Three Guys and a GIRL

Living and Loving

2011-10-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

HELLLOOOO everyone from Pensacola!

I am sitting on our balcony of our apartment enjoying the wonders of God and the peace before the kids wake up. Now when I get to sit alone in silence my head wonders. Yes, I should be cleaning and I am I have the basket of clothes on the side of me and I fold a bit of clothes as I think of how I want to word my blog and I have dishes washing. Yes, I should be doing my lesson plans and getting ready for next week, but I am taking some me time right now.

Life in Pensacola is wonderful. I finally have a job, Brady's job is going nicely, the kids are getting adjusted to their schools. It is just grand here.

We have found a church that we love. I work on Sunday mornings as the nursery director and on Wednesdays the boys go to cathecism and I teach. It is AWESOME that our little family gets to attend mass every Sunday. That people was a big answer to a big prayer I have had since the day I married my big guy. I have prayed so much for us to be able to all go to mass every Sunday for a while. God made that happen and that has made me happy.

I am sure many family members were not happy about out decision to move so far away, but I hope they see that we are happy and are loving our lives here in Pensacola. This was a great move. It has put much change in me. I know that it's hard to see, but it is doing us a great deal. The boys are learning, we will not see eye to eye on every thing, but we are learning together how to love each other better. They are learning how to forgive and forget. I am learning (slowly) not to get bent out of shape so easily. We have been here for 2 months and I have to say I am able to see much change in our boys. Yes, they still fight and give each others bruises, but that's all siblings. It's a work in progress. When they miss back home we let them get on the phone or we sit and cry it out with them. It's a huge adjustment and it is a one day at a time process, that the Aymonds are doing.

It's nice to be able to sit with Brady on a Saturday evening an watch TV. Yes, it would be awesome to be able to go somewhere nice with him, but him being home is the best. Family dinners at the dining room table, family game nights, family movie night.. YES PEOPLE THIS IS WHY WE MOVED TO PENSACOLA! There is a repeating word.... FAMILY! Our little family of 4 needed this move so we could be a family. Louisiana wasn't giving that to us. Big guy was always gone...always working and he was missing out on all the ups, downs, challenges, and triumphs. Now he is able to participate in all. That is what made us decide to move here.

To my friend who told me that moving will make our little family of 4 closer.. AMEN sista! AMEN!

Our move was not meant to hurt anyone or make anyone sad. OUr move was meant for us to find our family, our happiness, our lives! We have found it! We pray in stays and continues to grow. We hope our families see how happy we are and be happy for us! We love all of you! But, sometimes the baby bird has to move away from the nest in order to find what it needs and learn to grow on its own.

Ok my oldest little one is stirring so momma mode needs to kick in! BE happy for the Aymonds. We are living and loving our NEW life as a family!

Our new life

2011-08-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a while! I was getting settled or trying to get settled.

We have been here for almost a month and it still doesn't feel like home. Just feels like we are on an extended vacation. I guess if I had a job I would feel more like a home.

Yes, you read correctly, I am a unemployed teacher who has become a stay at home mom. I don't know how to be a stay at home mom. I clean, cook, and surf the net for employment. That is my life right now. Ummm yeah not for me!

We have found an awesome church. I am really trying to become involved with church. I applied to be a religion teacher assistant and to help with the nursery during Sunday mass. I felt a connection immediately to do all this. God is working.

Speaking of God, I am truly relying on Him at this point. I pray plenty. I pray for guidance. I pray in thanksgiving for giving me the blessings I have earned, I pray for help and control. The same words keep coming to me Be still and listen. Be patient! I am really trying to be obedient, but whoaa it is tough.

I am seriously trying to be a better momma. I have been trying to control my nagging.But, it is happening to slowly for me. I realized that telling my kids I want them to do something instead of do it is helping. PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE seems to help with one, but not the other.

It's tough to divide up my time with the two of them. Little man goes to PRe-K class from 8:15 until 11:15 so he has my attention from 11:15 until 2:10 and before I bring him to school. We play Wii or read stories. Things he likes to do. But when middle man comes home I like to give him the attention he needs. I want him to know I am listening to HIM. But, it is hard cause Little man gets jealous. So I usually cut Middle man's time and we do something all together. Mostly vegetate on the couch cause thunderstorms pop up right as he gets off the bus. Then, we do homework (if you are a parent of one of my former student's.. I apologize for giving homework) It has just been reading so far so not too bad cause little man loves to be read to. But, I know when math, science, SS and other things come home little man will be doing all he can to get my attention.

Life was rough the first couple weeks and we are starting to get in the swing of things. We are getting situated with everything. Middle man loves his school. Little man is having trouble cause he is smart and knows Momma is home and I could be with her, Big man seems to enjoy his new job (doesn't seemed as stressed out), and me I am applying to jobs, visiting the technical college to may be pursue a nursing degree, and well Keeping it all together.

The best thing out of this move is I am finally getting my whole little family to church on Sundays! That in my opinion is the BEST!

Since I have time on my hands I am going to try to write weekly possibly twice a week. Stay tuned for adventures of Three guys and a girl as we live our new life in Florida!

Sunshine state of mind!

2011-08-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

So my days as a Louisianian are slowly lowering and I think it's time to write this blog. I have been pondering the words to say, but nothing seems to sound right in my head. I wrote a letter to my co-workers at Ossun, but I didn't hit on each individual that I owe thanks too. I haven't spoken up about the thanks to family as well. So here I go. It will be a long blog people so get ready.

Who do I start with.. Ok my Acadiana Moms friends... When I decided to help with the website, I never thought I would meet such great people.. Nancy aka Nana- You have been one of the biggest lifesavers for me. You helped me in a time of need and to that I am GRATEFUL! I could never thank you enough for taking in my babies for 2 weeks! That is just AWESOME. Carlie- Thanks for being an ear to listen and advise. You were also very helpful. Chicken queen and Dame of the Ducks- Thanks for letting me share my teaching experience with you. I loved sharing with you both. Heidi- I thank you for helping me with ideas for work! Erin, Kym, and Kami-Thanks for the late night talks and support as well. You are all awesome. Sorry I only made one T-Coon breakfast, but I loved every minute I shared with you all. Karin-My margarita soul sista! I loved our chats and exchanges of ideas for school. I enjoyed watching your kids grow up. Late night chats will have to continue. Gina- You are a rock for me. Thank you for helping me to ALWAYS keep my Faith. I hold you in a special spot in my heart. Your wise words will always flow in my head. THANKS! All the original Acadiana moms! THANKS for the fun times!

On to my teacher friends. I have lots of you. Marie- I have always enjoyed working with you. Thanks for entrusting me with your"special" students. I enjoyed being able to experience it. Mrs. Susan Lanoue- May be this year Michigan will beat Ohio! I'll miss our rivalry. Jessica and Polly-I don't know what I will do without little gifts (even the disgusting ones). You two are awesome. Thanks for making work enjoyable. Adrienne Dominque-I'll miss our "porch" discussions. Ok bitch sessions! It was nice to have someone from the bayou to work with. Susan Tilly- I'll never find shoulders to fill your spot. You are wonderful and I appreciate the ears and shoulders you lent. God Bless you! Bern- You are the most positive person I know. Thanks for sharing it with me.

Angela - I can never thank you enough for all your help. You have been there for me from start to finish at Ossun. God gave me a great angel here. I would have lost my mind if you and Casey would not have been there for me.

Casey- Just like Angie.. you are God sent! I totally will miss all the help you gave me. I needed you so much last year and I was so glad we were able to work together again. I will miss you and Angie.

Ossun family I love ALL of you!

Now for my family. Without these people our move really would not be happening.

This move is happening because my husband was blessed with a talent. God has made a great plan for him and this is just one part of the plan. Since I met Brady he has always talked about working for a big newspaper. I see this move as part of God's plan to get him to the BIG newspaper. Talent from God is what he has.

But, you see the plan started with his parents giving him life. They have worked hard these past few weeks to help us with the move. They have packed, cleaned, taken care of the kids, and repaired.I am grateful for all there help. I know this move is tough on them, but they are handling with awesomeness.

My brother, Tim, THANK YOU for helping us with some of the repairs. I hope this move makes us even closer. I'll miss you and I can't wait to see my little niece.

My brother,Justin- Thanks for offering to come help us move into the upstairs apartment in Pensacola. I appreciate it.

My mom and dad- Thanks for your help as well.

My boys- You poor darlings have been neglected these past few weeks and I am so sorry. I am sorry for yelling and fussing so much and for stupid stuff. I love you both and all I want is the best for you two. You two are my life now and I live it just for you! I know we will all have a great time living there.

If I missed you, it wasn't intentionally. There are so many people I would love to thank and hug. I hope if you are ever in Pensacola you look me up. I will always welcome everyone with open arms. I now bid goodbye to the lovely state of Louisiana. It will always be "HOME" but now I will visit when I need a fix.

Now I am in a "Sunshine State of mind!"

All too quickly!

2011-07-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well looks like we are moving to Florida! Yeap, that's right, we will be Floridians! But, gosh this is happening all so quickly.

Big guy got the call with the offer. More money, Tuesday through Thursday home by 8, and off on Sunday and Mondays! He had to be told to sign the paper. I refused to let him pass up this chance. These people called him to work there, not him looking for the job. That folks in my opinion is a chance of a lifetime. Getting out of the humdrum lifestyle we are in and finally getting to spend time as a family.

I know our family is little saddened by this move, but to me this is the best thing to happen to us.

Family is pulling in to help us. Big guy's mom, dad, and brother have helped in many ways.. taking the kids, packing some boxes, hauling some boxes for storage, and just being there. My brother came today to help fix two light switches. FAMILY that is what it is all about.

I finally see what I want for my boys coming to life. I see my boys finally being able to have friends in the neighborhood. They get to experience the adventures of moving. I think this will help our kids.

But the move is happening so quickly. Big guy has to be there by August 8 and well I am having trouble getting a job because I don't have a Florida address. We have to get an address so we can register the kids for school. OHHH my... my head is spinnning just thinking about it.

We have been trying to purge and pack. It is happening (so I am told) but I am not seeing it. I feel there is still so much stuff we are keeping. UGHHH! Wish that darn money tree would grow so I could just move and get NEW stuff. But, yeah not that lucky.

I am excited and sad all at the same time. Sad as I box up the memories we made here, but happy cause we get to make new memories. There is only one being I owe thanks to for all this.. GOD! He has blessed my husband with a strong talent. This talent has opened a wonderful door for us to walk through. I am pretty sure He isn't going to make it easy for us, but I know that those crosses are so that I remember to keep God close. I am sure these past few days there was only one set of footsteps in the sand, but I know it is because God is carrying me. Thank you Lord for this blessing you are bestowing on me. I glorify your name and sing your praises.

God bless all my friends and family. You have helped me to become the person I am today. I cherish each of you dearly.

His message to me!

2011-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning with 20,000 things in my brain. I decided to sit quietly and do nothing. I got the urge to read in my bible. When I opened up I opened to Deuteronomy Chapter 31:6-- "Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God who marches with you; he will never fail or forsake you."

This was what I needed from my God. I needed it to be sent from HIM. Everyone has been telling me this since the whole things started. I believed it in my heart, but my head kept me from believing it completely. I need God to send me a sign. I feel more at peace after reading this.

Brady has his interview today at 1ish. I hope it goes well. This is when we will find out for certain that this will happen. Also when we finally get a sale on the house and I get a job.

Praying is all I can do now. Praying that everything falls into place. Praying we get the house fixed up as much as possible to be able to sell it. Praying praying praying.

But, somehow I think I am praying for the wrong things. I keep praying for money to fix up the house, I keep praying to sell the house. When I should be praying thanks for giving me a roof over my head and the job to make the money to pay for it and the few repairs we are making on it. I should be praying for the people who are unable to have the things I have because of lack of income or will to try.

I truly believe God will do His will! I need to remember that suffering is part of life and that Jesus suffered for me.

I need to stay positive and just let God do His will.

Now, I am off to have breakfast and get in my closet to rid myself of clothes and stuff I don't need. I will bring it to Goodwill in hopes that someone who is less fortunate will be able to use it.

God bless! May He continue to bless you in all the ways you need!

Changes and questions

2011-06-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I have not posted here in forever. Life is just too hectic to stop and smell the roses sometimes. But, today I decided I need to do just that. I need to get my thoughts and feelings out.

Things are happening right now in our little family that I am trying to put into perspective. Lil guy is starting pre-K this school year, Medium guy is going to second grade, and big guy just got offered a possible new job.

I am trying to get my p's and q's together cause this possible new job is in Florida. I have applied for my teaching certification there and applied in needed counties. (That is hard to type when you have been in parishes all your life.) I have been looking at schools' scores to see whether or not my children will have a good education. Also looking at housing, but that is not on the top of the list of things to do.

This possible change has me feeling weird. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. It is a change that I think will do my guys and me some good. If the hours big guy was quoted are true, this would be a BIG BIG BIG help in my happiness. I love having big guy around to help with the little guys. I also think it would take some of the negativity away from our lives. It is a something we need, but alas it may not happen.

See we bought a double wide mansion and placed it on a dump lot. The people who set up our mansion must not have been able to read cause they blocked it wrong so the mansion is NOT leveled. Of course the pieces that hold the home still are cemented into the ground and well It would be a headache to level oh and money! SO needless to say our home is not in the greatest shape.

We have been here for 8 years and well things are falling off. Big guy and I are planning on doing some of this work to replace, but things like a cracked bathtub, screwed up plumbing, unleveled doors and oh a dishwasher that cannot be fixed unless you tear apart the cabinet are wreaking havoc on us. Not to mention we are both not handy people. I am sure we can read a couple handyman for dummy books and figure it out, but we don't have time or that green stuff called money.

We would have to sell our house the way it is. YEAH RIGHT! I just don't see it happening. But, I will leave that to my best friend in Heaven. He will lead me to the right paths.

May be if I want this so badly, it will happen. Oh and I do want this so badly. I keep telling myself God will not lead to a path that He cannot get me through. My Faith and trust is in HIM!

So if you know a good, cheap handyman or woman who would like to help us out with these repairs or show us what to do, give us a holla!

You are ALL invited to PENSACOLA if we move! Just call before you come so we know to go buy food and sleeping bags. If we don't move y'all are still invited to visit, just give us a heads up so we can buy FOOD and figure out sleeping arrangements. We love company.

Nicole's kids

2010-06-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Really enjoyed photoing these three beautiful children. Loved the practice and hope they are liked. They were so awesome!

More of my photgraphy

2010-05-30T16:22:00.001-07:00

These are of my one and only nephew, Hadlee. Oh I can squeeze him right now!

I KNOW, I KNow

2010-05-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

It has been a very very very long time since I posted. Today, I am not writing a post about family life, but rather show off my work I did Thursday.
A friend of mine allowed me to photo her son to practice my photography hobby. I am posting some for you to see. This is Heath and we did his "senior pictures" in downtown Lafayette. I as well as his mom are impressed with the pictures. If you like and want me to photo your kid, so I can practice give me a shout out. Right now I am not charging. It's all for fun and practice.

Time to catch up!

2009-09-19T10:02:00.001-07:00

Didn't realize my blog has been out of commision for so long. OK yeah I did, just never had the gumption to sit and write a blog. But, now I feel bad cause I didn't even post about our trip to Disney World.. which was great!
So I guess I will start there....

On July 11, 2009 at 1 AM we took off for Disney World. We figured we would get the kids in the car and they would sleep until we at least got to the beginning of Florida! Well we were wrong by about 2 hours. They woke up about an hour or so before we got into Florida. It was 5:30 AM we stopped for gas and a bathroom break and that was all it took to get sweet Logan into his I am awake and ready to play phase.
Brady decided to try to get some rest since he had been up since noon the previous day. I drove us all the way into Florida until it was time for a lunch break. We were about an hour or so away from Disney World when we stopped to eat lunch at the rest area.
When we drove into Disney.. the boys got excited and both Brady and I teared up. It was what we wanted for our boys and it was happening. We checked into our hotel...Pop Century 60's wing and got settled. Our park passes didn't go into effect until the next day so we just hung around the hotel.. and napped. We took the boys around the hotel to visit the different eras. Then we decided to take the boys swimming in the Hippy Dippy pool after we had pizza. If you really budget yourslef you can eat at Disney for cheap. We ordered a large pizza and an order of breadsticks for $20. We bought ourselves a souviner Disney mug that was refillable for our whole trip.. so this also helped on saving money. We swam and settled in for the night.
The next day we headed to our traditional first day park.. ANIMAL KINGDOM!! We were there for rope drop and it was phenomonal. We headed to Dinoland and was able to ride our first ride Triceratops Spin... not once but twice. We got off and got right back on. Then we headed over to Kali river Rapids which we rode 4 times in a row. Brady rode with Kaleb twice and then I rode with Kaleb twice. The ride kept us cooled down for most of the day. We made haste after Kali River Rapids and headed to the safari ride. It was awesome to see the boys' face as we witnessed sightings of so many exotic animals. Logan was thrilled as well as Kaleb. After the Safari we headed to Festival of the Lion King (my personal favorite). We were in the Lion section this time which the boys had fun roaring.
I'll finish later because the boys are ready for their naps!

I know, I know... why so long in between

2009-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well to all my readers (how many of ya'll 2?) sorry my posting has been so far apart. Just hasn't been much to write about.
So let me see.... the last time I wrote was my first week off for summer vacation... Oh yeah I finally have a nephew! Hadlee Joseph Lyons was born on June 4th. He is a doll and a sweet baby!
On June 6th until June 10th we spent our time in Chauvin at Mom and Dad's. We had much fun. We took the boys to the zoo.. Oh wait no.. The zoo was CLOSED on a Monday.. So we headed to the Riverwalk and had lunch and then we walked the 5 blocks to the children's museum.
The boys really enjoyed the museum as well as Brady, my mom, and I. There was a part of the museum that mimicked the set of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. It was complete with the Trolley seat and the Land of Make Believe. It was a 30 something year old's childhood dream come true. We have pictures to show just how much fun was had by all!
Let me think about June... Oh we spent Father's day at Brady's mom and dad's watching the boys swim and play in their new but second hand clubhouse. We love when people with older kids get rid of their toys..especially big expensive play sets. The whole swimming experience lead to a discussion of my mother-in-law's friend's daughter having a huge pool for sale. My brother-in-law bought the pool and NOW the family has a pool that takes up just about all of my in-laws' backyard.
At the end of June I got to attend a family reunion and see cousins I haven't seen in over 15 years or so. It was nice to be reunited with them and to see my aunts and uncles. Not to mention I finally got to see my Nanny that I haven't seen in a good 6 or so months. It's really hard to visit with a two year old who is always on the run and can't leave momma's smell for too long. That same weekend I was able to visit with two of my real good friends. Laine, Toby, and I had a wonderful time catching up. We laughed and laughed.. and remembered just how funny Toby can be. Although our dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings in Houma was not the best our time together was awesome.
Friday, Brady helped his dad build the deck for the pool. They worked really hard whild Kaleb, Logan, and I swam... Well Logan really didn't swim much. But, yesterday.. we celebrated our independence a little late. I made a slow cooked roast beef, three pies, and shrimp wrapped in bacon for us to enjoy. We swam as a family and wore the kids out. It was mucho fun with the family.
Now the next two weeks are the weeks my husband, sons, and I have been waiting for... we leave for Disney World in 5 days! That's right Saturday we leave to hang with the Mouse, cross swords with Cap'n Jack, go on a safari in Africa, and travel the world in 1 day at probably 1 or 2 in the morning. Hopefully our trip isn't too bad. At least we got the DVD players to work again. I'll post pictures and a blog upon our return.
A few more weeks and I return back to the classroom. I am really excited and ready. Hopefully I get some planning done.
Ok going to let everyone's eyes get better and going to go clean before we leave. Everyone continue to be loved and to loved.. Smile because the world smiles with you!
Oh and Nanny I know you are reading this... I am doing much better! I figured out how to handle it! If it gets bad again I promise to do what you said! LOVE YOU!

I forgot a picture

2009-05-31T22:10:00.001-07:00

Pictures of down the bayou!

2009-05-31T21:53:00.001-07:00

The ups and downs of life

2009-05-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

Excuse me if I ramble in this blog because I am not quite sure what I want to write about.
This week was my first week off from work. Though I have many more weeks of summer left I wanted it to be somewhat special for my little family. Brady was off Monday- Wednesday which is VERY VERY VERY rare. And we didn't do anything super special except for take a trip down the bayou.
On Monday we dodged rain storms and made our way to the mall. While there we visited the arcade. After 5 dollars in the arcade we walked the mall. It was pretty quiet for day that everyone usually has off. We then had dinner at Logan's Steakhouse and a trip tp the much dreaded Wal-Mart for Pull-ups. We had decided that this night was going to be Family Movie Night so we took advantage of the $1 RedBox. We rented a cute little movie named Bolt. We got home everyone got a bath and together as a family we watched Bolt. It was awesome and the kids sat entertained the whole time.
Tuesday we headed to my mom and dad's to spend some time with my grandmother. The following day she was having a valve replaced in her heart and she wanted to visit with her grandkids before the surgery. Visit with her grandkids she did. Brady, the boys, and I got there first. After being there 10 minutes my baby brother, his ever so pregnant wife, and my Godchild arrived. About 5 minutes after they arrived, my middle brother, his wife, and their 3 girls arrived. I think my grandma wanted to cry because we were all there..well excpet for my poor younger brother who had to work and was dying to be there. While MAw-Maw visited with my sisters-in-law and the newest baby girl in our family the rest of us headed outdoors with Paw-Paw and the kiddos. I had fun chasing the kids trying to get some good pictures of them all together. I got a few and then my little neices decided they would pose for me. I'll post some shot after I write my blog. We knew Maw-Maw had to be up early so we took our family party up the road to Mom and dad's house were we all ate dinner. Mom had not prepared for her whole brood and had to pull leftovers out the freezer.
Wednesday was a tough day in my life. The night before we had explained to Kaleb we were down the bayou so that momma could go to Maw Rene's surgery at the hospital and that he and Logan were staying at Maw-Maw Rita's with Daddy. HE replied with the most gut wrenching answer...Is Maw-Maw Rene going to Heaven? WOW! My child related hospital with death and I didn't even know what to say. We explained that it was just surgery and maw-maw would be fine. But, in my head I was thinking along the same lines as my son. WOuld she come out of this alive. She is a woman who has many allergies and has a hard time with medicines.
OK back to Wednesday.. I woke up at 3:30 AM to get ready to travel with my mom to the hospital to be there for who ever needed my shoulder to lean on. We walked into maw-maw's holding room about 3 minutes before they took her to the back. I got what I needed to give me the courage to make it through the operation---her smile. We walked out and began our wait. Memories flooded over me.. my dad had the exact same surgery and the thoughts of the wait and what we saw and heard after the surgery worried me. My dad hadn't seen himself after his surgery was he going to be able to handle seeing his mom this way. My aunt hadn't witnessed the traumatic experience either and i knew it would be hard on her. So I did what any normal worried granddaughter would do.. I tried to get every one to laugh. And I did get to look more at ease. I walked with my grandpa up and down the halls of the hospital making him laugh when I said "Paw, I'm not the young girl I use to be... My bladder doesn't hold well anymore.. I need to pee." My grandpa laughed so hard. I promised him he could buy me lunch in the hospital cafeteria later and he laughed again.
The best thing I witnessed while my grandma was in and coming out of surgery was the love my grandpa's family has for him and my grandma. While sitting there waiting for the surgery my grandpa's sister and her husband showed up and sat with us while we waited. So did one of my grandpa's younger brothers. It was great to see them there because it showed how much they cared and it showed that they realized how much my grandma loved them. All of my grandpas brothers and sisters showed up at the hospital. Only 2 could nto make it and one was because he was working and the other was because she just can't travel much anymore. But the LOVE and Respect for each other were there. They each shared our joy, our comfort, and our worries. That is what a true family does in these situtations.
I witnessed many things that day and one day I may share it with people. But I first want to share it with my grandma when she is ready to hear it. Right now I want her to recover well and continue to be our rock for our family.
Oh let me get to the Brady staying with the boys. He has the magic touch. Logan slept until 9 and Kaleb until 10 that day. I was back at my mom and dad's by 1.So Kuddos to my husband for doing such a fabulous job with the boys that day. He was very nervous about it. You did well darling.
We ended our mini vacation with a trip to Lakeside Mall to get our Disney gift Cards to spend in Disney World. That is right in 42 more days we will be leaving for Disney for a week. The boys are excited. They have been behaving very well this past week.
I really wanted to write about something else tonight, but the words just aren't coming to me the way I want it to read. I may write another blog this week.
I want to just take the time to Thank God for getting Maw-Maw through the surgery and a wonderful recovery, for guiding Brady when taking care of the boys and for letting him understand my need to be at the surgery. I want to thank my friend Gina for helping me out with my problem I was having. You hit the nail on the head and you gave me the guidance I needed. THANKS! I pray that Gina's baby goes through training well and he serves his country the best he can. Semper Fi Nolan!
I pray for Kami and Ken. My God bring you peace and guidance through this diffcult time. If not Kami, I will buy him a blow up doll and you can live with us.
Thank you Lord and thank you my family for being there for me!

Another chapter complete

2009-05-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

August 2008

May 2009

This week marked the end of another chapter in my life as well as another chapter in Kaleb's life.
I completed my 9th year of teaching and my first and last year of teaching 2nd grade. Kaleb completed pre-K. It was bumpy week with lots to do.
I had to pack up my classroom and move all my stuff I have accumulated in the last 9 years out of my small butler (portable) building into a huge classroom with extra storage room. I am in paradise again. Not only do I get to be back in the school building I also get to teach 5th grade AGAIN! Glory be and the SAINTS be PRAISED! I am overjoyed.
I also had to complete records for the end of the year. I was very proud of the fact that 3 sets of parents came to me and said THANKS for all you did for my child. I cried with one mom when she said she didn't quite know what I did for her son, but she said he has grown up more. She was very pleased and begged me to travel to 3rd grade and to keep following him until he was out of our school. I had a parent write a wonderful letter to our principal telling how much she was grateful for having me be her son's teacher and helping to get the help he needed for reading. These things make me feel good, but it's my job. That is what I am supposed to do as a teacher..help my students as best as I can.
Yes, I had cried many tears during this school year because my class was overwhelming, but I now know why I was put there. I honestly think I was there to handle some of these kids and to help them see that education can be fun. I asked my little second graders what did they enjoy the most about 2nd grade and their responses were not about recess and making friends. They enjoyed playing a math game called "squat" and doing learning contracts which was basically centers with fun activities and they go tot choose which they could do. THEY LOVED LEARNING!
I am glad I had that impact on these kids. I am so ready for next year. I have started mapping out my lessons and just can't wait to work alongside my 5th grade peeps again.
Today was bittersweet for me. I lost yet another dear person to me. No she didn't pass on, but she decided it was her time to put her teaching career to rest. I am honored that she confided in me about her choice. Asking me for prayer and guidance made me feel special. She was old enough to be my mom, but she is a dear friend. One of the few people in my teaching career I could count on to give me a shoulder lean, laugh, and cry on. I tend to gravitate to the wiser teachers. Once my first wiser teacher left me to lay her teaching career to rest, I was pulled to Mrs. Brenda. I shared my life stories with her. She was my rock when I was weak and tired at work. She pulled me through. She was joy to work with. My Priscilla has joined the ranks of many men and women who have given their lives to help young folk... and believe me this lady gave to these young folk. I am proud of her. She held strong 'til the end and I am glad she was sent her sign to put her at peace. (Stupid Math) Priscilla if you are reading this (because I know it is a challenge to figure out technology) thank you for being there for me! It was a pleasure to work alongside you during the toughest times. I am honored to have been the person you shared many things with. I miss you dearly, but heck I know where I can get my drink on!
Ok enough about me let me share my baby boy's milestones he reached this week. On Monday Kaleb completed his 1st year of school. On Tuesday we attended his Pre-K graduation. We laughed! We smiled! And I cried. I had many emotions going around my head. My baby boy is growing up! When his pre-K class sang Angels among us .. I cried. All I could think about was all his "angels" who are amongst him. And at that point my grandma made her presence known. I felt it. She was there and she was smiling ear to ear with me. She was hugging me and telling me he was going to do well. He definitely had one angel with him that day. I am so proud of my boy. He was disappointed to not have been chosen to be Crusader of the month, but I promised we would work on how to get that honor this summer.
He is a very determined little guy. His daddy took him bowling as a gift from us and when I got home from work he asked me to take his training wheels off his bike and help him learn to ride a two wheel bike. On the same day my baby became an offical Kindergartener he learned to ride a "big boy" bike. Man, these milestones are killing me. I just hope he slows down for a while.
This blog is horribly long and my eyes are puffy because of all the tears I just shedded. I am leaving some pictures to show KAleb's growth from the beginning of the school year to his graduation. Hope everyone enjoys there summer.

A new thing for me!

2009-05-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

1st picture- Kaleb's homerun

2nd picture- Kaleb making friends with the other team.

3rd picture- And he swings with good form

4th picture- He actually caught the ball.

Kaleb chews on his glove the entire time he is out on the field.

Photo collage of my boys

The many faces of Logan Timothy

Kaleb James my first born.

I have watched a few of my friends do this and I have also tried it last summer, but now I think I want to put this into effect at our home to see if it makes my life easier while working. I know I only have 2 weeks left of work, but maybe if I do it all summer I'll have it down by the time school starts in August and I can freeze Brady some little homemade TV dinners.
Ok OK I know ya'll are dying to know what it is... I decided to meal plan. Not every meal because breakfast and lunch are usually the same everyday, just dinner. The meal that is the most hectic and easily a takeout fast food meal. I think if I set the meal up and prep for it the night before I will be able to conquer this idea.
So I am starting Monday. Thought maybe if I post it.. I'll stick to it. So here is our menu for this week.
Monday- T-Ball game at 6 need something to pop in the oven and cook. So we are having Pigs-n- a- blanket with chips.
Tuesday- Chicken Helper Fettuchini
Wednesday- Ground meat spaghetti
Thursday- Baked fish and scalloped potatoes
Friday-- Tball game at 6:00 so we are having meatballs and mac and Cheese
Saturday- Crockpot chicken- Super super easy- probably corn on the side
Sunday- Tacos
I have almost all my ingredients for the week..with the exception of taco seasoning and shells for Sunday, but grocery shopping will happen on Saturday! This should also use up my meat in the freezer so I'll be looking at the weekly food ads for meat sales this week.
I'll probably end up using all my fish before I can get some more. Wish I had some shrimp to put in the freezer. May have to send in a call for some next week.
I am posting some pictures of Kaleb's t-ball career. He is liking it, but has anger issues when he gets out. Thank heavens it is almost over. Also posting some projects I have worked on.

New pictures of my boys

2009-04-18T12:13:00.001-07:00

3 guys and a Girl - I realized I need to shed my pounds again.

The best picture we could get of the two boys together for Easter.

Our adventures pictures

2009-04-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

I never get this right so I will tell you each picture. Picture 1 is Kaleb at bat for his 1st t-ball game. Picture 2 is the boys and I after I got my hair chopped off. Picture 3 and 4 are of Brady and the boys practicing baseball. Picture 5 is Kaleb being a good farmer. Picture 6 is Kaleb's garden. PIcture 7 is Logan and his cheesy smile. Picture 8 is of Kaleb's t-ball team. The last picture is of Kaleb in his T-ball uniform! Go Rangers!

Our adventures

2009-04-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

It has been quiet some time since I last posted, but honestly I just either didn't have the time or just didn't know what to write about.
Well let me look back to our past few months. We have signed Kaleb up for t-ball. The season has started. My inner teacher has to be stopped often because I want him to understand and do good at it. I have to keep reminding myself he is 5. He seems to like it.. well until he gets out and then he sits in the dugout or the stands and pouts about it. Our first real game is tomorrow night and he was told if he acts like that again I am pulling him out of t-ball. I know... MEAN MOMMA!
Not only is Kaleb a team member.. I am a team mom. I figured my poor child has to do without me being a classroom mommy and going on field trips during the school day that I had to do something. So I get to collect money, schedule drink and snack days, and sit in the dugout with the team to make sure everyone gets to bat, everyone has their helmet, everyone has their gloves. It is like being at work.
Poor Logan will have to be put on a leash whenever someone cannot be at the games to help take care of him. Logan wants to be on the field more than Kaleb. After practices (which Brady has been able to attend all but one practice) Brady takes Logan on the field and runs the bases with him. He loves it!
Brady gets pretty down because he probably will not make many games. He was able to attend the jamboree game, but it looks like that may be the only one. Hopefully, someone puts in a good word for him at work about him needing to see some of the games.
I still have no word on if I will be a 5th or 2nd grade teacher next year. Hopefully, I find out soon. Doesn't matter which one as long as I find out soon.
We have been having planting fun around our house. At the beginning of March, Kaleb and I planted two tomato plants and 6 corn kernels. To our surprise we have 6 corn stalks growing and about 8 cherry tomatoes. Kaleb loves plants and flowers. I think he enjoys watching them grow. He has a new love for catching bugs. HE is anxiously awaiting the sight of caterpillars so he can "grow" some butterflies. We have also planted two planters of wild flowers and poppies. We set up a bird feeder, hummingbird feeder, and a butterfly feeder. We revamped our squirrel feeder. I think our little furry friends love us very much. The coons now hate us because we have a nice new fancy BLUE trash can that they have a hard time getting into.
This past Friday (Good Friday) we traveled to Chauvin. What usually takes us 2 and half hours ended being a 4 hour drive. Why might you ask? Our truck decided to get a blow out. Why do tires decide to blow out when your headed to some place important and on the side where cars zoom past you without giving any courtesy.
Yes, our tire blew out on Highway 90 between Baldwin and Franklin. Brady and I were able to get the spare out from under the Explorer. The car did not want to lift. It was not fun. I called roadside assistance, but by the time I had managed to explain our location Brady had the tire off and changed. WAY TO GO SUPER DAD! It did take him a while because having 18 wheelers and cars zooming past you at 75 miles per hour is a very scary task. I called back roadside assistance and canceled only to get into the car and the battery is DEAD! So I decide with the help of Brady to call 411 and get the number for Baldwin Police Department. They give me the number to St. Mary Parish Police and Police Officer Bobby Hines helps us out. WOOHOO we are now on our way to Mom and Dad's for some yummy crawfish. Oh it was well worth the trouble we went through.
We spent the night at my mom and dad's and left the next morning. We visited my grandparents and then off to my brother's house. If anyone knows my brother, Justin, you know he is not scared of anything (well at least I think there is nothing he is scared of). The boy has a farm in his back yard. I had heard about the "farm" but never visited it. We got the chance Saturday and it was so much fun. He has 1 big goat, 3 baby goats and a momma goat, 1 tom Turkey, a dozen chickens and I think 2 roosters, 3 rabbits, 5 dogs and 4 ducks. I am probably forgetting something. The boys had a blast. Brady picked chicken eggs 17 to be exact. It was just cool to experience it with the kids. When the rooster crowed...Logan laughed and imitated it. Too funny!
Yesterday was Easter and we just could not hold it in any longer. We decided to tell the boys we were going to Disney World in July. Yes.. we are going to Disney in July!
We set up the table with a Book about Disney, the Disney payment envelope and a postcard from Mickey. There baskets were filled with Disney socks, pencils, coloring books, crayons, and paper (all Disney). Oh and DISNEY stickers!
Kaleb woke up first and brought the book to Brady in bed and said Daddy we have Mickey's address now. Then, about 2 hours later we all woke up and I pretended to read a letter from Mickey claiming we were invited to visit him July 12- 18 as long as Kaleb and Logan behaved for momma and daddy, Kaleb got smiley faces at school and Logan learned to use the potty. For each day they followed Mickey's rules they get a Disney Sticker to put on the calendar. They earned one yesterday and so far Kaleb is being very well behaved (of course Logan is at daycare) so they may earn another one.
Us going to Disney World has inspired another weight loss challenge between Brady and I. My goal is to be 20 pounds or 2 sizes smaller than I am now. If I do not beat Brady, I have to ride the ride of his choice while we are in Disney. Brady knows I hate roller coasters... so I MUST WIN THIS CHALLENGE. I have the strangest feeling he would make me ride Expedition Everest.. I don't know if my heart can handle it. We still have not figured out what Brady has to do if I win. He is game for everything. We did decide if we lose enough weight we will have the photographer take a real good picture of all of us at Disney. So the games began today... I have 12 weeks to lose 20 pounds!
That is pretty much our lives right now. I will post pictures in another blog right after I post this one and take a break to put clothes to dry and wash.

Trying to figure it out

2009-01-30T04:20:00.000-08:00

So it is that time of the school year where the principal calls you into the office and asks you what are your intentions for next school year..... so you must reflect on this school year. So my principal called me in last Friday.. looked me in the eye and said I can tell it's not for you! WOW! She noticed or did someone tell her. The week before two members of the administration team had asked me if I wanted to move back to 5th or stay in 2nd. Well of course I was honest and said I WANT TO MOVE BACK UP!
Well, I did tell the principal that I would love to be moved back to 5th grade, 4th grade, heck I would even try 3rd grade. I just can't handle the whiny, snotty kids! I love the sassy kids that .. how can I put this... I can joke with and they can joke back but you know it's all fun and play. These second graders take everything literally. UGHHH not for me!
I also maybe put my foot in my mouth because I said if she absolutely would rathe rme stay in second grade I would. I just had some request for her if she kept me there. I do admit... I love the fact that I am not pressured with the testing fact, higher order thinking is not as hard as if I am in the higher grades because these kids are still in the learning stage.
So no matter what happens I will probably still have to pack up my junk once again. I just hope I know early enough so I can start planning this summer. I want to be organized next school year. The crowded room must be organized. If I am in a butler building again next year, I am asking my father in law to make me some storage!
Pray for choice for me that will be great!
This is ray of sunshine for me! I had a really good teaching day yesterday! My students are working well as teams and the computer is their best friend. WOOHOOO! Hopefully it's another good day today! It is amazing what happens when one kid is not there!
I am feeling happy today.. hope it doesn't get ruined.

I wish I were a kid again

2009-01-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

First I want to start by thanking my friend Kim for the award she gave my blog. It's called the Honesty Scrap Award! I didn't really read through her whole blog about it but I did read my directions. Problem is I don't know seven blogs

Here are the rules:

Rule #1: Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.
Rule #2: Show the 7 winners' names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with the "Honest Scrap" award.
Rule #3: List at least ten honest things about yourself.

I'll do the ten honest things about myself.

1. Just like my friend Kim i hate shopping.Including shoe shopping. I hate crowds. I hate lines. I hate the money that it takes.

2.I miss my best friend Lainie and secretly wish either she would move here or I could move back there just so I could spend time with her.

3. I must be the only daughter in law in the world that gets along better with her mother in law than her own mom.

4. I use to be a person with high self esteem but along the route of my teaching career have developed a complex about not being good at things. What the hell happened to me?

5. I have become a person I would hope I never would be. I am happy to say I am slowly kicking this habit, but I have my days of defeat.

6. In the same sentence I can say I love not living down the bayou but wish I were still down there. Does that make sense?

7. Wish I had the life of some people I have befriended,but have to realize life doesn't work that way.

8. I am really trying to understand why my husband has a hard time with religion, but at the same time wishes he would come with me to church.

9. As much as some people think I am not I am HAPPY with my life, just wish I had made better financial decisions when I was younger.

10. I really want to be the person everyone remembers me to be. I am trying hard! I am getting over my hump of depression. I just have to remember to stay with the right people and let God handle everything.

Now for my title of this blog. I really do wish I were a kid again. I have been sick for 4 days now. It sucks to be a momma and being sick. You don't get the recoup time you need unless you send the kids to school and take the day off of work just so you can sleep it off.
As much as my husband and in-laws tried to help my recouping time it helped a little but not a whole lot. My in-laws took Kaleb yesterday which helped to only have Logan to look after, but he decided he was going to be hard headed and not sleep. So I chased and fussed all day yesterday. Saturday, Brady kept Kaleb quiet while Logan and I napped. Still great but Logan is a horrible sleeper. So honestly, until today when after I dropped the boys off at school and slept the rest of the day.. I did not feel well.
The other thing that I longed for was some of my Maw-Maw's chicken soup. When I was a kid, when Maw-Maw knew we were sick she always made us a chicken and rice soup... or as she called it soup de mallad (?) soup of the sick. I miss my chicken soup this weekend. I made me one tonight and boy did it make me feel better. Wasn't like Maw-Maw's but close enough. Another reason why I miss down the bayou.
I miss being a kid when you were able to forget about everything when you were sick and just get better. Now I must chase after my 5 and 2 year olds and give them a bath while trying to not fall asleep from taking Tylenol Cold and sudafed all day.
Anybody else want to share what they miss about being a kid? Drop me a line!

My baby is 2

2009-01-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

I know once I post the pictures they will be on top so here's the blog and pictures.

2 years, 9 months, and 1 day ago I could smell every bad order, felt horrible, and had yet another spotty period. So I knew I was pregnant. I didn't tell Brady or anyone. Went to Wal-Mart which by chance met up with my in-laws they took Kaleb I came home took the test and then had dinner with Brady. Before I left I sent Brady an email telling him he was going to be a Daddy. We had dinner, I left his workplace and about an hour later I get a call from him saying.. you didn't even say anything.
Fast forward 9 months, Logan Timothy decided he wanted to share a birthday with Elvis. He also wanted to make his debut quickly. I felt my first hard pain at 4 AM by 7 AM I was driving myself to the hospital to be checked. Dr King walked in took my blood pressure said it was elevated wanted to keep me in for observations because of the problems with Kaleb, when she checked, my water bag was bulging and she said we are having this baby today. So on January 8th, 2007 at 2:35 PM Logan Timothy was welcomed into the world.
My baby is 2 and I have so many more wonderful years to look forward to with him. He is my ham. He is a spitfire!
I made his Elmo birthday cake. But I figured I would capture both of Logan's personalities and made it an Oscar the Grouch and Elmo cake. See pictures above

A look back at 2008

2008-12-31T19:31:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2008 will end in about 2 and 1/2 hours. 2008 was one quick year.
Am I glad it's coming to an end? Yes, too many changes happened in my life in 2008 that has caused me to be a cold person. I lost my joy in life. I use to be happy and smiled alot. Now I feel cynical. I don't want to be around people much. I use to enjoy spending time at the mall or zoo now I hate being in crowds.
Did I learn anything from 2008? Yes, I learned many things. That you can't trust people who listen well. They tend to turn on you. But the people who you think aren't listening to you are the people who help you out.

Did I miss anyone? I miss alot of people. I really miss how close my family use to be. I am happy that my brother has moved closer.

What do I plan top make better in 2009? I want my children and husband to feel my love. I want to become closer to my God again. I want my negative thoughts to succumb to my positive thoughts. I want to continue to lose my weight and feel awesome about myself. I want to give myself more me time and not feel like I am taking anyone for granted when I ask for a break. I want to be the best damn teacher that I can be to my students and show them I really do care about them. I want my patience to stay thick.
I will have to work hard at some of these, but most of these I can do with just a little thought. I am so happy with what God has given me this past year. The joys and the scares were lessons for me. Lessons that kicked me in the butt alot. I believe I became wiser this year. I feel that my hear is getting back into its loving self again. Time will heal my hurt and God will lead me in right paths.
Here's to 2009.. Hope everyone's is a prosper and blessed one! Thank you Lord for one more year!

A new tradtion for us

2008-12-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight Kaleb and I made a Graham cracker house. It is a small one with just white and black icing, but next year we will get a little better with it. Here are some pictures of his masterpiece tonight. Merry Christmas!

Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MAW MAW RENE!

I promised pictures

2008-12-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

Let it Snow and other Christmas Cheer

2008-12-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

The last time I posted was around Thanksgiving. Wow been a few weeks. So let me get to a blog. I may not finish this before Logan wakes up or Kaleb demolishes the bathroom, but here it goes.
We have limited the amount of sugar and red dye Kaleb gets in his diet as well as set challenges (that we draw on his hand) for him to reach. It is working somewhat. He has gotten more smiling faces than sad faces in the past two weeks. In fact for the whole week after Thanksgiving break he had SMILEY FACES! When he gets the sad face we talk about it and that is it. He knows he cannot get the prize if he does not get the smiley face. So I think we are crossing a bridge here. We are leaving him off of high volumes of sugar.. which means NOT MUCH CANDY here for Christmas.
Logan is still talking a mile a minute making sentences better each day. A few weeks ago my mother in law and I went shopping for CHristmas and he was with us. While I was waiting at Target for my Starbucks my mother in law was giving him some drink.. well some fell onto the floor and he says Excuse me Lady, get a towel and wipe it up. He is definitely a monkey see monkey do kid. It irritates his brother but he does it anyway.
Brady is doing well. Still traveling to New Orleans once or twice a week to cover Saints football. He loves his career. We were praying hard this past week. There was a round of layoffs at The Advertiser and we were worried he would be sent off. God willed us for Brady to still have a job and for that we give much THANKS! He has to work for Christmas so we will not be going to Chauvin for Christmas, but we will make it down either before or after. He tells me to go and be with my family, but I do not want my boys to be without their daddy on Christmas day.
I have a new joy in teaching. I have learned how to teach this kids finally. I have to look and talk like a crazy person, but it is working. I have been more positive then negative with teaching and I am staying away from the negatve vibes of other teachers. We are almost half way through the year, but it is getting there.
Now this week we had some action in our neck of the woods. Old Man Winter and Jack Frost decided to pay us a visit. We had some pretty think frost about a week ago and Kaleb asked me if it had snowed. I thought for a while and told him yes, because we know good and well that it usually our snow. If we get a thick frost that is snow in South Louisiana. Well On Thursday we woke our boy up at 3 AM to see sleet because again that was as close to snow as we were going to get right... WRONG at 4 AM we woke Kaleb yet again for him to touch snow.. real snow. Yes that's right at 4 AM on December 11... there was snow in Carencro. Not just flurries, but snow. That was sticking even though we heard it would melt. By six AM we had enough snow on the ground to sink in and build snowmen. Oh it was wonderful and I am so glad my boys got to see it. Now will they ever see it again in their life... maybe this the second time I see thick snow in my life. I will post pictures later because my son number 1 is saying I hate him because I am not letting him play the playstation and I hear number 2 calling for me to get him out of the bed.

Just ten minutes continued

2008-11-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

The next four people I am writing to are my dearest people in my life. My boys, My husband and my dad are my world. If today I would leave this world these 4 people would probably have the hardest time accepting that I am gone and if any one of them would leave this I would have a hard time accepting it.

SO here it goes...

Daddy- I often heard stories of how you paced the floor and starved yourself to wait for me to be born. Guess that is where our special bond began. Dad I have always admired you and hold you in the highest of regards. I know you will always be there to guide me. Not do for me but guide me. Thank you for letting me make my mistakes. I never regret what I do, but it pains me to know when I have hurt you. I am sure there were many times when that has happened.
I have many great memories stored in my heart of things we did together and are still doing together. One day my big dream for us to be partners in a business will come true. Dad the night before your heart surgery I walked into the chapel. In fact I was drawn there. I had my rosary in one hand and trying hard to say it. I just couldn't I knew God did not do anything to hurt in fact he brought us there to St. Thomas Hospital to help you stay alive because you were not finished here on Earth. I was not mad with God and decided just to talk to Him. I vowed to God that night that no matter what His will was for you I would never leave my Faith or be mad at Him. I also said I would do anything I had to do to be able to share more life with you. God listened to me and I have tried very hard to make sure I live up to my word to God. I try so hard to keep making memories with you. I am glad He let you remain on earth so that my boys got to be apart of your life. Daddy I love you and I never meant to hurt you in any ways.. I hope that whatever I have done to you can be forgiven.

Now my two boys

Kaleb- My first born.. I love you very much and I often get caught up in my work and forget to show you. Momma forgets that you are 5 and many things that I think you should be doing are above your age capacity. You are one of my joys in life. I am proud of you and things that you accomplish everyday. I love your smile, your hugs, your kisses, your laughter. I love how in one minute you can hate me and the next I am the light of your world. You may look like your daddy, but you have many of your momma' qualities.. use them well. Don't let anyone you can't .. Momma has done that and it just makes you very unhappy. Never be hard on yourself. It makes you a horrible person to be around. Something I am learning at the moment. Always share your passions with others sometimes they need a little boost themselves. I love you my angel and you will always be in my heart!

Logan- my ray of sunshine... No one will ever understand why I am so bonded to you. You were my rock during my deepest darkest hours.. and that was when I was pregnant with you. There was a reason God brought you into my life during those times. I would have ended my life many times Lo if I were not pregnant with you. Many times I saw no hope and you would kick me in the bladder and remind me hey Mom there is more to your life. So yeah I may show you alot more attention,but it never means I love you more than your brother. Your smile can make my worst days turn bright. Your hugs and cuddles warm my heart to no end. You are just like your Paw-Paw Timmy- talkative but gentle. You are also like your Daddy- stubborn but very kind and loving. I just hope you pick up some of momma's traits. I love you my darling Lo Lo!

Now my husband-
Brady- whew this one is hard because I just don't know where to begin. 8 years ago I had given up on love. Figured I would NEVEr be married or have kids. Figured I'd live the rest of my life in Chauvin teaching kids of people I went the school with and dying an old maid. But, God saw other plans. It was the longest journey of my life when I came to meet you! Not mention I had a drunk on my side. But, the minute I laid eyes on you and heard your voice in person I knew you were the one.
There was this glow around you which leads me to believe my guardian angel was there beside you. When I went through the hard time of losing my best friend my grandma you helped me through it because you knew how it felt and that's who you are. The first time you called me Babygirl I knew that we would be together forever. That was my sign from Heaven. The day you left the trail of rose petals leading to a CLEAN made bed my heart fluttered. I never turned on the light and probably would not have had I not realized there was a paper sitting there. I was in awe and then realized I had to tell you an answer.
There ar so many memories I will never forget that we have shared/ Lately I memories have not been the best, but these really, truly are the best.. we learn from these memories. Lately I have been having a hard time showing my love and appreciation for you. You continue to take the punches and I am truly sorry for treating you and our sons so horribly. There really are days that I would rather see you all away from me because you all deserve better, but you stick with me and you don't let me give up. Your best quality stick with the underdog.
Ithank you for sharing your life with me. I want to grow old with you. I want to be your rock when you need it. I love you with all my heart, body, and soul. Please forgive me for all my wrong doings and continue to love me unconditionally. Love your Babygirl

Wow that felt good! I think I needed this post. Now more than likely the people that I have written to will never read this,but hey I had to get it off my chest! Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving and hold your family dear to you because you never know when your 10 minutes may come up!

Kami if you read this thanks for inspiring it! Tim

In just 10 minutes

2008-11-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine a few weeks ago experienced a very hard time and had ten minutes to decide what to tell her husband before he went into major surgery. She had a good point in a blog she wrote as to what do you say in ten minutes. This has got me thinking and I really would like to write what I would say in 10 minutes (yeah right 10 minutes would not be lone enough) to my family.

I'll start with my sisters-in-law.....
Desi- I have to admit I was not too happy when my baby brother started dating you. You would not have been my first choice for him, but who am I to choose for my brother. But, you are amazing. I really do love when we get to visit. You are a strong woman to put up with my baby brother. He is a handful. But, he loves you much so that makes me love you even more. Thank you for always being sweet and gentle to my boys.. and I mean all them including Brady. Thank you for asking me to be responsible in guiding my Godchild in right paths.

Katie- Girl you have your hands full with just my brother and his love for animals. We don't get to visit often, but you are the best for my brother. Keep loving him! It saddens me that we don't know each other better, but it is great that I can relate to your mommy problems.

Mandy - Yeap you are the one who brightens my big little brother's life. It bothers me to no end that he is so rude to you, but that might be his way of showing his love. Thank you for accepting my offer to be Kaleb's Godmother. I know if I leave this earth you will help to keep him safe and guide in the right path. You have a great bond with my husband, I like that. I think all in-laws should have that bond.

Rusty- How do I say what needs to be said. I first apologize and ask for forgiveness for my rant. You are a very kind person and we are lucky to have you in our lives. You are brother's best buddy and his worst nightmare all in one. I know if I leave this Earth you will hold your brother. Thank you for being the best brother in law you could be despite telling me I have a big head. It is very easy to talk to you and that is a great quality you have. Thank you for accepting the challenge of helping us guide Kaleb in his religion. We have many good memories and I hope you remember them all.

Mr. Bobby- We have so many good memories. I hope you have cherished them all as much as I have cherished them. You are a great father in law that a girl can lean on when her own Daddy isn't there. It helps to know that on the drop of a dime if I need you you are there. I hold you dear to my heart. Thank you for having Brady so that I could have him in my life. I love you!

Mrs. Juanita- A girl could only dream of having the dearest of mother in laws. I have had my share of ughhs about you (doesn't every daughter in law experince thes) , but I always learn to forget and remember the good side of you. You are the best and I have no complaints. Thank you for letting me lean on you even when you are having a hard time. I know if I leave this Earth today you will grieve, but you would be the strong spot for my husband and boys. Thanks for just being there whether silent or with words. I love you dearly and you know lots about the feelings I have.

My brothers-
Tim- Wow, I am at a lost for words because there is so much I would tell you. I thank you for the memories we have shared thus far. Man you were mean to me as a kid. But, nothing could ever keep me mad at you. It is great to have shared our childhood together. I am glad you live close by now even though we still don't see much of each other. I know if I need you, you will be right there. My boys adore their Uncle Timmy. Thanks for taking time to share life with them. Thanks for sharing your life with me. You are pig-headed, but that is what makes you.. You! I love you very much! (PS I know you hate all this talkign before death stuff, but DEAL with it) You are the best!

Justin- My pal. My brother who will get me out of any trouble and do just about anything that does not require signing over his life. I love you spontainous ways. Who in their right mind would have a yard full of animals? You that's who. You are the best. Your heart is always over flowing and that's what makes you the best. You have a wonderful family and I hope God continues to guide you in right ways. Thank you for being Logan's Godfather. I feel confident in my decision to make you that person. You will guide him if need be. Sometimes not in the right directions but you will guide him none the least. I love you!

Josh- My baby brother- Wow how many times did I carry you around on my hip when you were a baby. I think until you were 3 or 4 I was your best friend. You are a darling little brother. Even when you are being a little shit you are darling. I am glad God put you into my life even though I wanted to send you away when you first got here. Dang it why couldn't you have been my little sister. Thank you for your love, compassion and silliness. Life would have been boring without you in it. You are the best also! I love you just as much as the rest of them

My Momma- Mom I would have to start by telling you.. When I had my boys I was more than excited that you stayed with me and helped me out. I know you love me more than life itself. I do love you dearly and am most glad that you brought me into this world. I am so happy that my boys get to experience life with you even if it is not often. Just one more thing.... please keep showing my boys the love they deserve from you.

OK Now that my tears are pouring down my face.. I have to go get ready to take my boys to the Zoo! I'll finish my 10 minutes with my family later.

Comparing pictures

2008-11-08T12:12:00.001-08:00

OK so let me explain these pictures. The first two are of Kaleb and Logan. Kaleb is on the left at 21 months and Logan is on the right at 21 months.
The second two pictures are of my mom and dad. The first one was taken at Sea World in 2005 and the second one was for Christmas last year. The last two are of Brady and I. The first one was taken for Easter this year and the second one was in 2005 at SeaWorld.

Let's play catch up

2008-11-06T06:22:00.001-08:00

Wow it is almost a month that I have posted.
Not much important going on here in our house. We are having major issues with Kaleb at school. He has been coming home with many sad faces for petty things. How do you get a 5 year oldto understand he needs to eat and not play with his food. He needs to quit playing in the restroom. We have tried no TV. We have tried no toy room time, no computer time and spanking.
We have tried the positive approach. You give us 5 days of smiley faces in return you get something. NOTHING HAS WORKED! Well yes something has worked to help. I have to isolate him from me. As long as he can talk and be near me or Brady he is fine, but take away his communication with an adult and it drives him bananas. I guess it is called tough love, but I hate feeling like I am pushing him away.
We are home today because Kaleb had a visit to the emergency room last night. He has a bad case of Swimmer's ear, but we thought for sure it was an infection. At 9:30 last night he was screaming in his sleep and asked to be taken to the doctor. So because we stayed at the emergency room til past midnight..I decided we needed to stay home. Maybe a day with mom and dad will get him to listen too. I have to run some errands today so he can help me.
I am taking suggestions on how to handle this situation.. now mind you he does go to a private Catholic school.
Ok enough about Kaleb, let me talk about my littlest man, Logan, or as he calls himself Gogan. I love it. He is so intelligent. He is now speaking in sentences. He uses his manners quite well also. And he loves to play, but if momma gets out of his site for too long (other than daycare) the boy gets lonesome. He does the cutest things. Like he loves to watch football with Brady, he will sit and of course keep telling you footbal football, football. And when the team starts making a good run, he stands up and yells go go go! It is just too cute. He also does the Sign of the Cross with the words not just the motion. I love when he says Amen he clasps his little hands together. He is growing up so quickly and it is scary yet a relief. HE wants to wear underwear so I let him until he uses all what he has. He is very demanding and stubborn though. But can be gentle and sweet on the drop of a dime.
I seriously love my two boys. They are the world.
I recently got to have some free from mommy job time. My dearest, best friend invited me to attend the New Kids on the Block concert. Oh MY GOSH! I still think my favorites are handsome. I loved every minute of the concert, but the best part of the whole night was being able to cut up with my friend, Lainie. Oh how I miss her so much. Just reminiscing about all the boys we thought were cute back when we were 12 to about oh hell 17. Man, I wonder how many knew we drooled over them at night. I hadn't laughed in months and Lainie helped me that night. I laughed so much that my New Kids concert night rush lasted for another week. It was much needed me time and I am happy I got to experience it.
Now if I can convince my mom to watch my boys for Black Friday... I want to spend another day with her. Or may be even my big sis Nina.
Well I am dead tired and thinking about heading to the Brownie store as Kaleb calls it and getting me a fancy coffee.
I'll post Halloween pictures later. I think I have some.

Oh Happy Day

2008-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

1st picture
This is me and my guys for Christmas 2007!

2nd picture
This is me and my husband for Easter 3 months into our weight loss.

3rd picture

This is me and my guys fr our family vacation in July 2008. 7 months after our weight loss began

last picture

And this is me on October 5th, 2008. This is 10 months into our weight loss and I am now a size 14/12 in this picture.

So today I had another great shopping experience with my mother in law not only does this lady find great deals she makes me try on clothes I wouldn't because I think they are too small. Well she hit another homerun today for me. I tried on a pair of White Stag long shorts (you know wal-Mart brand) and ..... drumroll please..... I am a size 12 in that brand and a sise 13-14 in other brands. I think I deserve a round of applause because this girl can fit in a dress that she bought 3 years ago maybe 4 don't remember. I AM SO HAPPY!! Maybe I can get to the size I was when I got married. Too bad my wedding gown is heirloomed and I can't open it. Oh I would be super excited if I got to that size again.

I have posted some pictures of my weight loss. I honestly don't see much difference, but my family and friends tell me they do. And well I fit smaller clothes. I started as a size 18 in December 07 and I am now a size 14 or 12. GO ME~

I am so proud of myself as well as my husband. How awesome are we? Hey boo if you are reading this you look AWESOME!

Dibbling into photography

2008-10-11T12:51:00.001-07:00

So last night the boys and I went to Super 1 Foods to buy a few necessary items we needed. Logan thinks he is a baby cow and drinks milk like that is the only thing on the planet. I noticed the pumpkins were $2.98. These were not little pumpkins as you can see so I took advantage. I bought one and Kaleb immediately said can we make a jack-o-lantern. I agreed but had ulterior motives. I have been wanting some good outside pictures of the boys with a white button down shirt and jeans. Thanks Mammy and Maw- Rene for finding what we needed. I promised Kaleb to carve his pumpkin in the morning if he took some good pictures for me. He said yes. At 8 Am this morning I was ushering my two boys into their white and denim to get some pictures of them with the pumpkin before we carved it. I think they came out pretty decent. Just need to learn some tricks of the trade from my buddies Robbie and Sarah. I love all of the pictures and think I did a great job, but my all time favorite is of Logan and the pumpkin. I even have one of him licking the pumpkin.

Drop me a line and tell me what you think!

More pictures of Kaleb's party!

2008-10-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

Another birthday party done

2008-10-05T15:47:00.001-07:00

Everyone singing happy birthday!
Kaleb was a policeman
The kids in front of the police car!

Today we celebrated our Kaleb's birthday. He officially turns 5 on Thursday at 6:59 PM, but hey it is close enough.
Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves at least I hope. I was super excited of the fact that my cousin who I consider to be my big sister, drove the 2 hours to come. She and my brother were the only family from my side here and it made me feel extra loved. My brother and I had an acorn fight which brought back lots of memories of childhood days.
I wasn't the only one reliving my childhood. Brady's cousin , his wife, and their children came and that always makes Brady happy. It is great that they have moved closer because now Brady sees his cousin more often and they were really close as kids.
Also we gave the kids water guns so my wonderful husband decided to get in on the action and pulled out the super soaker. The kids had a BLAST!
We had a policeman come in his unit to let Kaleb sit in the car and play with the sirens. We were supposed to have a fire engine, but as it was waiting for the police man to come with it....It got called to a fire. How awesome that he got to sit in the police car and turn on the sirens. I was so happy for him.
I hope my son realizes just how special these birthday parties are for me. My mom never went through the trouble of making parties for my brothers and I. Well at least not parties where friends were invited it was always just immediate family.
So the cake is gone, the decorations down, and right now Daddy is playing with Kaleb and his toys. Logan is cranky but that's OK he'll go to bed earlier.
So next birthday party is in January. That will be fun. I think we will have gumbo for Logan's party.
For all who came... thanks for making Kaleb's party a huge fun time for him. Thank you for the gifts and thank you God for letting it be a beautiful day.

CALLING ALL ENGINES

2008-10-04T15:32:00.001-07:00

So the cheese ball you see in this picture is my first born, Kaleb James. He will be 5 on October 9th but we are celebrating his 5 years on Earth a little early as in tomorrow.
Kaleb wanted a firefighter and policemen birthday party so being the nice momma I am and having the very loving Mammy he has Kaleb got his wish! So tomorrow we will have a birthday party filled with sirens and lights. Hopefully they are the lights of enjoyment in Kaleb's eyes when he sees the cop car and possibly the firetruck pull into our drive way!
I decided that I am cheap...I'll make his cake so for a little over 5.00 Kaleb is having a fire truck shaped cake. I am not professional, but it came out pretty cute if you ask me. Here are some pictures I took of the cake
They are above!

Ok so I don't know how to make the pictures post correctly, but the top picture is Kaleb's finished cake!
I look forward to seeing his face tomorrow. I miss my baby, but he can be really and sometimes annoying to be around!

While I wait for the phone people

2008-09-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

OK so I thought I would take this time to post.. because I don't feel like cleaning or grading papers. But, I'll complain when I have to do it later tonight. So I took a half day off work today because our stupid phone is out of whack and the tech is due to come between 2 and 6. Well I hope he comes after 3 so that I can go pick up the boys and not miss him.
Much has happened since I last posted. Let's see 2 hurricanes have happened. We did well through both of them. We lost power for 4 days with Gustav, but survived it out at the in-laws house thanks to Ensco providing a generator for us. Hurricane Ike gave us more branches to pick up in our backyard which finally got done this weekend because my in-laws gave me the motivation to do it that and they helped me do it to.
Life at work is hectic. I HATE it! I wish I had some other type of training so that I can get out of teaching and do something fun and exciting. But, I have no other skills. I have totally lost interest in my career. Can some body please offer me some money so I can get my dream opened up? I so want to open my own charter fishing business with room and board. I will get that one day.
I am also dead tied lately. If given the choice of watching TV or sleeping I will go with sleeping. I am tired all the time. It has to be the stress of work and life.
We are all alive and well. Brady is out of town for the whole week at a video training class. Kaleb is turning 5 next week and his birthday party is Sunday. So I will be getting the house cleaned all week. I am sure my in-laws will take the boys so I can bake and decorate cakes and cookies as well as finish up the house. They are so good to me about that.
I do have some pictures I want to put up, but I will have to wait until they are loaded on the computer. I'll try to post again this week. I have been leaving you all in the dark.

I am still here...

2008-09-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

just been extremely busy. Trying to gather thoughts as to what to post about. I have a few things to write about, but can't seem to get the flow of words yet. I'll try to post tonight because I'll be up late doing my lesson plans of I don't get them done by this afternoon at work. To my loyal visitors sorry I haven't been blogging. But, I will!

Oh what a week

2008-08-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

I know I said I would post on Wednesdays, but we had a very active week at work this week and I was dead tired.
So wow, Gustav is on his way. I actually picture this hurricane with a little cigar in his mouth and really dark hair waiting to crush his enemies.
Oh I think I may be too laid back for hurricanes. I am not worried (anymore that is) now that I know where everyone will be. I know my parents are going to be safe and my brothers will too.
We are heading to the in-laws tomorrow for our nights or charades and laughing at the kids. Grass is cut, shed is packed, and now I just need to finish getting the kids, Brady, and my clothed packed and the dishes washed.
I so don't look forward to rain and winds, but I love the fact that school is closed. I'll write more later my husband is home and I am sure he wants the computer.
Everyone stay safe!

Trying to stay positive

2008-08-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ok so I I haven't posted since last Tuesday. I think I need to pick a day and post. I just don;t have the time nor the energy to post each day. So I think I will post on Wednesdays. Well at least try to post on Wednesdays.
Well here is my post for this week.
As we all know I was asked to step down to a second grade position after 8 years of teaching 4th and 5th graders. I was not too keen on the idea, but decided to take the challenge. Well the more I thought about it over the summer the sicker I would get and guess what all the worries I had are happening. Oh my goodness... do seven year olds really not understand sitting down for at least 5 minutes without digging in their desk or tying their shoes. I swear I know my oldest son is not that wiggly and he's only going to be 5. Everyone says to talk to them like they are my kid. Nope can't do that because when I talk to my boys they understand concepts. Man, I really am having a hard time staying positive through this whole ordeal. I really feel someone has set me up for failure. Sure I have my class walking in a straight line down the hall and my lesson plans are considered to be super...but I really can't help but wonder if these kids are learning anything. I hate not being able to tell. They are constantly moving and it irritates me to pieces.
I really am trying to stay positive! But, the more people ask me how it's going the more I want to just sit and cry about it. I find myself saying lots of prayers throughout the day and lots of breathing exercises. Just pray that I can make it through the year without having to medicate myself ( I am just kidding).
On a lighter note, Kaleb is doing wonderful with school. Last night he had homework and even though the poor child has 2 pushy parents, he got through his homework without much fussing. Poor baby he just starts Pre-K and mom and dad are hovering over him to do his homework. Daddy got a little more impatient than mommy. Kaleb was a trooper though he had his moments but he wrote most of his answers by himself. We can't let him play before homework or we have trouble on our hands. Oh and if Logan is around we have to peel him off of us for us to help Kaleb. This ought to be fun when Brady is at work and I have to do homework with Kaleb. Yeap sounds fun to me.
If anyone plans to visit us anytime soon, please call well in advance. You can tell I started back to work because well I haven't been doing the housework like I should. The clothes is washed and some folded, but it sits on the fireplace ledge and the chaise lounge.
I am so looking forward to Friday. I think I may be making some new friends this school...their names Jose and Jack. Oh well I am exhausted and I have a LONG day tomorrow. At least I have most of my lesson planning done for next week. It is due Thursday.

Have a great rest of the week!

Don't know how to feel!

2008-08-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my oldest son begins a new chapter in his life. His chapter would be entitled School years section 1 Pre-K at Carencro Catholic. I am faced with many fears tonight as I type this. First one being will I be able to see this whole experience as a mommy and not a teacher. Last night I was already checking out the whole place in a teacher's perspective. But, it hit me I am a momma with a school aged kid now. What where did my childhood go. Where did my being a young person go? I have a kid that starts school tomorrow and in 14 more years will be graduating high school...AGHHHHH!
I am so happy that he gets to be in a setting with children again. The boy was starting to act like an adult and I hate it. I am sad that my baby is growing up so fast, but I am so excited that he gets to embark on his new chapter. I want him to learn so much. Just hope I am not to hard on him with school work. I know he will sit and do his homework then he can play. I know that when I get a phone call from his teacher saying he is misbehaving HIS DADDY will handle it because he is just like his daddy. I hope he doesn't get bored. I hope he makes new friends. I can't wait for him to have sleep overs and things.
As I write I am teary eyed ( I said I wasn't going to do that), but he is talking to his imaginary friend at the moment about how he has to be good as Catholic school. Wow, where did my baby go. Guess I better hold tight to the other bruiser.. I mean baby. I have pictures of staged 1st day of school. I can't be there to get pictures of him getting into class so we staged it. Isn't he a doll?

New day, new year, new age

2008-08-08T03:59:00.000-07:00

Yes new day... Today is the day everyone was waiting for this year 08-08-08. That is everyone except me. This day means returning to work to teach a new grade level. As much as I say I am worried about this grade level... I think I have it down. I am super excited about my lesson planning and curriculum that I have my first full week of teaching Math and Language arts written. I am leary about looking at Social Studies, but I will get there.
So a new day will mean meeting new students to help in obtaining their education. I pray that I can stay positive and help my little students learn and be excited to learn.
A new year-- Yeap a new year of teaching. Wow 8 years down and starting my 9th. I would not have thought I would still be here. My son starts school on the 13th and wow let me tell you never in my life did I think I would have a kid going to school. I am thankful that God had blessed me with the chance to witness getting a kid to school and doing homework. This should be fun because our little guy thinks he knows it all. I am trying to introduce him to reading and umm I will drive myself nuts on this. I guess I'll leave it to the teacher. I just hope my little students have a different thought about wanting me to teach them.
Our baby boy is doing well at his new daycare. I just wish his dang eye teeth would finish sprouting out so that he can stop being cranky.
New age- Yeap today embarks on a new age for me. My 31st birthday is today and boy do I have the best gift- first day of school and my husband leaving to go for weekend to watch Saints practice and work. Yeap I so look forward to this day, for God has blessed me with another year. Hopefully this new age will be better than last year. WOw I am officially in the 30's age bracket. Oh well time to get the little one up and dressed. I'll post this evening, if I have time, on how my first day with 7 year olds turned out.
Have a blessed day everyone! Be safe and careful with the new school year!

Our family vacation 2008

2008-07-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ok I promised I would write about our family vacation so here it goes. I will post more pictures when my guys aren't hogging the picture computer.

Well let's start with Friday, July 11th. I'm using names tonight because I am lazy.
On Friday we headed to Cocodrie, but first Brady had to cover the Manning Passing camp in Thibodeaux so we dropped him off at The Advertiser building so he could catch a ride with Kevin and the other guys. We were going to the Sports writers convention that night and our friend Kevin was winning a big award. Brady convinced his wife to surprise him and attend so I picked her up and the boys, she and I drove into Cocodrie. I dropped off the boys to my parents and Michelle and I headed to New Orleans to meet our men. Brady and I had a blast having an outing with other adults. We slept over at my parents' house that night.
Saturday- We headed to the Snow's camp. They are always so nice to let us borrow the camp if they are not there. We set up shop there and stayed there until Wednesday morning. Kaleb and Brady fished or should I say casted their lines that evening while Logan and I took a 3 hour nap in the nice comfy recliner.
Sunday we woke at 6:30 and went to 8 AM mass. After mass we went to Sunday morning breakfast at Maw Rene and Paw Flip's house. After we went back to the camp and casted out lines off the dock for a few hours. Not much... oh we went feed the seagulls but they weren't much into wanting to eat. Mom cooked fried shrimp and mac and cheese for supper. Logan and I also walked up and down Tou Lou Lou Lane chasing tou lou lous (for those of you wondering these are little crabs with one large claw, They look like roaches).

Monday since it poured all day we stayed inside and watched TV. Brady and Kaleb also played Nintendo.

Tuesday we decided to spend time in Houma. We headed for Southland mall to bring Kaleb to the arcade. We had a nice time. We played a 2 rounds of putt putt golf amongst the scurvy pirates. Then we played in the game room for a few hours. We visited with Logan's Nanny in JCPenney. After that we headed back to the camp but not before we searched all over Houma for hotel coupon books. We headed to Target to get replacements for what we used at the camp. Went back to the camp, washed clothes and packed for our trip to the beach.

Wednesday we headed to the Gulf shore. We were going to stay in Biloxi, but um well there is NOTHING in Biloxi. So we continued our drive to Gulf Shores. We took the scenic route into the Mississippi gulf shore and wish we hadn't. It was horrible. I wish I would not have seen Biloxi in that state. It made my heart hurt to see that there is not a thing for families to enjoy anymore. I want to remind everyone we had no reservations and just drove into Gulf shores hoping to find something in our budget. We found something and though it was not the best, it was a place to sleep. We stayed at`the Sleep Inn on the beach. Not the best room but hey it was`on the beach. Once we got settled into our hotel we decided to head to the beach. Logan, Brady and I loved it. Kaleb hated the sand, he hated the nasty water, and all he wanted was to swim in the pool. And so we did. WE played on the beach for a few hours and when Logan got cranky we knew we had to find supper. We went to the pool to play and get the sand off . Then we headed upstairs got dressed and headed to McDonalds for supper. Kaleb had more fun playing in the playland than on the beach.

Thursday was a full day on the beach... we only stopped for lunch at Subway and a drive into Perdido Keys, Florida. We had to get the kids to take a nap some kind of way. After our drive we headed back to the beach to make sand castles and tell the beach good bye. Kaleb and Brady played in the pool and Logan and I went to take a shower. Yes, shower because apparently Sleep Inns do not have bath tubs. SO I had to attempt shaving my legs sitting at the bottom of a shower on a towel with Logan trying to walk in the shower also. After Brady and Kaleb got their showers taken we got dressed and headed out for our final vacation dinner. We wanted to go to LuLu's but umm the wait looked like it would be toooooo long. So we headed into Foley to eat at Lambert's (home of the thrown rolls) but the line was wrapped around the building so we went a little further into Foley and ate the best pizza at the Mellow Mushroom. Oh gosh one slice and I was full. It was yummy.

We headed back home Friday. While on the beach I practiced my photography skills. I really do want to work on that, I just need to buy a new battery for my camera.

We had a blast and are thinking about going back next year or the year after and taking friends with us. Even though we didn't do much but play in the sand and water it was a great family time.

Yes we are still alive just been vacationing!

2008-07-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

My guys and I on the beach!
Guy # 2 running from the waves!
My two little guys and I soaking in the sun!
My guys building sandcastles!
My little beach baby or should I say sand crab!

I'm just going to post pictures right now, but I will post a full blog of our week long vacation soon.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

2008-07-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am feeling prayerful at the moment. I just want to thank God for stopping the rain for a couple of days. It made wonders in our household because the boys could blow off steam. I also want to thank God for the blessings he has bestowed on our family. He always takes care of my family in the time of need. We just need patient and prayerful. Which is still happening because we are still down on a few things. I thank Him also today for my great friends I have made in the past few months. They have been keeping me on the positive side of life and I know that is God working through my friends. I just feel so blessed at the moment. I give praise to God for with Him everything is worth it. HE is the best thing in my life and I am getting closer to Him.

Well tonight Mammy and Pampy took the boys. SO tonight I am able to catch up on my TV programs, type this blog, and take a bath without interruption. And to make it even better, I finished all my housework early today so I can vegetate. AHHH God works wonders for another thing to be thankful of. My days have been rough and I am ready to go back to work, but today I actually had a pretty good day.

I hope the rest of the summer stays this way. My little guys were pretty good today. No real big fighting and I thank God for that because they have been able to blow off their steam outside. That's it for tonight, I am going back to watching my TV and then reading in the tub. HAPPY 4th of July everyone.

Deals and rain

2008-06-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got a great deal not only did I get a shirt, dress, and a pantsuit but I got it for Free (my mil paid the $50 for it).

Today to kill time my mil, boys and I went to Stage in Opelousas. They had GREAT clearance racks. The deal was you got an additional 50% off the already marked down price.

I was pumped and wished my boys would behave in the store so that I could have looked more, but I already have 3 outfits for work this year. AND TO TOP IT OFF I LOST ANOTHER DRESS SIZE!!!! I usually never shop at Stage, but today I racked up.

Gosh I wish I could go back!

Pantsuit- was regular $74.00.. was marked to $37. Got it for $18.50

Shirt- $36.00 marked down to 18.00- got it for 9.00

Dress- 80.00 - marked down to 40 got it for 20

As for this rain, Dear God could you please let it stop for a few days so that my little guys could burn off some steam. Amen!

The boys are experiencing some major cabin fever with all this rain. Thank God we had a birthday party at the skating rink so that they could run around and play. We can only do so much indoor things. Candyland is getting boring even for my 4.5 year old.

Promised pictures

2008-06-27T19:53:00.001-07:00

My two little guys in their swimming pool.
Can you see the love in each of them? My two monkeys.
A very cute picture of my babies.
Guy # 3 looks like he just had a hard days work on the tractor.
Guy # 3 relaxing on the tractor.
This is guy # 2 at Go Diego Go. He is being Baby Jaguar.

Rescuing animals and completing chores.

2008-06-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Not much to say about this week. The weather has been pretty unreliable to plan anything. We have been keeping it pretty low key. Staying home, watching TV (cartoons), and keeping the house up is what we have been doing. We did however venture out on Wednesday to go to Go Diego Go live and the pre-party. Both boys greatly enjoyed. Guy number 3 was a little scared at first, but by the time the second half started he was up and dancing. SO was I. It is hard not to get involved with my kids. After the show we joined our friends the Faulks and some of there buddies at McDonald's for lunch. Both of my guys had fun with the little Faulks. That is one group of kids I really enjoy being around. They are so well- mannered. They can be rowdy but what kids aren't. I love talking with all of them. They really have a grasp on things. They easily entertain themselves and play so well with my little guys. Guy # 2 and the littlest Faulk are about the same age and get along so well together. I'll post some pictures I have taken of the guys later. But right now I need to finish folding clothes and get guy # 2 to take a nap.

Just another day

2008-06-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

So today was just a regular ordinary day. The little guys and I headed out to Target to get diapers, and toilet bowl cleaner. It was all on sale so woohoo for us. Of course my little guys were on their best behavior while we shopped so they were rewarded. I even stopped at the Dollar Tree to check out their teaching supplies. Cute little incentive things for 1 dollar...you just have to love it. I was totally happy with the way both boys behaved.
We came home unloaded our buys and then off to play in the yard. As you can tell we do about an hour of play time in the morning so that Daddy can sleep without interruption. Today's imaginary play consisted of us being farmers and train station workers. Guy #2 has a battery operated tractor with trailer that was a tractor to haul dirt and then a train to deliver people around the yard. The littlest guy had enough so we came in and had lunch and he went down for his 2 hour nap. Big guy woke up and had his breakfast and went have his fun on his computer game. I took advantage of peace and after folding towels went read my book. Middle guy was watching his cartoons in the living room.
Once littlest guy woke from his nap we headed back to our outside play. We played kick the ball for awhile. I decided to put the boys' swimming pool back up and was able to find the only level place in our backyard. Yeah I back yard is a war zone between unleveled terrain and glass coming up from the ground.
Tonight we traveled into Lafayette and rewarded the little guys with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. Of course big and middle guy had a blast, but little guy and mom were having a battle. I refuse to let him down to run around in CEC, but Mr. Independent was battling me until I just got tired. It was a great time for every to share. Now we are home and I wish my middle guy would GO TO SLEEP ! I am tired of listening to the darn cartoons.
Oh well I must enjoy this time.

2008-06-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so I really don't have much to say. Just been enjoying my time off from work and trying to maintain my weight. I really need to get out of this house and stay away from food. That is one good thing about working I don't snack like I do when I am home. I'm trying to get back on my water drinking, but am not having much success. I do know that in two weeks I'll get to go to the gym at least 2 days a week so that may help me get back into the swing of things. I really want to go back to work being a size 14 instead of a 16. I want to be smaller again.
Having the boys here is also making it hard on me because they are constantly wanting snacks. I do make them healthy snacks, but I also give them sweets every once in a while.
I have started thinking about my class this coming school year. I really need to start getting lessons together. I think this will be fun. I new learning experience for me. But, I think I'll be able to handle it.
Oh well enough about me. The boys are doing great! Everyone is enjoying their time together. We went swimming with our friends the Faulks and I got a nice sunburn which is actually turning into a tan. I haven't tanned like this since before Guy# 2 was born . I actually have a swimsuit line. Wow.
Life is going great..going to spend time with my brother and sis in law tomorrow around the pool at their apartment. Going to have pork chops and hot dogs.
Hope life is treating every one kindly!

Really should be...

2008-06-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

OK so the past few days have not been real interesting. Guy #2 has acted up so badly that he has been punished from playing outside therefore there has been no imagination games going on. We did however play Subway last night at Mammy and Pampy's. It really was fun because everyone was playing. Guy # 2 loves when he has everyone playing with him including his best friend---his daddy.
Yesterday I got some time away from at least one of my little guys and ran errands with just one little guy to worry about. Thanks to my wonderful big guy for keeping guy # 2 with him so I could get my errands done quickly. In fact all errands were finished in 2 hours. I love it.
My boys and I will be attending Diego Live thanks to our good friend Mrs. Carlie Faulk for giving us a ticket so that little guy # 3 can get into the show. We will be seated close to the Faulk bunch so that will be awesome. We saw Diego last year, but I think guy# 2 will enjoy the extra special things that will happen and I can't wait to see guy# 3 's face. I'm bringing his ear plugs just in case it is too loud for him. This is also happening during his nap time. I just hope that Diego can keep his attention. If not I may be in the wings watching guy# 2 .
Well GUy #2 wants to play a game so I am off to play. I also need to cook supper. HOT DOGS!!

We are alive and well

2008-06-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but life has been busy. Ok not too busy, but alot of mommy and kiddie bonding is happening. We have been playing lots of pretending games. I have hunted, fished, found treasure, buried treasure, became a ghost, and defended my fort in the past week. Whew that's alot of traveling. Thank God gas prices are high I may not have had the chance to travel so much.
Sunday my big guy was off so we headed to my parents house in good ole' Chauvin (many of you know it as Cocodrie). I created my daddy a very touching slide show of his kids and grandkids with the song "That's My Job" by Conway Twitty. I had everyone is tears because I always write from the heart and the song is really not an uplifting song. We had some delicious grub. My mom mad a big pot of Shrimp and Okra gumbo for me and my brothers and roast, baked chicken, green beans, and corn for her in-laws. My grandparents joined us and my Paw-Paw was fussed at just as much as my two boys. It was great to be surrounded by my family. I miss them very much, but no I have a brother who will be closer.
We spent the night at a hotel down there so that our little guys could swim in a big pool instead of our "sit down and get you bottom wet" pool that we have here. The guy# 1 and 2 swam from 7:30 until 10 last night. The littlest guy and I swam for about an hour. He so needed to go to bed. No nap for him is not a great thing. We had an awesome time and I hope my husband enjoyed his Father's day in Cocodrie and swimming with his boys.

My Compliments to our new photographer!

2008-06-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is a typical picture of all three of us Mommy being tackled by her two little guys!

My two little guys and I. Go Blue!
Don't they look so cainille! They so love each other.
Just a great picture of all three of us for our favorite big guy!

OH MY GOSH HOW AWESOME ARE THESE! My friend Sarah took these wonderful pictures of my boys and I for what was supposed to be a surprise for our big guy, but I couldn't hold back! I was so impressed that I hope she will honor us as being our photographer. I learned something from her....just snap the camera you will get a good one somewhere in there. Sarah if you are reading this I absolutely LOVE these pictures. I wish you luck with your business.

Arghhh Matey! and other things

2008-06-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ok so yesterday was a little off beat. The little guy sand I just veggied in front of the TV in the morning. Guy # 2 had an appointment to have his arm examined and well HE IS CAST FREE! Everything healed wonderfully and he now his cute little arm back. No more red club to bonk us with. We celebrated with lunch at Subway.
In honor of the cast being removed we had a water balloon fight. Then Guy # 1 had the bright idea to play water balloon baseball. Guy# 2 and 3 had a blast. My little guys love being outside and they love the water. We ended our day with a round of frisbee and dinner. The little guys had dolphin and Whale and the big guy and I had shrimp and angel hair pasta. It was a great day and night!
Today was a normal day. Guy# 3 woke at 7:30 and we played, ate breakfast and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Guy # 2 woke at about 9. He wanted to play pirates today so we got dressed and headed on to the seas (aka our backyard) to search for treasure (aka lost toys) on the beach (aka our dirt pile) I decided since we were searching for lost toys let me clean out the car. So we cleaned the car and went wash and vacuum it at the carwash. The little guys love the carwash. After we washed the car we headed home for lunch today we had dinosaurs. Yummy. After lunch and a bath the littlest guy took a nap. He was full of ketchup so we had to sponge bathe him. When he woke up it was time to play pirates again only this time we were bombing forts. We gathered up ammunition (aka acorns) and began bombing each others forts ( mine was the picnic blanket and little guys was the Swingset) I decided to end the game or so I thought by saying he had blown up fort and I was dead to which he replied " now you are a ghost pirate' You have to haunt us. So I was a ghost pirate and chased my boys around the back yard. Guess I can cancel the gym membership for myself. We had fun, but I am pooped. Oh by the way I was cleaning house in between these pirate plays. I am sure we will have round 3 when littlest guy wakes up from his nap. WHY can't guy # 2 take naps? The day isn't over and if I don't pass out with the boys, I'll post again. Now off to make pigs in the blanket!

WIll it ever end?

2008-06-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

OK so we all know my guys and I started cleaning out our house last week. Well we are continuing to clean. I got the living room just about done. I need to get rid of toys. My little guys have so many toys they don't even play with a quarter of them. They are in storage boxes, but the boxes need to go before Christmas so that we can put up our tree. Will the cleaning ever end? I really do want a break from cleaning before I have to go back to work.

My boys and I took pictures yesterday. My friend Sarah (http://sarahcalaisphotography.blogspot.com/) took some great pictures. You can view some of them on her website. We will be receiving a disk from her and then I will order them. She did a wonderful job considering that the little guys just wouldn't stay still or cooperate. Sarah has inspired me to try my hand at doing my own photographing of my boys. I love my camera so another project is to take pictures of my boys as much as possible. Maybe I'll get some good ones.
I sure hope my big guy is off Sunday. I would like to go to my parents' house to visit my dad. I haven't seen them since the beginning of April. Yeah I know a long time, but gas is expensive. My mom's family is supposed to be all getting together and I would love to celebrate Father's day with my Daddy.
Today was a normal day of occupying the boys. We played outside for almost 2 hours this morning. The boys dug in the dirt pile, while I watched. We used our imaginations and hunted and fished in our front yard. Yeah We launched our boat (aka the wagon) from the dock (aka the ramp to the shed) and paddled to the lake (aka the front yard). We sat and listened for animals. Kaleb shot 2 deer and some ducks. Logan just shot his gun. This mom caught a couple of good rays of sun. We then had a race in our back yard. I love to watch Logan when he realizes things are fun. His little face lights up with glee (yes Mrs. Brenda if you're reading this Logan has expressions) We ended our escapades so that lunch could be served. Guy# 2 wanted chicken nuggets and we were out so off to Winn Dixie for some nuggets. Wow they are cool. I served my little fisherman whale and dolphin shaped chicken nuggets. They were a hit. Little guy took a 2 hour nap and when big guy left for work the little guys and I left to catch the last few hours of the great 10 for 10 sale at Albertsons. We finished at Albertsons came home and I cooked a pork chop stew. I called my brother to join us for supper. He and guy # 2 had a blast playing on starfall.com. He just left and now guy#2 is begging me to get off the computer. It's time for his bath and bedtime. He goes tomorrow to get his cast either changed or taken off for good. I hope it's the later because I am ready to take him swimming. Pray that is over tomorrow. Until tomorrow...

Ok time to finish the story

2008-06-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well to continue. We walk the rest of the French Market picked up our two little guys each a t-shirt. We decide we want to walk next to the river so we climb the steps to get to that point. Well at the top of the steps there is this man who is playing the saxophone. He jumps in front of us and starts singing. I mean not back from us but right in my face. AND YUCK HIS MOUTH! The more I would back away the closer her would get. We listened to him sing and then he asks us to buy his CD. I plan out tel him I HAVE NO CASH! He says there is an ATM right there. I was so grossed out I told my big guy lets go. We continued our walk next to the river. And being the bayou raised girl I am I enjoyed every minute of the river breeze. We went on down to the Riverwalk and had us an order of Cafe du Monde beignets. OH MY GOODNESS!! HEAVEN ON EARTH! We decide to head back to the hotel for a swim and then get ready for dinner. Brady swam and I read my book for about an hour and then it started to rain. But, no sooner we were in the building it stopped. Typical Louisiana weather. We got ready for dinner and headed to Zeas. YUMMMY! Brady had ribs, roasted potatoes, and corn grits. I had roasted chicken, braised cabbage, and roasted potatoes. Could that place get any better each time you eat there. Another heaven on earth experience. After eating we headed to an indoor putt putt golf course and had a blast. Brady and I always seem to do corny kiddie things on our nights together, Hell our first date was to Chuck E. Cheese.
After our golfing trip we decide we wanted ice cream so we head out to find a Chase Bank to get some cash to go to Marble Slab. Well we go to the first ATM it is out of order. We go to the second ATM and my debit card gets stuck. It would not come out. I am freaking out thinking I can't leave my card in the ATM and wait until Monday for some service. Well after many many prayers to God the ATM decided my card didn't taste all that good. Oh did I mention it was a drive thru ATM and people were waiting behind us. We suddenly scraped the idea of Marble Slab and head to a Rite Aid for Blue Bell and a four pack of White Zinfendal. Yeah that ATM issue had me needing some drinks. Back to the hotel, ate our ice cream, killed the little bottles of wine, and watch Fool's Gold. Brady fell asleep as we were watching the movie.
The next morning we slept in a little. We head down to the breakfast area for another wonderful meal. We headed back to Port Barre to pick up our boys. We called to say we were on our way and Mammy said she was going to take guy # 2 to the movies to see Kung- fu Panda. Well we take advantage of this and hit up the MAll of LA. Bath and body works and Yankee Candle had AWESOME SALES. We loved our time of being able to look at things and not rush through the mall. After the mall we decide to have lunch at Logan's in Baton Rouge. OH WAS IT BAD !!! We waited an hour for our food. The ticket got lost, the ticket wasn't put in ....what ever the case I ate half my steak because I was hungry but only half because it was medium rare and I wanted medium well. I didn't even eat my whole veggie skewer because it was NOT cooked. I WAS PISSED! The waitress came to our table and said the manager would take care of the bill. I asked to speak to the manager. She could not find him. I told big guy lets go. Oh guess where the horrible manager was... out back having a smoke. UGHHH I WAS SO FLAMING HOT! But, hey we ate for free. Off to get our boys and it was a great welcome back. Littlest guy would not let me go.
We came back to chez Aymond and had Pizzaville USA pizza. What a great weekend with my guy # 1, but boy did I miss guy # 2 and 3. I think that may be the extent of our vacationing this summer. GAS is crazy. OK so who pissed off the gas fairies because you got explaining to do. We wanted to go to SeaWorld, but hmm 400 dollars just in gas I think not.

Refreshed! That's what would describe it!

2008-06-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

I have a very refreshed feeling today!
We are back from our weekend getaway and it was so deserving. The weekend was great! The big guy and I splurged on ourselves which we never do. We left Friday evening at about 5 and got back into Chez Aymond at 5:30 yesterday.
I'll go ahead a describe our trip. As I said we left at 5 on Friday.... I know what were we thinking of leaving at 5 didn't we remember it was traffic city on the interstate. Nah not a problem...we stopped in Henderson at Chicken on the Bayou to pick up some boudin balls and a link of crawfish boudin for me. OOOO WEEE that was some good eating. We head into Gonzales. Big guy needed some sunglasses to be able to walk in the sunny streets of N.O. this weekend so we stop at Tanger outlet to pick up a pair and look for a swimsuit for moi. Got the sunglasses left with no swimsuit.
We arrived at one of the best hotels we have stayed at (Courtyard Marriott in Metarie on galleria Dr.) at about 8. We decide we need to get to Target at the Lakeview Mall to pick up some drinks and snacks. Well we both ended leaving with a new swimsuit. Brady was stoked about his new find. I was proud of him also. We left and grabbed supper from Arby's. Went back to the hotel settled in, ate dinner, and then went to bed to prepare for our day the next day.
Saturday we woke up at 7 AM. Anyone who knows the big guy that is VERY EARLY for him. We went got ready for our downtown N.O. day of walking and touring. Our room rate came with breakfast for both of us both days and I'm not talking toast, and cereal.. I'm saying real breakfast. YUMMMYYYY!
After breakfast we headed to the D-Day museum. And oh my goodness if you had someone serve in WWII you must visit this museum. It is phenomenal. I must say I really thought I was going to be bored out my mind, but I LOVED it. Lot of stuff you don't learn about in school. It was much reading, but well worth the money we paid. We got discounts because it was D-Day weekend. We could have probably spent the entire day there, but the museum was closing early for a gala that evening. If you go please don't bring small children. In fact children under the age of 12 may not understand and there are many graphic (not nude) pictures in the place. Some of the pictures were hard for me to stomach much less a child. But, then again this would be a great place for kids to learn about their history. It is self guided and it could take a whole day to read everything. Both Brady and I wish we would have had more time to read! The things we learned from this museum. AWESOME!
After the museum we headed to the French Quarter. We walked from our parking spot by the aquarium to the Jax Brewery for lunch. We had the best sandwiches. As much as we tried to stay on our lifestyle change New Orleans changes you back to your old ways. We ate and headed our way tho the French Market. We both not fans of it so we just walked on the outskirts. We dropped into Margaritaville and got us each a drink. Now only in N.O. can you walk down a street with a drink in your hand and never be stopped.
I'll post more later we have pictures at 9:30 and I need to get both little guys fed and dressed! Enjoy our adventure so far it gets better!

Everybody's working for the weekend!

2008-06-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

My little guys- I had to trap them in a basket to get this picture!

This is Guy #1.

Although Operation Clean Sweep is not over, the sarge and I are taking a much needed couples weekend. Our little guys will be watched by Mammy and Pampy which means the little guys will have a blast. We are headed to New Orleans in about an hour. I should be getting dressed and making sure everything is packed, but I am here telling everyone that for the weekend there will be no blog.

Just to add the pack -n- play is off the market and the baby clothes has been sent on its way. Anyone interested in other things please email me.

Now let me leave you with some great pictures of my little guys.

Pictures of things we are selling and an update

2008-06-05T07:17:00.001-07:00

This is the pack and play all set up. I can't find the changing station, but I still have two closets to clean out.It is 5 years old and in EXCELLENt condition!

Jungle Mobile

Booster seat highchair. I don't think I listed this but I am asking five dollars. It straps to a an adult table chair.

Monitor- The middle piece attaches to the bed and it vibrates the bed when set off by the piece on the left. It also makes and ocean sound as it vibrates.

Homemade boppy. I have to stitch one little place but it is still in great condition. It has pouches to hold things also.

OK this is part of the travel system. It is also 5 years old and yes it is stain. I am going to drop the price on the whole system. It comes with the stroller, the seat, and 2 bases.

Stationary walker- the sound does not work. but all the little gadgets are great to chew on. I am needing clean in up because it is dusty from storage.

Ok so I am hoping that by the end of next week I can invite people over without having to worry if the house is clean enough. Operation Clean Sweep is going great. We have two more rooms to tackle and they will not be hard. The guest room just needs the closet cleaned out and the bathroom spruced. Also need to fold the clothes that is on the bed. I really think I may just open a garbage bag and scoop all of it in there to give away. It really does feel good to purge. I am selling a box of baby clothes today and giving away a box of books (not the books I have listed). But, little guy # 3 is sure making Operation Clean Sweep a BIG challenge. We are hoping to have it all done tomorrow so that guy#1 and I can go on a weekend getaway. Just can't find a good inexpensive place to go. Looks like we may just stay home and have us time here. We definitely want to see Prince Caspian and go swimming.

OK so maybe a gathering at my house will happen soon! Have a great day time to attack room number 4 of Operation clean sweep! Wish me luck I'm going in!

Cleaning boot camp and items that need a new home!

2008-06-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so today was day 2 of Operation Clean Sweep and sergeant big guy is not backing down. Didn't realized I married a member of the cleaning army. Hmm this boot camp is going to kill my laziness yet. Hmmm, maybe I took Mrs. Connie's suggestion of leave the dust bunnies and play with my boys a little too serious.
So ok as you all have figured I hate housework. I would rather play with my boys than dust, clean the bathroom, and throw out old stuff. But, the past two days have been stress relief. We have just cleaned our master bedroom and bathroom and man it feels good already. Tomorrow we attack the computer room. That is Sergeant Big Guy's room and the little guys' dress clothes is housed in the closet in there because their room has no closet. I have so much stuff to give away and I also have many many many baby things to sell. I'll type out a list at the end of the blog. I also have some books that are looking for a good home. I'll make that list also.
So Sgt. Big Guy and I are bombing these rooms like there is no tomorrow. We have to get them all done by Friday. We have 3 rooms left to tackle and the living room and Kitchen need to be straightened up. Not a problem like I said the Sarge doesn't let up without a fight. He lets us break, but he means business. I know I am making my husband sound bad, but he really isn't he has to be tough on me during this time or I'll just sit and let him do all the work. But, I have realized it HAS TO STAY THIS WAY!!!
It is really hard to clean with guy # 3 awake. He wants to "help" and well he just gets in the way making total chaos. The Sarge doesn't get too happy with Lt. Guy # 3. Lt Guy# 2 is doing pretty good with our cleaning mission. He helps when he feels like it or he veggies in front of the computer playing Frogger or he uses his imagination and plays with his toys. We are so proud of him. Now if we can just get him to listen on command and to quit hurting his brother. It's time for him to have some alone time with just the Guy #1 and I.

Ok so I promised I would list the baby items so here we go. I'll give what they are and how much I want for them. If you want them call me or email me (timberdoodle88@aol.com). Really need to sell these soon. I am fixing to take them to a flea market to see if a lady will buy them from me.

baby swing (Ocean Wonders Fisher Price) paid 100 asking 40
Ocean Wonders Bouncer paid 35 asking 15
Baby bath tub asking $5
bath tub ring for older baby asking $5
baby monitor paid 50 asking 20
homemade Boppy pillow $10
Travel system ( stroller, infant seat, 2 bases for car) paid 200 asking 100
Stationary walker paid 75 asking 25
Pack and Play paid 75 asking 50
Rain forest mobile paid 15 asking 5

I also have boys baby clothes if anyone wants them. I am not selling it. Unless someone makes me a deal. I think it is mostly 3-6 month clothing.

Now for the books. These are free to a good home!

Bellie Letts - HONK AND HOLLER OPENING SOON
Nicholas Sparks Nights in Rodanthe
Nicholas Sparks True Believer
Nicholas SParks The Wedding
Nicholas Sparks The Guardian
Nicholas Sparks A Bend in the Road
Robert Dalby Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly
Jacqulyn Mitchard The Deep End of the Ocean --- AWESOME BOOK
Ernest Gaines A lesson Before Dying
Vicki Lewis Thompson The Nerd Who Loved ME
Judith McNaught- Double Standards and Something Wonderful
Robert Morgan- Gap Creek
James Patterson- Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas

Anyone wants any of the listed items, PLEASE EMAIL ME or if you know my number CALL ME!

Pictures of guys!

2008-06-02T05:05:00.001-07:00

The littlest guy with his two of his favorite things--Bat and ball and OUTSIDE!
My little guys being monkeys!
Picture 1- Guy# 2 with his sunflower he planted!

I know I missed yesterday!

2008-06-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

I have a good reason why I missed yesterday. Guy#1 officially began his week vacation and the little guys and I took advantage of the first day. We traveled to Alexandria to the zoo. I personally love this zoo because it is small, SHADED, and cheap (well gas isn't cheap). We left about 10 AM and first visited the gas station....the Explorer needed gas and daddy desperately needed some sunglasses. Got what we needed and off to the zoo. For some reason guy# 3 thinks that when Guy#1 is driving he must yell on the top of lungs. When I drive our littlest guy just sings along with the radio, but when his daddy drives he has a yelling competition which starts of with a loud daddy and ends in a screeching yelling of DADDDDY! Oh we were going to be in for a long day because it make the big guy antsy. I told my big guy that I notice he does this alot in the tub also. But, once we put in his earplugs it stops. Maybe I'll start bringing his ear plugs on trips.
SO we stop to eat an McDonald's before heading to the zoo. We do it every time...we tell our 1st little guy about the day and then BOOM he refuses to think about anything else. He barely ate lunch. We had to threaten to turn back around with no trip to the zoo for him just to eat the meat and cheese and a handful of fries. Finish up at Mickey D's and now we are off to the fun stuff.
We arrive at the zoo and see lots of cars. Now this is a small zoo so we think great it will be packed. Nope we barely saw anyone. It was a great trip. Our littlest guy talked (babbled) the whole time. He rode in the wagon and was content until we took him out so that he could see an animal. He wanted to pet every animal. He is just too funny. He clicks his tongue to beckon the animal and then he calls it SpongeBob which is the name of the neighbor's dog. SO every animal was SpongeBob.
Guy #2 really has a one track mind and all he was worried about was we were going to miss riding the train or we weren't going to see any snakes. The boy is only interested in snakes since we had one in our house and we don't know where it has gone and alligators since we saw an alligator show two weekends ago. He really didn't pay much attention to the animals, but had a blast riding the caboose of the train, feeding the fish, and putting change in the donation coin thing that spins the coins like a toilet bowl.
Well we leave the zoo and decide we really want to get the boys a DVD player for the car so we head to Target. We got the Disney Dual DVD players. AHHHHH peace on the ride home. The # 2 put on the earphones and was mesmerized by Little Einsteins. Guy# 3 after a little fussing fell into a coma..I mean deep sleep. It was great! When we get near the Bayou Chicot exit the big guy asks if I am still interested in visiting it. I said sure let's go. So we drive there and I fall in love. I think we have found us a new place to vacation. The place is awesome and we didn't even stay. Heck we even thought about driving to the nearest Wally World and getting provisions for a nightly stay at a cabin but came to our senses. Ok so we are definitely booking a trip there.
After our trip around Bayou Chicot State Park we decide to drop in on Mammy and Pampy for dinner. We picked up Popeye's to end our day with Mammy and Pampy. The little guys had fun and both had their baths before we left. Thank God Mammy had PJ's for Guy# 2.
It was a great day! My guys and I were able to spend some great family time together and no one got mad at each other. Now today may be a different story..Today we start our clean sweep of the house. We will see our day goes. First room up... the master suite... time to get rid of the clothes that doesn't fit! Watch out Goodwill we will be coming many times to drop off stuff. Wish I could do a yard sale...just don't have the time. I may be able to post tonight.. if not everyone have a great day and much love!

Pics from today!

2008-05-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is Guy #2 and 3 at the beginning of the party!

Fun in the sun

2008-05-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well today Acadianamoms.com had a big birthday bash. It was just so much fun. Guy # 2 is so filthy that I wasn't sure I had a kid anymore. He is being a veggie on the couch. We had a blast. Thanks to my friends for helping watch my guys. They are a hoot.

It felt like a rat race to get to the park. I knew I wanted to pick up fruit and veggie trays. But which store would be closest. So we opted for Albertson's on South college and Johnston. MAN oh MAN I wish I would have made the trays now. I mean I could bought the stuff at the produce store and made it cheaper. But, I am too lazy to do it so I bought the already packaged. And that darn veggie try was making me crazy.

I had to strip down guy # 3 because he hates to be hot. He ended up being in a onesie with no socks and shoes with a mouth covered in chocolate and strawberries. Thanks Mrs. Carlie for the strawberries!

I think everyone had a blast. Guy# 3 fell asleep before we even drove out of the park and guy# 2 well he is coming off of the bubble, frisbee, park, ice cream, and drink high and hopefully will crash to the sound of the rain falling on the roof.

I'll post more later.. I need to go do the dishes I left this morning and wash some clothes. Guy # 1 just left for work so it's time to get in mommy housewife gear. BLAHHHH I hate house work!

Good hearing and a classic returns

2008-05-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know I said I was going to post some more words last night, but boy was it a long day.
As I said we started out our day early. For some reason guy #3 thinks that when he sees light it's time to rise and shine or in his case be LOUD! Guy#3 and I have breakfast and wait for guy # 2 to wake and have his breakfast.

Once guy#2 wakes he decides he doesn't want breakfast. Being that he looks like we starve him I told him since I needed a caffeine fix I would get him something to eat at Burger King. All he wanted was hash browns so a nice order from the $1 menu was great. First we had to travel to our church to get a paper signed to say we were members of the church. Wow the roses there were so beautiful so I decided to stop and smell the roses or better yet take some pictures. I tried to get my little guys to stand together, but boy what was I thinking. One would smile the other would walk away. Finally I gave up and decided to visit a daycare I was looking into for guy # 3.

My two guys were in heaven there. They were playing with the puzzles and things as if they were already going there. Made me realize how much they loved being with other kids at daycare. Seriously thinking this will be where we will put guy# 3 because I liked the place. Knowing that the classes are small made it even better.

Now we are off to visit our former babysitter. We love Mrs. Stacy, but she moved and couldn't babysit for us anymore. AGHHHHH that's when my day became chaos. My two children are fine when they have room to play or if they have toys to play with, but you put them in an apartment with breakable things, they go stir crazy. Between having to stop guy #3 from terrorizing the cats and guy # 2 from running and screaming like a banshee I was calling for a shot of tequila and it was only 11:00 AM. I realized it was time to leave and get my gremlins fed. I knew it was lunch time in Lafayette, but dang you would think people would take their lunch to go. Nope not at Raising Canes, not yesterday.

I am not a fan of Raising Canes, but I knew if I wanted my guys to eat I had better go where they asked to eat. We order Canes and decide to eat in the car. What am I nuts trying to feed a 4 and 1 year old from the front seat of my Explorer? I decided this is truly impossible so I am on a hunt to find a shady picnic spot. WE found one not far from our doctor's appointment at 1:30 which by the way it was 12:30 by the time we get our food. I still have to put 2 guys in the truck and drive through Lafayette traffic by Women's and Children's. HA HA HA HA!

We did have a great little shady picnic area at Comeaux park. Of course the guys wanted to play instead of eat, but I managed to get them to put at least 1 and 1/2 chicken strips and about 10 fries into their bellies. Note to self: never bring little guys to park for lunch.
We headed to guy# 3's hearing test which again confined areas and two sleepy guys DON'T mix. Guy # 3 passed his hearing test,fell asleep, and went through the whole exam with flying colors. Guy# 2 at this time is so cranky, I was glad to put him in the truck to take him back home.

Oh I almost forgot to talk about the classic returns. I had no idea what to fix for dinner for my little guys. But, after looking in the freezer and fridge I realized I could make the fastest easiest dinner. Pigs in a Blanket! My little guys LOVED them. Guy #2 loved it because he got to help momma make dinner. SO last night for dinner we had Pigs in a Blanket and pretzels. What a great stadium dinner. Classics are always a good idea for dinner.

Needless to say my day was long. It saddens me that Guy #1 never gets to experience my rewards of being a parent. It saddens him too. But little does he know next week when he is on vacation I plan to use his time wisely. That is after we clean sweep the house.

My baby isn't a baby anymore

2008-05-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

Ok so guy # 3 is going to be 17 months soon. He is soooooo independent. We have a hard time getting him to let us do things for him. To make matters worse guy #3 wants to use the potty. Guy#2 never wanted to use the potty at that age and this was freaking me out. I checked with my gals at Acadianamoms.com and their knowledge helped tremendously. This morning my guy asked to go potty the minute his feet hit the floor. I potty momma! What wonderful words.!
Oh well we are about to go visit friends and then off to a doctors appointment to have guy#3's hearing checked. I'll be back later with details of our day. Much love to all and may God bless you all in your days journey.

Oh what a day!

2008-05-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

My day started at oh 5:30 with the sound of a deep bellowing cry for Momma from guy number 3. It was a great morning. Guy number 3 and I played outside while daddy and guy number 2 were asleep. Guy number 2 woke up and guy number 3 went back to sleep. We had baked flounder and butter noodles for lunch. Well all except guy # 2 who had cheese pizza. We played outside more as guy number 1 got ready for work. After playing outside for about an hour we decided it was too hot so we came in had a snack and guy #2 played Vsmile. We read three more library books. After that we all took a nice little nap. Once we all woke up we headed to Target for some much needed items. So day 2 of my official vacation went smoothly. Now I am trying to find a routine to practice school work with guy number 2. Oh and I actually got to read about 30 pages of my book. WOOHOO!

My first blog

2008-05-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am really new to this, but I think it will help for my family and friends to keep up with our lives here in Carencro. Hope to return tonight after children are asleep and work on my page!