Filed under: Family, Football, Kids, Life, Thoughts | Tags: Family, Football, Homecoming, Life
I am back in Virginia and wow, how cold the weather has gotten since I left. I am so not ready for the winter cold, as I love Spring and early summer weather. Guess I better get started and break out the sweat pants and warm coats. It looks like this winter is going to be a very cold one. I miss the warm of Dallas, that’s for sure.
The kids had football games on October 18, and both teams won. Although I did not see them, I got the play by play in photos and some video. It really was an awesome game. Zach’s team won 29 to 0!! Yup, that’s right, they slaughtered the other team. So much so that the league invoked the “mercy” rule and gave the other team an extra 10 yards towards the goal line whenever they were on offense. Zach has again proven he is good in a different position and is being utilized all over the field. Bethany’s team won as well, and for her, all she has left to do this season is perform at the games. Her team has suspended the practices because of the cold weather. (I guess our little girls are not geared to be outside in this frigid air.) The boys, however, seem immune to the cold and are practicing still 3 nights a week.
I haven’t been back to work since I returned from Texas. The schedule goes up today, so maybe I will have some hours. I could use some cash, that’s for sure. I spent a bit more than I should have in Texas, but I had a blast. I bought my first pair of Lucky Brand Jeans, and let me tell you, I love them!!! I also bought gifts for the family and my nephews, as well as a few for some friend’s kids.
Homecoming is Saturday and we are getting all ready. Nails, Hair, Shoes, Dress, etc. etc. I wish it were over already. (My daughter’s boyfriend is probably thinking the same thing.) Zach has his last regular season game this Saturday against the Giants rivals, the Vikings. I can’t wait to see the game, then we will see if we are still in first place as playoffs are about to begin. Bethany’s last game is this Saturday too. I think my mom is taking her as she will be spending the weekend at her house and the game is in Sterling.
Well, I hear the washing machine calling to me (“come switch it over and start a new load”) so I had better run.
Filed under: Family, Kids, Life, Mary Kay, Travel, Vacation | Tags: Family, Mary Kay, Travel, Vacation
Hey all! I thought I would take a few minutes and let you know how the vacation/family help has been going. My uncle’s back surgery went off without any hitches. The doctor says he has the bones of a much younger man, even though he is in his 70’s. He was able to come home from the hospital the following morning and has been doing really well with his recovery. Now, if we could just get this workaholic to just relax without trying to work from home. My uncle and I have been doing the restaurant row thing for dinner nightly, except the night he stayed over in the hospital. For those of you familiar with Dallas, I am talking about Beltline Road/Restaurant Row. Let me tell you, there are soooo many restaurants, it’s hard to decide where to eat. I think we will be doing leftovers for the next day or two, just so we can empty the refrigerator. The one night he was not home to eat with us, we got a pizza from Whole Foods which was pretty darn good. My aunt and I have decided that cooking this week is overrated.
My cousin’s kids have been a lot of fun to hang around with. They are so cute!! Their little boy is so full of energy and just a complete image of his father when he was young. Such a great little man to play with and so loving. I just love getting him on the bus in the morning and retrieving him in the afternoon. His little eyes light up whenever he sees me. Makes me miss my kids a bunch. Their little girl, the princess, is as sweet as can be and so very smart. She and I have been doing homework together and having a lot of fun watching girly movies together and cuddling on the couch.
Last night, when we went to pick up dinner at PF Changs (YUM) my aunt actually sat at the bar with me while I had a cocktail. Since the restaurants here are non-smoking, she was able to hang out inside with me. This was a much needed cocktail, as we are actually in a dry county here in North Dallas. Not to mention, my aunt and uncle are not drinkers (at all) so there is no alcohol in the house. I was about to go nuts, so that vodka (Stholis) rocks, was a good and strong one. I could buy some a bring it home, but as you all know, I am not really an “at home” drinker. I much prefer the bar and socialization that comes with it.
I may swing by the Mary Kay building and check it out today. Even though I am not doing Mary Kay anymore, I think it would be cool to see it while I am here. I also am hoping to get a chance to stop by the State Fair. I am not huge into rides that leave the ground, but I hear there are some pretty cool things to see there. Not to mention, any fair that requires school holidays (and yes, you heard that right, they get out of school for this around here) has got to be seen! Anyway, we are off to do a bit of shopping. I have some souvenirs to get for friends and want to get some gifts for my kids.
Filed under: Family, Football, Kids, Travel | Tags: Family, Football, Kids, texas, Travel
It’s been a long time (17 years), but I am headed to Dallas, TX this coming Sunday for a whole week!! I can’t wait to see my aunt, uncle, cousin and my cousin’s 2 kids. I am going to down to help out for a week after my uncle’s back surgery this coming Monday, but it’s a visit just the same. I hope the weather is nice as I am looking forward to breaking out some shorts again.
My kids have been doing fantastic in their respective sports. Zachary’s team, the Giants, have been on a winning streak lately. Last night they beat the Bucs, 12-8. Zach has proved himself to be a very versatile player this year. He played center last night for quite a few plays, apparently having the best long snap on the team. Here is me, in the stands, saying to myself, “What is going on?? What are they doing?” because Moms are always the last to know. My hubby, Jim, neglected to tell me that they had been practicing this play all week. We have another game this coming Saturday and I expect that the boys will continue their winning streak. (Ok, enough on that because I don’t want to jinx it.)
Bethany is doing quite well with her cheer squad. They recently took 2nd place in the cheer off competition held at LVHS. They came in 2nd only because their dance routine was 15 seconds too long. Yes, they are extremely strict about the rules. Was a shame because honestly, they gave a better performance than the team that took first place. Then again, I could be a bit biased. 
Alyssa has been working hard with the marching band. They did very well in their last competition in Charlottesville. I believe they came in 2nd place, but as she is a teenager, pulling information from her is like pulling teeth. I was unable to attend this competition because of the younger two kids needing to be in two different places at the same time. Alyssa has another competition this coming Saturday at Oakton HS, but again, I am unable to attend because of the younger kids. Sometimes I wonder if Alyssa thinks we ignore her activities. I hope she knows it’s not because we don’t want to see her perform, just that she is capable of going by herself with her team whereas the younger kids can’t go by themselves. I know Alyssa is in good hands because she is always with another family here that has been fantastic to us in helping her get where she needs to be. I do buy all the DVD’s of the competitions so that I can watch the ones I don’t get to attend.
Work for me has been a blast. I love bartending and have decided to stick with it after my “help-out” month. I will probably reduce the hours I am putting in to about 3 shifts per week instead of the 5+ I have been pulling. The money is fantastic and it really is a lot of fun, fun, fun!!!
Well, this was meant to be a quickie update, as I have lots to do before heading out of town. I hope everyone is well, and MKRules, if you see this, shout at me. I will be in your area!
Filed under: Band, Cheerleading, Family, Football, Football Injuries, High School, Kids, Life, Marching Band, Photos, Sports, Success | Tags: Band Competition, Football Injuries, LVHS, Photos, ULYFL
Zachary had a couple of great games this past week. Wednesday night the ULYFL Giants played against the ULYFL Bandits. The Giants won 20-6. It was a fantastic game and gave the boys a sense of “we CAN do this” which was needed after their first game loss to the LLFBL Rams. Saturday night the Giants played against the ULYFL Titans and won again, 8-0. The score would have been 20-0, but we had two touchdowns called back for some pretty stupid penalties. One was recalled for blocking from behind, a silly mistake. The second was recalled for holding, an even sillier mistake but it happens. The coaches were not too pleased about the penalties, but I think the boys were actually feeling worse about them.
Zachary on the move!
(Zachary is on the left of the photo with the long blue sleeves.)
Zachary was moved to a different position in this game and had quite a few important tackles. He was hurt during one of them in the second quarter. (more…)
Recently I mentioned that I would be helping out for a month at my favorite restaurant and hang out. Tonight was my second night and I love it! I am learning how to make all kinds of shots/cocktails beyond the basics, which is fun. My feet hurt, but I guess that’s normal. I haven’t really been on them (my poor heels) in a while. Tending bar, you are on your feet the whole time. I have cute black tennis shoes but, I think my feetmay require cute black naturalizers. I love how they do things in teams, it makes it easier. We get our tips the next day and the first night I did pretty darn good and that was an “in-training” cut. I have got a long day tomorrow starting here at home getting things done. Then Zach’s football game and my first closing shift at the Grille. Wish Zach luck at his game, me luck at work and for my feet.
Filed under: Democrat, Family, Hot Topics, Kids, Life, Politics, Republican | Tags: birth control, sex education
This issue is where I happen to somewhat disagree with the Republican party. I have said before and will again, I am socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Where does that leave me on the party lines? Primarily still on the Republican side. This is a touchy subject, so click to read on if you want. (more…)
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am tired of ER visits. Thursday night at football practice, we had another injury. This time one of the boys hands had been stepped on. His pinky finger showed the damage, definitely bent in ways it should not have been. Ice was instantly administered, but as soon as the boy showed the coaches, his mom was sent to the ER with him immediately. I am not an x-ray machine, but I am not sure that his pinky was only dislocated either. It didn’t look good.
It’s now Friday afternoon, and it seems that his finger was only dislocated. His mom sent me an email to let us know he was ok. She said that a couple of shoots and that bad boy pinky finger was put back into place. Mom says he was another Giants trooper, no screaming out while they put his finger back into place. He says he is ready to play football tomorrow. Boy, the kids on our team are so resilient.
Filed under: Beach, Cheerleading, Family, Football, Kids, Life, Marching Band | Tags: Family, lymes disease
Well, it seems like forever since I have logged onto wordpress. Summer 2008 is coming to a close and we have had a busy one. We went to Canada this summer and to the beach a few times. The husband and I have a quick jaunt to Florida planned for the weekend of Oct. 31. One of my dearest friends from high school is getting married to a great guy. We plan on celebrating with them and leaving the kids home with my sister. After Christmas, we have another trip planned to Jamaica for the kids and us. We can’t wait. New Years in Jamaica. How cool is that? (more…)
Filed under: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk, Family, Jobs, Kids, Life, Thoughts
I feel as if I have neglected you!!! I tend to keep in touch with a lot of my family and friends through this blog. I have been extremely busy these last couple of weeks, but then at the same time, feel like I probably could have made the extra time for keeping in touch.
Next week is my oldest daughter’s 15th birthday. It’s hard to believe that she is almost a sophmore in high school. I am not sure what her plans are this year for her birthday. She has gone back and forth on gifts and party ideas, etc. She just doesn’t know what she wants. Oh well, when she decides she will let me know and then we will take care of it then.
My husband’s birthday is the following week. We are also planning a super bowl party for some friends of ours. A bring a dish kind of thing, very casual. Between all the birthdays and the super bowl, the next couple of weeks look like they will be busy too.
I had done some research recently on the 3 Day Walk for the cure for Breast Cancer. I have 4 ladies who all would love to walk the 60 miles with me. (more…)
Filed under: Exciting, Family, Football, Friends, Halloween, Hauntings, Kids, Life, Photos, Success | Tags: Candy Bars, Football Playoffs, Halloween, Pumpkin Carving, Trick-Or-Treat
This year we are continuing what has apparently become a tradition at our house. For Halloween, we have always decorated the yard and house. We have always carved some pretty cool looking pumpkins. We have tons of decorations that jump, shake and “boo”. We have a graveyard and strobe lights, black lights and fog machines. Each year brings a new decoration or two. This year we lost a few mini lights, but added a couple of ghouls. Over the years, our pumpkin carving has gradually increased. Last year we had about 22 pumpkins carved with many designs. I remember Steve Irwin, Mt. Rushmore, album covers, etc. With the drought this summer, we only bought 20 pumpkins to carve this year. They were so expensive compared to years before. That and time to carve limited us to not having more than last year. Unfortunately, my oldest dropped one of the pumpkins and another must have been some type of pumpkin-gourd mutation because no knife that I owned would cut into that hard ass gourd.
Happy Halloween!
Anyway, so we started carving last night. The designs are not as intricate as they have been in the past. Hopefully, we will not disappoint the neighbors who come each year to see them. We just didn’t seem to have the time we usually have to get it all done. Today we carved a few more and set out all the decorations, minus a few bones and webbing which we saved for tomorrow morning.
I had to leave quite a few pumpkins uncarved and go to my son’s football game. A couple of friends of mine finished all the pumpkin carving (thank goodness) tonight, 18 pumpkins carved! A HUGE relief and task accomplished for me. They did this all while I was watching my son’s football game. The Oarsmen vs. Mustangs Playoff Game.
Filed under: Family, Kids, Laughs, Life, Love, Random, Thoughts | Tags: Husbands, Love
My husband is out of town for the week on business. Oh, how I miss him. I talk to him a few times a day, so it’s not too bad. I am just used to him being here, always. It is rare he has to leave town on business. I really miss the help with the kids. I have to give the husband credit where credit is due. I thought dealing with the kids in the morning was “no biggy” but apparently, it only was “no biggy” for me because the hubby does it!
The hubby really is a big help with the kids, particularly in the mornings. And, I so miss the coffee being ready when I get downstairs! I am not an early riser and rarely can pull it off. I have overslept on the kids 2 days in a row, having to drive the youngest to school while the other two run around crazy getting ready because I am still comatose! Oh, one more thing. It really is IMPOSSIBLE to keep the house clean 100% of the time. I have told the hubby that it just shouldn’t get messy. Well, now I know better. Stuff is everywhere because we are constantly rushed. (Note to self - clean house before hubby gets home, so he doesn’t know! LOL)
So, this one is for the hubby! He is missed terribly right now, in more ways than one.
Filed under: Balance, Band, Cheerleading, Exciting, Family, Football, High School, Kids, Life, Love, Marching Band, Papa Johns, Positive, Redskins, Thoughts | Tags: Football, Homecoming, Weddings, Young Love
Saturday, October 20, was Homecoming here in my little town. My oldest attended the pancake breakfast with her friends. Then she was off to join the Homecoming Parade. Since she is in marching band, she had to go a bit earlier than we did. As the oldest headed to the high school, we left to attend my youngest’s football game to watch her cheer. It was the last game before playoffs and although the team did not win, they do have at least 1 playoff game to look forward to. We were then off to the parade. For the rest of my weekend, keep on reading. (more…)
Filed under: Balance, Band, Cheerleading, Exciting, Family, Football, High School, Kids, Life, Marching Band, Shopping
Where do I begin? The last couple of weeks have been very hectic for my family, but positive. Beside taking care of my Mom, I have been busy with the kids as well. My hubby has been great in helping out with them, getting them off to school, practice and everything else. So read on to find out all we have done and will be doing. (more…)
Filed under: Balance, Family, Kids, Life, Love, Parents, Student, Thoughts | Tags: , Balance, Daughters, Family, Friends, Honesty, Love, Moms
My oldest daughter is and has always been a really good kid. She is 14 (almost 15), very bright, a good student and makes good decisions. We talk a lot. We talk about things that happen in her life, the choices she faces and makes, her school work, her music, her crushes. I am proud to say that she really impresses me at times with her wisdom.
Tonight we went out to dinner, the whole family. Of course the three kids all started talking at once and telling us about their days. My youngest held up her hand and suggested we use a fork as a “talking stick” (from Yours Mine & Ours). My son instantly piped up with “No, you need to have like 16 kids to have one of those.” Meanwhile, my oldest and I share a laugh because OMG! This “talking stick” conversation did however lead to everyone taking turns to speak. We heard lots of stories through dinner. (more…)
Filed under: Cheerleading, Family, Football, Kids, Photos, Positive, Success, Teams | Tags: Football, touchdown, win
Just like any other Saturday, we got up early, grabbed some coffee and headed out the door for a day of football and cheerleading. My youngest had the first morning game and the girls did their routines well. One of the stunts fell during half-time, but the bases caught her and the dance continued without a hitch.
Today was also my day for concession stand duty at lunch time. There were 4 other Moms from my son’s football team, the Oarsmen. We had fun, although it was busy and hot! I was in charge of hot food (burgers, dogs & pizza). The funny part about that is they serve Domino’s pizza! I will have to show the league the error of their ways and nab that contract for next year! 
Right after my stint in the concession stand was over, the Oarsmen vs. Redskins game began. The boys had been working so hard this week at practice and were mentally and physically ready for this game. They wanted it bad and they got it! The result, the final score 21-0. Way to go Oarsmen!!! I am so super proud of the whole team. To see the details of the game and some more photos, keep reading!
