Holy Cowabunga Batman! I got online!

Okay....for those of you who don't know......my computer was infested with a billion trojans....no, not THOSE trojans.....no, not those either...the little virussy ones. So, yeah. I had NO access to ANYTHING. No email, barely could get onto messenger, and goodness it was a miracle if I could access MySpace. So....it's still infected. YES...still. I decided to see if I had access at work, and TADA!!! I do...well for now, I do. I don't want to get into trouble, so I won't be on here much, but I wanted to drop a line to let everyone know that I'm infested...stupid Trojans. If anyone knows of some available Spartans to kill my Trojans, please send them my way. As it is....I think my computer is dying a slow painful death. *sob* Anyway....I will try very hard to get back to this....we'll see you soon! Mwuah!

New Job, New life, New new new....

Okay. I'm lame. I started my new job on Monday, and I can honestly say that I truly enjoy it. I'm a little concerned about the functions of the system, but not overly so. I know I'll "get it" in good time. I was BORN for customer service! Tee hee! Seriously though, I'm really good on the phone, and I'm really good at talking to people, so I've no concerns about that.

I will say that starting my job was like a huge sigh of relief. When you have children to care for, it's always in the back of your mind that they need things. It's like some unwritten law that says you need to take responsibility and do your best to take care of them. I guess in some sense I felt like a loser for losing my job, but I know now that it was God's will that I lose that job. Maybe He wanted me to accept my new job. I wouldn't have it now otherwise. I feel more confident in myself that I'm able to once again help my husband provide for our children. It's scary to not really be sure if you'll be able to buy groceries, and I honestly don't want to go through that ever again. It was definitely a lesson that I learned, and I have gained a new humility, so I'm grateful for the test, and still very relieved to be able to be me again.

This weekend we BBQ'd. I LOVE when Brian BBQ's. He makes the best home made marinade and sauce...it's super yummy. I ate myself silly!

I hung out with some friends on Friday night. I can honestly say that I haven't had that much fun since New Year's. It was nice to be with friends, not concerned with anything but chatting and having a good time. I'm so blessed that I have some really truly wonderful friends.

My sister went on vacation for the first time since becoming a mom. She took her kids to Sea World and the River Walk in San Antonio. I am truly pleased with this because my sister is very strict on herself and her kids, and rarely has time for "fun". She's not bad in any way, don't mis read this. She's simply GOT to be strict b/c she does it all on her own. She works full time and has a part time job, and goes to school non stop, all while raising two very well adjusted, good kids, and paying her bills. No, she doesn't get child support. Unfortunately, the system isn't as great as one would think. They don't even have consequences for the "dads" that don't pay their support. Well, I guess they do, like a threatening letter to have a driver's license revoked is really going to put the fear of God into those men who simply don't care? Anyway, I couldn't be more proud of her. She's been through more than she cares to admit, yet she's still busting her butt and coming out on top. Now that is perseverance!

Tooth Tunes...I'm simply in love with these toothbrushes for kids. They play music while the kids properly brush their teeth. My kids actually WANT to brush their teeth with these things! Logan's favorite is the Smashmouth song, Allstar...and Kylee is currently jamming to Kelly Clarkson's, Walk Away. These things are really neat, and perfectly time how long they need to brush, and the song only plays as long as you're applying the appropriate amount of pressure while brushing. I highly recommend these to anyone with kids who are leery of brushing their teeth, or ones who simply battle the tooth brushing time.

Okay...that's my ten cents. Adios!

I'm BAAACK!

Wow...I've been gone a long time. I'm so sorry, and I sincerely apologize to my one or two fans out there. A lot has been going on in my oh so boring life. I've recently gotten a new job....and so far I love it! I'm no longer in accounting for the first time in 10 years. Maybe it was fate that had my former boss telling me to piss off. I'm enjoying the new job, but trying to struggle to pay bills is simply not what I'm accustomed to. It's okay! I know it will be. I've taken up this thing called prayer. Yes, it's not new, but I've been a slacker in that department and decided I needed to have some one on one time with God. He looooves to listen to people...I wonder why so many people don't know that? So, anyway, I've been talking to him about life, and asking Him to guide me to his will, and you know what? I have a job! It's about 15 minutes from my house, and against traffic so the ride to and from is sweet!

So, I've been really bummed out lately. Of course the depression of being fired for the first time ever in my life, but from other things also. I've been very selfish lately, I think it's been for a good reason, but apparently not everyone thinks that way. I had a friend, we'll say..."friend" tell me that I am a self centered, egotistical snob, and that I don't care for anyone but myself. Well, that simply isn't true. Okay...not ALL of it is true. Yes, I openly admit I'm a snob. I want my kids in the best schools and I want a big nice house, and I like nice things. What's wrong with that exactly? Is it not okay to want the best for your kids? BTW, "BEST" doesn't imply rich...just good schools and a nice house. I grew up very poor, and I want my kids to have the very best in life. I wasn't priviledged like some of the kids I went to school with. My daddy never bought me a car, in fact, ever since I was 14 I bought and paid for everything myself, including dr. visits. So, why shouldn't I want the best for my family? ANYWAY....I lost my job, and fell into a depression, and I took it out on some people...mainly my bestest friends and my hubby and kids. Please tell me why it is that we take out our problems on the ones we love the most? So anyway....I realize that I've been self involved lately, and not a very "good" friend, but I take it to heart when someone says that I'm an ugly person....because I really try hard not too. I know I need to develope a thicker skin. I need to be able to say...Piss off...to those who hurt me, but my problem is I tend to hold a grudge for a LONG time, and when I get my feelings hurt it takes a long while to get over it. So, Needless to say, I'm no longer talking to "said friend". Whatever. I'm sorry if my pity party upset you, but I'm allowed to be self centered a bit right now.

On a lighter side....I'm adjusting well to my new career. I think I'll enjoy it, and I'm looking forward to growing with the company. I'm always an over achiever, and I LOVE moving up in the world. So, we'll see where I am 2 years from now.

So...highlights of my week. Monday...started new job. Friday Night out with some friends. Saturday Date with the hubby and Johnny Depp. Woooohoooo!

I have to say a special thank you to one of my very bbest friends, Rene for pushing me to blog again. I had forgotten how much I like it. I also want to say thank you to Leiann, Lori and Kisha for putting up with my crap and being wonderful friends. Thanks! Love you!

Love...Life.....

My wonderful husband...

Came home and cooked me dinner last night. He then informs me that I get a "prize" tomorrow, and that next weekend we're doing the Build-a-bear, Cheesecake Factory outing for my birthday. So...my question is this...what is he UP to???? My next question is.....WHAT IS MY PRIZE!!!! (Prize=surprise but my kids call it prizes)

Make up?

I have heard SO many people talk about Bare Essentuals make up. I must admit, I'd previously seen people wear it, and wasn't impressed. However, I can tell a total difference in their skin quality, and I have heard that it's very good for your skin, and it lasts forever. So, I figured I may as well try it. So, today I finally ordered the starter kit, and it should arrive sometime in the next week. I feel kind of guilty for betraying my trusty Almay make up, but if I can wear something lighter, and with better coverage, I'm all for it.

Heat in Houston

I live in Houston, Texas, therefore it begins to warm right about now. We've been enjoying the 70's lately, but that will quickly turn into 90's before I know it. I've been confronted with my youth lately, with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I'm not overly fond of facing my age, and although the physical years don't bother me, the looking the part scares me to death. I enjoy hearing people say how young I look. I'd like to keep it that way. So, for the first time in my life I'm forgoing tanning this year. I'm freckly, and I tan well, but I don't want the skin damage that goes along with it. I realize I may tan naturally even with a gallon of sun block, but I want to prevent sunburns and irreversible skin damage. I'm turning a new leaf to take better care of my skin, appearance, and body. I've taken the effort to begin losing weight and eating healthier, and that takes care of the inside, so now I must take better care of the outside. Wish me luck...I'm a former sun worshipper.

My son....

I love him more than words can even say...but let me just say he can SURELY push some serious buttons! Here lately he's been fighting more and more for independence, and in a lot of ways he reminds me of myself. He's stubborn, hell bent and determined to do things HIS way, and all in all a real pain in the butt. I get so frustrated with him, and at the same time I'm given a dose of my own medicine for all of the things I've put my parents through. I also have a different kind of love for my son. It's hard to explain it to anyone who doesn't quite understand the different types of love a person can have for their child. I love both of my children beyond words, but Logan was my little man through a very tough time in our lives. He was the single most important thing in my life when all else seemed to fall apart around me. He was my constant love, someone I could hold and care for and he needed me. Everything about what I just said sends alarm bells to psychiatrists, I'm sure, but in a time in my life when my world came crashing down around me, Logan was the small little Angel who brought me out fighting for him and a better life for me. I guess he's my saviour, and to me, he was the biggest gift from God during a painful, lonely time in my life.

My Daughter....

Kylee is the ray of sunshine in my life. When I first found out I was pregnant with her, I didn't want her. I know how that makes me sound, but I'd just had a baby, and was terrified of another baby at the same time. I was alone, in the middle of a big depression, and still trying to get the ground under my feet. I wasn't happy to hear the news of a new baby coming so soon, and I wasn't ready for it either. I learned a lot during my pregnancy, and the day she was born I felt immense love, and immense guilt for the feelings I had during my pregnancy. I guess maybe she knew it too because for the first 8 months of her life she didn't want me to hold her unless it was time to eat. It was so hard for me to be so in love with her, and so afraid of her at the same time. I wasn't afraid of Logan, so I couldn't figure out why I was afraid of her. Everyday of her life, she's brought me such joy. Her smiles are the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen, and she's such a happy child. When she was 8 months old, I was holding her on the couch, and for the very first time she fell asleep on me. I enjoyed that moment and didn't want to put her down, and so we napped right there on that couch. It was like that day was a sort of forgiving day, she forgave me for my ways of thinking, and she let me love her 100%. Ever since, we snuggle on the weekends and nap together on our couch, and just holding her brings me so much joy! The sweetest words ever are when she whispers to me that she loves me. I still feel the twinges of guilt, and maybe I tend to spoil her a bit, but my life wouldn't have been complete without her in it. I'm thankful to God for giving me a second gift in my daughter, and I know He knows what He's doing, even if we're questionable.

Do you Zoo???

Each year we renew our Zoo membership, to bask in the amazement and joy of the animal kingdom. Each year, my children get more and more out of the zoo experience, and each year we are able to learn, experience and enjoy new things with our children.

The Houston Zoo is simply one of the most beautiful zoos we have ever been to, and we've been to many. We enjoy taking our children to see the animals. There are few things sweeter than watching your little one play with an otter, or growl like a lion or bear. We always wake early in the morning, often before the sun, and eat a hearty breakfast. Then, we arrive at the zoo just in time to venture through the gates as they open. Our first stop is always the Sea Lion exhibit. There is something about those sea lions that have the kids' laughing and pointing. Next, we head through the Koala cave, past the Giant Turtles, alligators, and finally to the Giraffe's. Did you know there is a new baby there? After the sad death of baby Amali who fell at birth and broke her leg, and couldn't quite get over the break, a new baby was born just last year! His name is Topper, and we plan on visiting him this weekend! After seeing if the kids have grown as big as giraffes, we venture over to see the elephants. Yes, there's a new baby there also! He's a HUGE one, the biggest elephant calf ever born in captivity, and he's right here in our zoo! We often laugh as we watch children of all ages attempt their best Elephant noises. From here we run to see the Okapi, which is a cross between a zebra, Giraffe and horse. He's a clever guy, and isn't afraid to walk straight up to where the kids are standing, admiring his odd appearance and trying to decide if he looks more zebra or horse. After the decision has been made, and it's different every time, we run off to see wolves, various wild cats, a bear, some tigers and lions, and eventually make our way over to the Children's Zoo. There's a maze of animals to see, and lots of fun things to do, including pretending to be an eagle, sliding down a slide like an otter, jumping on lily pads, seeing what it's like to be a ground hog, and getting hands on experience with goats, sheep, cows, and llamas. What kid WOULDN'T enjoy a fun filled day at the zoo???

So, do yourself a favor...if you haven't been to the zoo in a very long time, or if you simply haven't felt the urge, GO SEE WHAT THEY HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU!!! Don't forget, all of the money you spend at the zoo for food, drinks, souvenirs, etc will go right back into the zoo! Some of these animals are close to extinction, so wouldn't it be nice if your great-great grandchildren will be able to enjoy them as well?

The good, the bad, and the Chick flicky!

Papa John's Pizza is the DEVIL!

I LOVE Papa John's pizza! They have the best crust, sauce, etc....the only problem? Every time I eat it, I get seriously ill. I'm talking the running to the bathroom b/c you're about to die, kind of ill. I hate that it makes me sick, yet I can't resist the taste! I swear, there is crack listed as an ingredient.

I'm a BAAAAD Mommy!

Over the weekend, Logan asked if he could play his video game. Well, the rule is, you have to #2 in the potty before you can play, so we told him 'no'. Come to find out, he REALLY did #2 in the potty, but his sitter forgot to tell us! So, we let him play his video game for an hour last night. Poor guy. He's never going to trust me to believe him, if I can't believe something as simple as #2 in the potty.

Lucky!!!!

I realize that I'm not the only female in the world who has a man who loves her, but it's so strange to me how very much in love I am with him. It's so neat to me that everyday that we're together, I feel a stronger bond with him. Sure, he annoys me, and I him, but it's what's underneath it all that really kicks you. What we have is not superficial, it's not based on lustful feelings, or our children, or money...it's the real true love that survives some of the roughest storms. We've been thrown around, beaten up, and still come out thriving on love, if nothing else. Right now we're really in debt from our wedding, and trying very hard to recover.....so we're a little more stressed than normal, but he's right there beside me holding my hand through it all. I feel truly blessed that he's in my life....oh, and I LOVE kissing him! *blush*

Ghost Rider

If you get the chance, SEE THIS MOVIE! It was everything I look for in a movie. Action with a small "love" undertone, followed up with good~vs~evil, and ending with a cheering 'way to go' conclusion. Of course, it didn't hurt that Nicholas cage is totally hot, and you see his fabulous abs in the movie. It was truly a movie I can see myself watching again and again. Very much worth my time!

Sandwiches...

I'm obsessed! I LOVE them! I can eat a sandwich every single day and never get tired of them! I love big fat sandwiches on wheat bread. Every day for the last weeks I've hardly eaten anything BUT sandwiches. I don't know if it's a phase I'm going through, of if I'm just that lazy that a sandwich is all I want.

TV TIME!!!

Last night I was able to sit on my butt and watch TV, for the very first time in a very long time. I was not bothered, I was not cried or whined at, and I wasn't sitting there watching whatever it was that Brian deemed watch worthy. I sat and watched Lifetime Movie Network, and enjoyed not one but two movies! I think I overdid my chick flick quota, but it was surely a good time! Kinda gets you right here *tapping chest*. LOL

Okay...I'm a rambler...sorry!

The daily grind....or is it?

The Bandwagon...

Somewhere, I fell off the weight loss bandwagon. I'm not sure if it was the stress of starting a new job, or what. I haven't gained weight back, but I haven't lost either, and I know my "eating" habits haven't been great. So, over the weekend, both Brian and I started back up again. We're playing DDR again, eating better, which includes a lot more fish, and learning to be healthier. Brian just turned 29, and to hear him talk, he just turned 40. He's having a very hard time coping with his age, and getting older, and he's seeing himself as fat. I wonder if this is just the beginning of mid life criseses (Is that a word?) for my husband? I know men tend to take aging hard, but never really imagined it. I'll be 28 next month, and I'm actually looking forward to the 30's. Everyone I know love(d) being in their 30's...at least the females. I guess aging doesn't really bother me, although I am having a TERRIBLE time with dealing with wrinkles. :( I have developed minor "laugh lines" around my eyes, and mouth, and it's KILLING me! I've always taken pride in my youthful appearance, and despite my complaints about people mistakenly thinking I'm a teenage mother, I actually enjoy the compliments. But then I discovered the wrinkles, and I've decided the sun is out of the question this year. No more real tanning, maybe a spray on. I'm determined that when I'm in my 40's and 50's and so on that people will say, "Whoa! you don't look......" I have a good friend who's in her 30's, and I swear, she doesn't look a day over 29. We teasingly joke that every year she is turning 29 again, but in truth...she really doesn't look her age. I'd like that. Ya know?

Anyway, back to the weight loss thing. I won't be at me "goal" weight this year b/c I'm taking the stance of losing weight the hard slow way....I'm not looking for fast results, although that would be nice....So, we're working out, eating right, and taking care of ourselves. Go us!

Adventures in babysitting....

I watched one of my best friend's kids this weekend, overnight. First, let me just say, somewhere along the road, I got out of baby mode, and her little son, running all over my house getting into everything had me frazzled. He's a very good baby, but I'm just not used to babies anymore! How odd??? Anyway, he was such a sweet little boy, and you can totally tell he's just a very good baby! Her daughter has reached the age of temperamental pre-teen. She's a very loving, "mothering" little girl, but some of the things she does and says, reminds me of me and her mother when we were young. I guess now, I see her, and go...."did we really do that?" She is very helpful with all of the kids, but you can tell when she gets frustrated and throws her mental hands in the air. It's actually cute to see....and at the same time it reminds me that I'm not ready for that stage in my children's lives yet. I want them to grow up healthy and strong, but I'm not ready for the adultness of their behavior...I'm enjoying being the idol to my kids.

Manicures and Pedicures....

As some of you are aware, I have major issues with people touching my feet. Well, last year, my friend and I went to a wedding in a small town in East Texas, and I stooped to the level of having a pedicure done. Now, manicures I'll get every day if I could afford it, they're so relaxing and it really makes my hands and nails look wonderful, but pedicures always gave me the creeps because they want to touch my feet. Well, ever since that fateful day in April, I've come to the conclusion that somehow I got over my feet phobia. I LOVE pedicures!!! I love how soft and pretty my feet look after one, and I love not having to paint my toenails myself. I used to hate open toed shoes and sandals, but now I find myself only looking at strappy little things with their barely there straps and high heels. I've turned into a girl! LOL Last night I did my own first pedicure of the season, and I just LOVE how my feet look! I can't wait to go this weekend to have a real one done. (I guess I did it myself first to avoid the embarrassing "winter foot" pedicure......) I guess it's a good thing that my feet phobia is diminishing...I'm not sure how I'd feel if someone randomly touched my feet....but maybe one day....

Coffee or Tea?

Since I'm on this health kick thing...I've started drinking hot tea. Tea is a natural diuretic, and thus is very good for intestinal health. It's also high in antioxidants, and a good source of water. I've found that I drink 3-4 cups of caffeine free tea a day, with no sugar, and it really helps me to stay focused and awake. It's soothing qualities help me to relax, and feel comfortable in my surroundings. I've found a very yummy green tea, and an extremely aromatic Lavender tea. I used to drink coffee on a regular basis, meaning 2 cups a day. I'd pile on the cream and sweet n low to hide the bitterness which exists in coffee, and always had fully caffeinated. Well, 1) it had caffeine, 2) it had tons of cream and sweetener which adds fat and calories, and 3) it would leave me feeling jittery instead of ready for the day. So....maybe the British have it right with tea time.....