I realized that it has been 20 years that my brother has been gone.
Another one of my friends recently went through the 1 year anniversary of loosing her mom to cancer. This story has touched my life personally, since I know her whole family. Her life blog is just something she writes for friends and family, but for anyone that has lost a parent or someone to cancer you may be able to relate to her feelings.
Lastly, the same time I was writing about Zeb my friend Katy was documenting her feelings about growing up without her dad who passed away when she was almost five. I’ve known Katy for a long time and we knew each other’s stories already, but not to the degree that we had written about on our blogs.
I am glad to see that people are talking and being real about their emotions. I have seen the harm that can come from denial or trying to bottle things. I know this little series has been helpful to me and I can only hope that maybe it will encourage others.
By |2015-05-14T23:15:46+00:00June 18, 2011|Uncategorized|2 Comments
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