this week

It has been a crazy busy couple of weeks. I am running my head off with all of the sports practices, plus the games and then there is the supportive mom (dinner for the football boys both helping and just being there). Last week was supposed to be the homecoming for the school but the game was called off due to the other team (they only had 7 boys not sick or hurt) so the school is redoing the homecoming week for this week. Plus there has been school pictures and one field trip.
whew! That's just school. Then Seth has confirmation every other Wed. night. Oh and I'm still working. Lots of changes in the work dept. Both good and bad, but I am over the bad and have decided to be a team player.
Nate is out of town this week for a few days, and I really don't like acting like a single mom. I don't see how they do it. It seems that I don't have much down time (and I am realizing that I really need that).
I have registered to go back to school. I have already picked out 2 different degrees that I want. Both require that you are accepted into them. Both are hard to get into, but I am definately a different person than I was 17, 18 years ago. Play time is over! I have taken my placement tests and am happy with 2 of my scores. I'm not so happy with the math score. I am going to retake the math part the day of registeration for the Spring semester (Oct. 28th) so keep your fingers crossed. That score decides if I am eligible to apply for the 2 degrees. So every day for the last week and every day until Oct 28th I am/will spend an hour or two studying Algebra, Algebra II and Trig. Yep, I'm serious. Crap, I'm even playing algebra games on the computer just to try to refresh. Soooo, it has been "do or die" mentality around here. There is alot of pressure to pass this. So far my plan (if I dont get into the programs yet) will be to take Eng 101 (several of my former credits didn't transfer) Either Math 100 or Math 116 depending on the scores of my test, and Anatomy. The later will be my easiest class. And so far everything that needed to fall into place has. God has definately had a hand in this.
I've started a new leg class and it is killing me. It's odd how you think you are in shape and quit really working out and pushing yourself, then take a class that you think will be somewhat easy and then afterward you try to walk and you start whimpering. I don't think I could do another lunge or squat. But, tomorrow I'll be back at class. This is another do or die thing. I can't give it up. Not in an anorexic way (quit laughing, everyone knows I love food) but in a mind/mood soothing way. I have horrible days when I don't work out or jog. My mood is the pits. So, I just try to incorporate it with the kids. Ali now loves to jog and Seth? well Seth is working out on the field 5 days a week and on the court 3, so he misses out on our new "girl time".

Well, the morning is gonna come early so I better hit the hay.

Ali's homecoming dress

She bought this herself for the homecoming dance this friday. I'll update later...lot of things going on.

My sweet girl

Here is a pic of Ali yesterday. Unfortunately I had waited until after school to take it. Mornings are so rush rush here. She bought the boots and skirt and put the outfit together. She also braided her hair herself. :sigh: she is getting so grown up. enjoy!

First communion and other stuff

Here are a few pics of Ali practicing for school pictures (hair down)and a few of her this past Sunday which was her first communion.

Seth's football camp

I can't believe that I haven't uploaded any pics this summer...we have been taking them. This was the Todd Bates football camp that Seth went to in June.

We made the appointment.

We made the appointment for Ali to get contacts. It will be easier for her to play sports (I hope) and since this is the "summer of Ali" and all the changes she has made, it just seemed right. She goes next Friday and we are both excited for it. We have been looking for locker stuff (for Seth too) and so far we found the mirror and dry erase board. Ali and I went to the mall today to look for back to school clothes (mom, the first day is the most important!) and for cowboy boots. We didn't find anything that just screamed "buy me", so I guess there will be several more mall trips.

4th of July

She did it!

Ali slept over at her bff's on Friday. I was a nervous wreck until she called at 11 to say goodnight. I had hoped that this summer would be her summer. New friends, new hobbies, new phases. In fact when I called her on Saturday to tell her that I needed to pick her up early, she didn't want me too. She ended up staying a few more hours there while Nate went to the doctor (sinus infection).

Other news (that I really can't go into) work stress, family stress. That about sums it up.

I'm trying to find some friends at the sports practices...not just acquaintances. It's hard. Most of these people grew up together or related in some way. I almost feel like the new kid in school and that makes me a little insecure. eh, I'm just babbling.

Basketball, basketball and more basketball

Whew, we finally finished up with the first basketball camp for Ali. She liked it and it was good for her. Her game is improving. We are now in the middle of her second basketball camp this week. The middle school coach came up to us (Ali and I) the first night of camp and asked if Ali would be interested in being one of the managers for the girls' middle school team. This would involve Ali going to practices and doing the workouts right along with the middle school girls. She would also be helping the coach in what ever he needed (water, towels, etc..) So she said she wanted to. I guess it helps that her 2 best friends are also managers. At our school a 6th grader can be a manager but not on the team. (you have to be 7th or 8th grade for that), even though 6th is considered middle school. So she has weight training Mon and Thurs nights from 5:30 to 7pm.

Seth's basketball workouts started tonight. He will be training Tues and Thurs from 4 to 5:30.
So my schedule for this summer right now is:

Monday 5:30 to 7 7 to 9
Seth (football) Ali (basketball)

Tues 4 to 7
Seth (Basketball)

Thurs 4 to 5:30 5:30 to 7 7 to 9
Seth (basketball) Seth (football) Ali (basketball)

Whew, so much for a lazy summer!

I started on my quilt...I got half of the top sewn... I am hoping to have it finished by the end of summer...we'll see. I'll post pics later next week.


Oh, and Ali was invited to her bff's house Friday. Keep your fingers crossed. We are hoping that she will be able to do it this time. I bet she will. She is very excited about it.

Busy, busy busy

We are running around like a chicken with it's head cut off this week. (how's that for a country saying?)
This week we have basketball camp for Ali (monday thru Friday) 8:30 to 2
Ali had her new bff spend the night Monday.
Seth has football weight-training Monday and Thursday's from 5:30 to 7
Next week Ali has another basketball camp (monday thru friday) 5:30 to 9pm

I somehow have to work this week both in the office and the warehouse and I am trying to clean too. I'm not complaining, just letting people know that I may not email or call you right back.

I pray that everyone has peace this week.

God bless!

PCBeach 09

My visit with Dave and Trudy

it ain't food network, but they eat it...tuesday!

Do you ever want to make a dessert and no one can make up their mind? Apple pie, no cherry, well I want peach! I like these and made them this past week. Seth wanted peach, Ali wanted apple.

Mini pies

1 can of your fave fruit pie mix (you can also use canned apples, peaches, etc..)
1 refrigerated pie crust
butter


Take out your muffin pan (I use my large size muffin, muffin pan)
spray with Pam
take some of your pie dough and line the muffin cup
spoon your fave fruit or fruit pie mixture
press dough inward over the fruit (it doesn't have to cover it)
place a teaspoon of butter on the top of each


Bake at 400 for 16 to 18 minutes. Let cool and lift gently out. Tada...a mini pie! Add ice cream and that's it.

Oh these keep at room temp under a dome for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months. To reheat bake uncovered in a 350 oven for 20 minutes.

Whew what a week

Here is the condensed version:

Wed. afternoon the kids and I go to Cullman to see my dad, Trudy and Gavin. Ali and I took Trudy to have a "girls afternoon" so that she could pick out some things. Good time was had by all. That night dad hurt my feelings. It doesn't really matter what he said to me...it wasn't even about that. I now realize that I have issues with feeling like I'm not good enough. Always wanting approval...all the time. But that's not real life and I'm working on it...sort of.

Thursday the kids were playing out behind the hotel and found a purse with a wallet and some clothes...they came and got me and then after I had a look, I called the police. Ali was freakin out saying "they have our fingerprints!"...note to self...don't let the kids watch CSI anymore. :) So a report was made and all is well. The police think that someone stole a purse and dumped it.

Friday, Gavin came to spend the night. He's a good kid and I'm glad that mine get along with him. I was going to go eat lunch with my dad, but Prince (the newest baby horse) was not looking good and I decided that it was best that I stay with him. I had gone to the seed store and bought some "baby milk" to feed to Prince. I fed him a couple of times and checked on him a lot. Friday night the boys (Nate, Seth and Gavin) and Ali did fireworks. After the fireworks, Ali and I went to feed Prince again.

Saturday Daddy Hugh called and said that Prince didn't make it through the night. I swear...I really hoped that he would have. I am determined to learn as much as I can about minis so that I can help them. We then went to Cullman to drop Gavin off and some clothes I had for consignment. Oh, and before we left home dad called to say that durring the time they were here in Bama a storm hit Sherman. The storm blew down their back fence and their dog "Lucas" got out and got hit by a car and passed away. A neighbor found him and called my dad. They have the worst luck. The past couple of times they have visited they have had: a fire (in their home) a flood and now this. I had jokingly asked if they were going to have locusts the next time (this was before the dog though).

Mother's Day: we cooked lunch for Gran because she always cooks for us on Sunday's...I don't know how she does it...I would need at least 2 ovens! We then went to the mall so that Ali could spend some of her early birthday money.

Today: I decided that I needed to filter through the last few days so I hit the gym. There is something calming to me to jog, listen to my music and not focus on anything. This is the best time for me to think. So I hit the treadmill and when I realized that I really needed water I noticed that I had run 3 miles. Holy crap! I normally only do 1 or 2 but I guess I needed the extra today. I feel better and less stressed now. Heck, I may try to hit it again tomorrow....which is Ali's birthday. I need to go make her cake tonight, but I may put it off till tomorrow.

Happy Mother's Day ya'll!

Want to eat free!!!

go here: www.unthinkkfc.com and print up to 4 coupons for a free grilled chicken dinner. I know what I am going to have for lunch this week!

It Ain't Food Network, But They Eat It Tuesday!

Here lately my kids are craving hot dogs. So here is my hot dog recipe. :)

Open package of hot dogs. Put in pot of water. Simmer on low for an hour. (that part is very important!) Place buns in oven to warm. Heat up chili in the microwave. Open can of sauerkraut. Put out ketchup, mustard, and dill relish on counter. Open bag of chips (any of your kids' faves is good). Sit back and let the guilt of not feeding your kids a healthy dinner sink in slowly. Enjoy!

My day book 5-4-09

outside my window: the sun is shining!! WOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

i am thinking: that I might take the kids swimming as soon as I put laundry in the dryer.

i am hoping: to have a stress-free week.

i am going: to Cullman on Wed to see my dad and step-mom.

i am creating: a plan for crafts for Ali's birthday. I dreamed that I was making strawberry freezer jam....does that count?

i am thankful: that my kids are not much trouble...they are pretty good kids.

i am wearing: t-shirt and jean shorts

around the house: I am having to hang/iron clothes to take to the consignment shop on Sat.

i am reading: the mail and my email oh and a book on cupcake decorating (for Ali's party)

i am hearing: my kids laughing from the trampoline

a few plans for the week: the usual work Seth's football practice, Seth's field trip on Wed. Cullman for dinner on Wed., clothes to consignment on Sat., Mother's Day and more planning for Ali's party on the 15th.

one of my favorite things AND my picture (well...video) thought: watching Nathan do music. He loves to be doing music, acting stupid and getting paid for it!! What more can a person ask for? Please wait till he dances!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQKrAJ7zDCQ&feature=channel

Are you God's answer?

For the past few days I have been freaking out. I am doing the family budget and this month has been hard. It seems that when it rains it pours. Not only were our taxes due (we always have to pay state) but we had to buy propane also. I swear...as soon as I save for one thing an emergency pops up. I'm not trying to bring you down or asking for pity...just showing a back story here. So, I have been wanting to go to A-day with the family. A-day is the spring practice game that Alabama plays..it's free but we do have to come up with gas and food. Also I have been wanting to paint my bedroom for almost a year now. I finally found a color that Nate and I both agreed on. So, I saved some money for both of these things...until this month. I was about to tell the family that we just couldn't do either of these things.... last night I was at the end of my worry rope. I decided to just lay it out to God. So...he listened and I waited. Something happened today that was God's answer to my prayer. I can't say who or even why, but this person happened to give us a gift. I don't think they know how much it is/was appreciated. I started crying and couldn't even tell them thank you because I was afraid that I would start crying again. I know that this person could use their gift also but decided not to. I tell you: I truly love them. They are such wonderful people and I would just feel weird to tell them how I really felt about them and how much they mean to me...it would be very awkward. Can you imagine? I think you are kind, beautiful, caring, thoughtful, special, loving, God-fearing, God-centered, amazing, I'm jealous of them...they have it so together, they are everything I want to be, etc... yep awkward! But I do love them and would do anything for them (I just can't do anything that they need). Ok I'm rambling now.
Anyway...maybe there will be a time that you do something and it doesn't seem that big to you(or maybe it does), maybe that is when you are God's answer to someone else. I pray that one day I will be able to be God's answer to someone.

Easter

Today has been a good day. First we went to church. Then we went to Gran's house. The food was good and Nate's grandparent's were there. After pigging out we watched a few old videos of the kids (Ali had to show Ginny the one of Matt dancing to Mickey Mouse..too funny!) Then we headed down to my momma's. On the way the car started riding funny. We pulled over to the side of the interstate and found out that we had a flat. I tell you, God was watching out for us. It was a miracle that the tire didn't blow. We drove about a mile to the exit and Nate changed the tire. When we got to mom's we ate again and everyone went outside to play ball. Funny sight! Me my brother DJ, Nate, my mom, Jeff (her hubby) and the kids...What was funny? All the grown-ups running!!! After we caught our breath the kids, Jeff and DJ went down to the lake and fished. Both Seth and Ali caught fish. Yeah.

Now we are home and I'm doing laundry and running the dishwasher. I've got a book just ready to be read and my bed is looking more and more comfy.

Oh, the kids watched the Passion of the Christ last weekend and I think that today had a little more meaning to them than normal. I am glad that it's not about how much candy or eggs you find, but the real reason. Don't get me wrong...they still liked the eggs and candy, but that wasn't the only thing to be thankful for today.

Stollen from Gab girl

ABC's-Embellished (i found this on a fellow-bloggers page, which i currently lurk, and had to do it myself. hope you'll all follow suit!)

A-Age: 37

B-Baseball or Ballet: ballet

C-Chore you hate: mopping the floors

D-Dream Vacation: island in Caribbean

E-Easter candy: resees's peanut butter eggs

F-Favorite Flowers: tulips

G-Games: football (either Alabama or Seth's team

H-Height: 5'5 3/4 (yes, that 3/4s is important!)

I-Instrument you play: used to play the piano

J-Job title: slave...just kidding...sort of

K-Kindergarten memory: getting spanked by a nun for breaking in line.

L:Luxury you live without: maid service

M:Mexican food choice: guacamole salad

N:Nickname: Dani, babe, mom, hottie (Ok, I added the last one if you must know)

O:Overnight hospital stay: 4, 2 with the kids, one with my appendix and one for my hysterectomy

P:Pet Peeve: hocking up a loogie (makes me literally gag)

Q:Quotes you like: "act like you've been there before"

R:Rain forest or Redwoods: redwoods

S:Siblings: 2 brothers (one older, one younger...yes I am a classic middle child) 2 step-sisters and 1 step-brother.

T:Television favorites: i'm a reality-tv junkie. Just about anything on Bravo.

U:Ultimate dessert: My grandmother's Cherry delight...or her hummingbird cake.

V:Vegetables you dislike: onions unless they are cooked

W:Ways you run late: uhhmmm....no one in this house "usually" runs late. we're the early birdies!

X:X-rays you've had: teeth, foot, pelvis, neck and back

Y:Yummy food you make: the kids would say my (Trudy's) Green chile chicken soup, Nate would say my brisket or spaghetti

Z:Zoo animals that you're favorite: elephant or monkeys