The Crazy Reynolds Household

Birthday Pics

2009-02-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Not much to write this time. Just that my friend Chera Rocks!! these are McKinlees (and Chance's) Birthday Pics - it was like 70 degrees the Friday - Then Saturday when we took these it was like 35 degrees windy and COLD - you really can't tell it..they are great!! not as many but that is OK, less to choose from..haha

These are just a few of my favorites...

Daddy Daughter Dance...

2009-02-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to see our little girl growing up!! It is hard to believe in a few short weeks she will be 8 years old!

Rockwall does an annual Daddy/Daughter Dance - this is Chris and McKinlees 3rd year. Since the addition to the Harbor and the Hilton Hotel in Rockwall, the dance was held there this year, I bit fancier then the 'center' where it was held in the past.

McKinlee as always was super excited and had a blast!! I told Chris to get used to it, this was a tradition that will go on until McKinlee no longer wants to go!! and then Chris would be sad that year, although he may beg to differ right now ;)

We started the evening with Dinner, our friends Kimberly, Brent, Chance and Reese went with us.

And I just love this picture, shows her personality so well!! little miss priss

50 Golden Years

2009-02-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

Recently Granny and Gramps celebrated 50 years of marriage!! I can not imagine!! I am so proud of what they have accomplished!! While Im sure it wasn't easy - it is something quite special!! We rented out the Lone Star Barn at the Beaumont Ranch for our family and had a great celebration!!

the Happy Couple

Cutting the Cake...
Me and My Grandparents...

Dad, Julie, Rena, Justin, Tanner and McKinleeA few of the kids!

While Chris and I are about to celebrate 10 years, that is nothing compared with 50! Happy Anniversary Granny and Gramps...What does 50 years get ya...2 kids - 8 grandkids -6 great-grandkids...for now at least!

Sorry its been a bit, I have a few things...

2009-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

So I will probably post multiples today!!

THIS one, I thought Id update on us...we are well sorta - Tanner went the the er, that is my last post - well got the bills we are OVER 3k for that now...head shake

We went BACK for the check up a week after...all was well Dr said, "Completely Fine" and THAT is what Tanner told everyone... this was a thursday - we finished the antibiotics on that sunday - by monday Tanner was coughing and by Tuesday had a low grade fever, Tues night about 102.8 so BACK we went that Thursday...Strep throat - we are currently ON antibiotics for that AND *I* have been sick...and it is NO fun when mommy is sick...I am on the upswing...not perfect but better - so hope and pray that we stay on the BETTER side.... dr visits are going to break us totally!

Tanner and I got our 1st ambulance ride

2009-01-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

;-P I am still a bit shaken up, and tears are coming easy just from the scare...but he seems fine and liked the ride...silly boy!! anyway ... the story...

oh man, what a day!! Tanner had a yucky cough last night / this am - by chance he lifted his shirt this morning sitting by me and I noticed he was breathing hard and the chest was caving, SO I was a bit worried, and normally this soon and quick and with no insurance I wait it out, but Ive always heard caving chest = NO good ... Dr got him in at 10:20

So we go back at 10:30 it didn't take them 5 mins to bring in the oxygen reader and nebulizer...they didn't like his oxygen level, so they gave the 1st treatment straight from on oxygen tank, and gave him a steriod shot...and took blood outta the finger, I was so proud...the finger stick he didn't even feel!! the shot on the other hand, she said it would HURT and he cried ;( anyway...they gave him part of the 2nd off the oxygen and back on the nebulizer ...well his oxygen dropped again...so they talked hospital...and with him dipping off oxygen they called an ambulance - and then gave him a shot of epi in his arm...unfortunatly they didn't wait to see if and when the epi would work, and they sent us on, he had a high White Blood Count so they were saying Pneumonia...

they took him off the oxygen on the way down, and the ambulance did his count and it was within normal, so he didn't have oxygen the whole ride, basically I could have saved us that ride...but whatta ya do?? he enjoyed the ride, we both rode on the stretcher so he felt safe!! he was nervous when the paramedics arrived!! But we talked about our cousin Price, who used to work there, actually our paramedics said they knew him...he felt a bit better, just wondered if THEY were going to give him a shot...

Get to childrens, everything is normal - thank goodness, they monitor him until 4pm to make sure if/when the epi was out of his system he didn't relapse..he has an "almost" ear infection - Dr said he did, Hospital pedi said it was fluid and could easily become and infection... Dr said his throat was red...Hospital said he had a puss pocket on his tonsils...neither he complainted about so that could explain the high WBC?!? His x-ray was fine...So we are home...nothing known, and no meds..well an inhaler for cough..i heard asthma a LOT today...but never had issues so we will be watching him and I am applying for CHIPs again...

Im ready for bed!!

Merry Christmas AND Happy New Year

2009-01-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

Wow is it already close to MID- January?! I can't believe it! The Holidays are over...well almost - we have been so busy the tree is still, up and the boxes are in he attic, so Chris said he would get them down tonight...so THEN I can say they are over!

Right before Christmas we met mamaw and papaw at Bass Pro Shops - the boys have a hunting trip planned right after christmas...the kids and I tag'd along to see santa!! Jamie was with them, so we attempted a picture, but she didn't like Santa much...brings back memories of my kids their first year!! haha

We had a great Christmas - the Sat before we went down to Cedar Creek lake for a Halpain Christmas - Pops and Nana were great host! we saw all the cousins and had tons of fun! I was BAD and forgot my camera...which reminds me I need to ask for copies of them from Kim and Larry ;) ...then we usually do Christmas eve with my mom and family - but since Sky works at the Movie Theater, she had to work both Christmas Eve and Day we moved it!! They got lots of stuff there, Christmas could have been over with these too, but of course it wasn't! I said I was going to be good and well, I still went a little over board - and Santa...dang him! Tanner got TONS of Planet Heros and McKinlee got an American Girl doll! McKinlee also got an ATM machine...Daddy liked it a lot as well! ;)

For new years, I went to dad and Julies for bunco, everyone at home was going to bed, so I stayed for the new year...I missed my kisses to ring in the new year, so I left after that...we spent New years day with Pops and Nana! they made Black eyed peas, cabbage, ham and corn bread!! McKinlee ate about 3 helpings of BEPs - she says her luck will be SUPER good this year!! I hope so!! Chris ate lots of cabbage, lets hope he starts some pay INcreases, instead of DEcreases this year!! hope 2009 finds each of you Happy, Healthy and with Lots of Love!

Party Party and MORE Parties...

2008-12-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

There isnt lots to say, but Lots show you!! we have had a busy few days...

Tanner had his School party Thrusday along with his program, his class was Penguins...

Isn't he the CUTEST Penguin!!

Then McKinlee had her Brownie Party -

And the Brownies from a few weeks ago, when we went to Madelines Christmas :) this is with Madeline...

Then today was McKinlees class party - We don't have as much help in this class - lots of working moms or moms with siblings, but we still have fun!! Krispy Kreme Donuts, hot choc, friends, crafts - how can you NOT have fun!

Love in the Heart

2008-12-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

I don't have much to add -we have been so busy...and well I seem to be slacking this year on Christmas Activites...we really haven't done much at all - I feel bad but it is nice not to run run run...but don't think we HAVEN"T been busy! McKinlee has had lots of Girl Scout Activites! We have seen Madelines Christmas at the Dallas Children's Theater - and just this last weekend we went to our Cookie Rally *yes watch out, its ALMOST GS Cookie Time!!* and then the troop did Caroling for Cans and they collected almost 100 cans for the Rockwall Helping Hands!

I attended a Christmas Party with the best group of girls on Friday!! I was having thoughts of not going, but I knew I would regret it!! So I went and so glad I did!! I have the best girls in the world!! Everyone brings their own to the group and compliments each other! We had a secret santa exchange and my santa total went over the top - she did a Twilight Theme...because well I love Edward :D - Nothing was "twilight" but each had a note relating it to Twilight!! LOVE IT!! I feel so low to follow that, I wasn't near that creative! But we had a blast! and That was the point!!

Tanner is still going to school and "Pre K - aka my work" He is loving it and playing with friends is much better then mommy! We have his Christmas performance this Thursday - then Friday McKinlee is out of school - Then about 2 1/2 weeks of them home...PLEASE let them get a long!! Although I am looking forward to some time with them!! I feel so pulled in every direction!

Overall we are well -Happy and Excited for all the Family time coming up with the Holidays! Hope each of you are finding this Holiday Season Healthy, Happy and Stress-Free!! Love to you all!

Im Thankful...

2008-12-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, its not Thanksgiving - but Im finally posting pics, so bare with me! I am very Thankful for all my family and friends - what would I do without each and everyone of you! Everyone has a special place in my heart and make me, my kids and Chris who we are today! I know I don't say it enough - but I am very happy to have you in our lives!!

My family had a fabulous Thanksgiving - Plans changed a bit with some sicknesses - but maybe it was for the better - the original plan - Drive to the 'ranch' - well the ranch is in henderson and well the 2.5 hr drive there AND back didn't really appeal to me! but it was my moms turn this year...so that was the plan- Well Uncle Mike and Joy were both sick - so everyone started opting out! So we decided to head over to "Two Sister Ranch" aka Mamaw/Papaw and Rhondas Houses! All the Halpains were there ready with open arms to some last minute tag alongs...the kids had fun with all the cousins, we ate WAY to much and got to visit some!

While we were finishing up lunch, Papaw took all the kids on a Kabota Ride

Chris and Mamaw - getting some grub ;)

Pops, Nana and Jordyn *love*

Mom and family had gone to Terry's house (Terry Fator as my kids call him) Poor Sky Had to work, the down fall of working at the movie theater! Well about 3:30 we decided maybe this would be our last Thanksgiving with Terry and Melinda - they are very popular people these days, so it won't be long before the smallish ones (us) are forgotten **hahaha** so we decided to crash their Thanksgiving too!! It has been a while since we've seen them and they are about to move to Sunny Las Vegas! Despite the fact that Terry has been family much longer then my kids have been alive - they are both incredible star struck and excited to have him as a cousin! I asked him about his book and if i could order some Winston Jr Puppets on his website - and *voila* Terry whips some out - signs and gives them to us!! *THank you again Terry!!

I dont know why my pics don't rotate? sorry!!!!!

Tanner bugged the crap outta Terry - he wanted a performance..Terry did a few things and the kids were just in AWE! they are amazed by his talents every time!!

They both still speak of when we he performed at McKinlees Birthday Party almost 2 yrs ago!! Terry tried to get McKinlee and Tanner to perform - Tanner got embarrassed - McKinlee tried - she FINALLY sang Jingle bells as "Winstonetta" with "Winston Jr" performed by Terry himself! I read on Terrys Blog that he and Melinda were in Rockafeller Center for the tree lighting - I am soooo incredible jealous - I would LOVE to be in NY for the holiday season! I hope they get pics!

Just for fun, Me and Melinda!! Melinda taught me that if you put a net all over your ceiling you can collect a LOT of stuffed animals!! and she taught me ALL about the Monkeys...."Here we come, walking down the street...We get the funniest looks from...Everyone we meet...Hey, Hey we're the Monkey's" :)

After a bit, we decided to leave Terry, Melinda and their guests in peace - and we made the short journey home - were we all sat around watching TV before I went to bed to get ready for Black Friday shopping!! *yes, Im one of THoSE Crazy people!* We all loved seeing so many members of our family in one day!! I love Thanksgiving the MOST for that reason!! Food is second to me!! the Family is far far more important to me!

Pumpkins are Growing..

2008-11-23T15:24:00.001-08:00

In a Patch!! :) Thursday was Tanners Thanksgiving Feast and Program...he was a cute little Pumpkin...don't you agree! :)

I took McKinlee outta school to go see and then get a flu shot = although the shot didn't happen *yet* she was quite happy about that! they are so cute when they don't fight!!!

Not much longer!! Turkey Time! I am sooooo very thankful for my wonderful family!

Its Beginning to look a lot like...

2008-11-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

...CHRISTMAS - Every where I go! It isn't quite Thanksgiving yet - but the malls are ready!! the kids are a part of "Kidgets" for the Simon Malls ... we got a notice that Santa was coming...so We had GC for RainForset Cafe and Grapevine Mills is a Simon Mall so - Kimberly and I loaded the kids up and off we went. We get to Grapevine about 9:40 and go the wrong way...so we walk the WHOLE mall then we find Radio Disney - SCORE!! and We aren't even late Santa was JUST about to arrive!! they gave the kids a Box and they got to pick some Santa Prizes they got gingerbread suckers, stickers, notebooks and more!! then they got a cool Santa plate they can color along with 2 choc. chip cookies and milk... Santa then read them a story
Then we hung out and got our 1st Pic with Santa...I say first because like I said It is ONLY November Im sure we will see him a few more times!! ;)
We got to use our "own" camera if we purchased, so I snuck a quick shot of all the kids :D
Then the kids did a hoola hoop contest...both big girls did very well!!
Tanner didn't want to hoola - he said he was no good, so I just took his pic, is he not the most handsome thing!

it was fun and they all really enjoyed it!! it was worth the $5 for the year cost just for this :) After this we went to the Disney Store *and I was pretty good - had left over Disney $$ so I only spent $10* then Rainforest Cafe - Old Navy and we left...it was an early start and I was trying to get back for a Baby Shower - but I missed it!! I am such a bad SIL!! Sorry Rachel, I will see you soon!

Everyone get ready!! Christmas is Coming!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Trick or Treat

2008-11-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

It is halloween, It is Halloween...and of course we had lots of fun! the week before a party...Wednesday before a carnival...Thursday before we carved pumpkins then Friday, Trick or Treating....a busy busy week...

The Party...

the carnival was at Tanners MDO - but Tanner decided he wanted to stay home with daddy so we went anyway...McKinlee didn't use a template she designed it herself :)

Sky's / McKinlee's / Tanners (by mommy) :D

The gang...Tinkerbell, Dorothy, Winnie the Pooh, Black Operation Overdrive, and a witch getting ready to T or T...

They all had fun, and got lots of candy after about 20 mins, this is what Tanner did, he wouldn't even go up to the houses...he was DONE trick or treating!

As promised...

2008-11-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

my bday boy..on his bday!and a bit outta order, but we had his party yesterday...here are some great pics from it! We had a great day...a bit hot .. but what can you do...i think it tied a record from 1945 of 86 degrees...WOW! but we had family, friends and LOTS of FUN!
The Cake - isn't is great...a friend of mine did it!

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday my Tanner...Happy Birthday to YOU!

had to move to blow out the candles LOL
Time for BDay Spankings :)Family and Friends :) Me and My BDay Boy *love*Pinata....( there is a bobgoblin song, I can't say it w/o singing it ;p)We took the presents home, it was hot - the kids were playing and well the cowboy game was coming on :) he came home ate something...then it was all presents :)
Isn't this the cutest Batman...(another present)

My BABY is FOUR!

2008-10-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today, my baby was born...after a LONG day of waiting and waiting and a check pushing due to a wrapped cord, there he was...I can't believe it was FOUR years ago!!! He had a great day too!! he has a cold maybe but wasn't going to let that stop him!! he got to take cupcakes to school ...and wear is 4 shirt and ribbon!! then got treated to Chuck E Cheese for dinner! I love my little man...here is some memory lane pictures

*cry* I will upload pics from today soon!

2006

2007

2008

Happy Birthday my Baby Boy!

Fun at School

2008-10-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Things have been super crazy around here as usual...

First McKinlee had a "local" field trip - last year they were only allowed ONE (how NOT fun is that...we got to go on several field trips, they were always SO fun) This year they get a "local" one and then one regular one! So we went to the new Rockwall Library...and can I say this is a NICE Library!! the kids LOVED it!! after about an hour there, seeing the layout, having a snack and reading some books the kids were off to the park for a picnic!! I had to leave shortly after this to go to work, but it was nice to spend the day with the kids!!

Not long after the field trip I had to hit Carnival mode, McKinlee's school decided against a fall fundraiser *thankgoodness* but we still need money...so we had a Fall Carnival! Each grade had a booth and ours was the Fish Toss, we got Fish and everything as prizes! a LOT of fish dies right away...thank you petsmart :( my mom was a GREAT help she went and bought more, now Im the proud owner of about 15 gold fish!! all of which have lived a week today HAHAHA

There was a photographer there to capture the fun times!! and Jamie even came to help celebrate *love*

McKinlee playing or well getting her prize...look at the backdrop...very cool!

Both McKinlee AND Tanner got a hole in one right off! :)

After lots of hard work our PTA did well!! and everyone seemed happy!!

Then Tanners Turn for a field trip...I can't beleive my baby is almost four and going on a field trip!! His MDO went to the local pumpkin patch for a bit...(this is at the school as we were leaving)

It is amazing to see his little friendships bud!! He is so ready for playdates, if we can slow down long enough to attend!

Today we met a friend at the same pumpkin patch...can you tell I LOVE patches!! and well the weather is perfect for them!! no shorts in this years pumpkin pictures...shorts isn't unusual in Oct in TX ya know!! But the sun was bright and Tanner does like it much...so he was silly when we tried a mommy/son pic :(

Didn't take him long to be a ham, although he never did want to go back to the scarecrow lol
My friends lil one is only one...and Tanner kept saying he's a baby...but he didn't mind sharing his 'wagon' with him ;) then when we left, he said he wants a baby boy to teach :) ( I kept telling him to help the baby)

All in all we are alive, well, and STILL SUPER BUSY!! Im still working i have given a notice but keep pushing...its hard work to watch others kids, and I feel MY kids suffering...but at the same time the extra $$ is nice for Christmas...so I keep postponing! I can't believe Tuesday my baby will be FOUR!! Then Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and it starts all over again! WHERE does the time go? Hope everyone is safe and happy!!

Texas State Fair

2008-10-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Im a bit off and late, but hey Im trying!! Chris got back from Colorado about 3 weeks ago - his company gave him pd time off instead of OT = we could have USED that OT...but the time off after a long absence was nice too!! the Friday after he got home, I had just found out about my job starting monday, and we heard on the news it was the first day of the Fair, so we decided to go!! I had free tickets to get in from my Nature and Science memebership...We got McKinlee outta school about 11 - her teacher said it was a good day, all important stuff was done!! *yayy*

**sorry about the sidwways pics, I didn't realize them before and I don't know how to change them here :( **
We got there right at noon, and spot the test drive cars right off...the kids had to do it ...

Chris tried to talk them into test driving later, but NO go...we were all HUNGRY!! so after we headed straight for the 1st corn dog stand we could find *hehe*

Gotta LOVE this face!!

then off to play!! first up..the "farm" the kids got to plants/harvest/sell crops to earn $$ then they had a 'store' to buy a snack...

Pettin Zoo

we did go to the fair last year...as SOON as we saw the big stage with all the cars Tanner IMMEDIATELY said...The Trains the trains!! So we had to go stand there...NOTE to self...take tanner to the train museum soon :)
BIG TEX... tanner was a bit scare of Big Tex, so he didn't want to stand for a pic...and every time we past him, he was like go another way! silly boy!! then when we left...he wanted to GO see Big tex... ;)
out side of the cars, we spotted some Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Tanner was again to shy to go get a pic!! he will regret this one day!!!!
The time to Rodeo!! the kids had a blast on this, they would have sat up there ALL day!!!!
Foot ball time!! they had a game...if you made 200 points the guy did a back flip and you won something. Tanner just wanted to play so he did... they would ask, whos your favorite team he said cowboys...then he asked where he was from...it sounded like he said romo...so the guys LOVED it!! he kept saying "Go Tanner from Romo "

the rides at the state fair are rediculous!! I told the kids, ONE ride and we would save the $$ and go to 6 flags *haha* this was tanner's ride ($3)
This was McKinlees Ride ($4) it did go fast and then went backwards, she actually smiled a lot, i think she was just waiting in this pic...maybe a but worried about what she got herself into...
we got some bandanas from Dodge, and proof I did go!! me and mckinlee!! we were listen to a dodo bird or something...and he called mckinlee a napkin head :) nad then made fun of chris's shirt..saying your wife bought that huh (which I did) and then something like only a woman would by that...so chris decided it was time for him to leave...so he took a smoke break...he was a bit red in the face - not used to people talking to him...
on the way out a test drive again!! mckinlee got the pink escalade again, and this time Tanner got the black one!! I learned the lady that was running it is trying to have kids, her name was renee and he 1st choice of names for her kids are mckinley and tanner...how cool is that!
After this chris tried to get me to test drive a transverse... I had decided that was going to be my next car, and they had test driving for adults as well!! but I opted not too, I would really want it then, and I can't afford a new car right now, so it is better NOT to know what I am missing!! Over all it was a great day at the fair!! im sure we missed some but everyone tired and ready to get home!!

Thanks for sharing our day with us!

Septembers OVER???!!!???

2008-09-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe October starts this week!! I haven't been blogging as much sorry!! with no Pictures I tend not to be as motivated...but I thought I would update some...Lets see... McKinlee has started soccer again! The team has made huge improvements!! I am so proud - McKinlee even made her 1st goal ever in the 1st game! She hasn't made one since, but her defense and want to GET to the ball is awesome!! I guess Soccer Camp the summer actually helped her!!

Tanner is still going to MDO - still not as happy with the structure, but he does like it! A friend in his class is wanting a playdate...so his mom and I are working on it!! I still can't believe he is big enough to be ASKING for playdates w/ certain friends!!

Chris went OOT for about 2 and 1/2 weeks - I about went crazy...although my sister, Sky, saved me :) she introduced me to the world of Twilight (www.stepheniemeyer.com) and I became hooked! I read 3 of the 4 books while Chris was gone and the last book with-in the last 4 days! I have searched up some Forums online to find I am so not alone in the obsession of this love story! Sky has been holding out on me, not that with a baby and small toddler I could really have read much!! SO if you haven't read the Twilight Saga, RUN, don't walk to the nearest Book Store or Library and get it!

Last and I suppose most important RIGHT now...I got a Part Time job...Chris' job and things are just killing us, and as much as I didn't really want to - as much as I love my SAHMness and PTA Mom, I gotta take care of my family 1st...SO since Tanner isn't in School for another 2 years really - I decided daycare for now...just to get some x-tra $$ and the kids can go for free!! Today will be my first day...wish me luck! I will be working 2:30 - 6:30 so I can still volunteer at mckinlee school and stuff...and then be home not to late!! I have a 2 yr old class - I am excited, nervous, sad and happy all at the same time!

I suppose that is all for us Crazies for now...Tanners bday is coming up ... then the "holiday" season will be so close, im sure things will be picking up soon!! Hope everyone is happy and healthy...

Tanner's First Day of School

2008-09-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

SUCH a bad mama I am! He has been in school 2 weeks now!! Ive been getting BACK in the swing of school...never a dull moment!! The Thursday before school they had a meet the teacher, Tanner was excited, but nervous...well we get there and he does ok - not to sure about new teachers new class, but there are a few friends that were familiar, that seemed to make it a little better.....UNTIL.....McKinlee started reading his syllabus (sp? -sorry) what they were going to do and what times and stuff..he started tearing up...we were in the car by now and mckinlee kept going...he started freaking out, "I don't wanna do all that" It did sound like a lot they move very quickly - they are only 3 going on 4! I tell her to stop and we go home eat dinner, mess around and off to bed.

The next morning, he CRIES - he is ready for school!! well we had 4 more days, Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon oh man!! That time fly's and Tues came...he was a bit anxious that morning but ok...my handsome little man...

We get to school and he is better, we had a few whines in the car, "are you going to leave" "yes tanner, but I will be back SOON I promise" "Ok, I will miss you" LOVE LOVE LOVE So sweet, he can be - when he wants to be!! So we get there and he is excited to pull his backpack in!! His Pirate was still in decent shape, so we didn't get a new one this year...
*THIS* is where the issues start...Last year they were allowed to come in and play...*THIS* year his teacher, Ms. Barbie, has an activity at the table...and while he LOVES playdoh - he didn't like that he couldn't do what HE wanted... **giggle** he has been going 2 weeks - so 4 days - and he will still tell me he just wants to play, he only like playdoh at home. Overall a great start!! to date NO tears, and that is a MUCH better time then last year!! He so needs this and so do I, while I do miss him when he is gone, oh the things I can get done!

Labor Day Fun

2008-09-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Dad and Julie invited us, Casey with Family and Leila over for Hot Dogs and Swimming...so knowing there isn't much swim time left we took advantage :) We brought along chance since the girls think since they haven't played ALL week they were going crazy...nevermind they have school EVERYDAY together...anyway they are sweet together and no problems...she is know my "adopted daughter" anyway!!

So we get there swim swim swim...Casey FINALLY shows up...ok Angel was working so I take back all the things I said about them :) Angels 3 kids were at their dads :( so we got to see Tyler and Kaine...super sweet boys!! and they seemed to like the water... we had a few drinks - chris came over and we just had a blast!!

-----Kaine
-----Kaine, Angel and Casey
-----Tyler *I* LOVE this picture!!

Casey and I were talking about dad throwing Chris into the water, and earlier in the day dad had shot Julie with the water hose...well I got him with the water hose later...and then Casey and I decided dad was GOING IN!!!! and well...he did!! we were nice about getting his phone off and making sure his wallet wasn't in his pocket...NONE of which he did for chris **HEHE** I fell on my butt and Casey got him in...
Casey and I KNEW better so casey jumped right in after...and after this pic so did I ;) I guess since we did, dad went after Julie ;) and Leila held the baby so she would escape water.
the baby didn't stop him from pretenting to though!! :)
Back in we were...while dad got his clothes changed!! ya know...he does that to sooo many, it was his time!! :)
We had fun = I am gonna miss the summer and while it isn't over yet...it won't be long!!

Terrys got a book..

2008-09-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well it will be published soon!! I don't know that I blogged much about Terry as I started well after AGT was over...but my cousin...by a few marriages..but whatever...I have sat at a Thanksgiving table with him many times over the last 16 yrs or so!! I got off topic..but my cousin won America's Got Talent last year! Chris, McKinlee and I even flew out to see him his 2nd performance and before his fame and fortune - he performed at McKinlees 6th Bday Party!! That is when I discoved his real talent..I new he could sing, but had never seen his actual act!! he was awesome!! and Obviously America agrees!! Fame agrees with Terry, as he admits in his blogs that is he ADD - so the constant of go go go he really seems to love!! (i have to say as a go'er - his life make me seem blah...and does make me tired) so from what I understand - Terry decided to write a book about him!! so inbetween flying to shows, being on Oprah, playing in Vegas and others, he wrote a book!! Im soooo proud of him... so if you wanna check it out...you can even PRE-order his book!!
Terry Fator - Whos the DUmmy now!!??
http://www.amazon.com/Whos-Dummy-Now-Winner-Americas/dp/1741107288/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220449352&sr=8-2

**terry I am very proud of you!! you have come so far and deserve every minute of it!** Now everyone run DON'T walk and buy the book ;)

Dia De Los Toadies

2008-09-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

If ever did I feel old - going to a rock concert, although I don't know why - I was NOT the oldest here BY far!! but I do love me some Toadies...so ya know - it is hard to believe they have been together so long...I think the first time I saw the Toadies they were with Tripping Daisy and Butthole Surfers!! Loved them...then the Edge Christmas Party a year later...then several more since then!! Sure there were some band changes and an attempt to start a new band...but they would always be the toadies!! but since becoming a mom, the days of concerts are long and far between!! Well Chris's brother Wes got a job with the Toadies a few years ago...I have been giving Chris and Wes a hard time that he is a roadie, but we get no perks ;) well that and last minute invites not so good with the baby sitting...SO we got to go to the Dia De Los Toadies...their first show at Possum Kingdom Lake...one of their most popular songs is that one!!

The show started at 3p with some simi-local bands...we decided not to get there TOO early but early...well we underestimated the time plus with a road closed and figuring out a detour AND with CRAZY ass parking that took us forever, because people are stupid and park like crap...we didn't get there until about 6ish - Toadies were to go on about 8:30 but Wes had to be back in the back the band before...we walk into this...

LOTs and LOTS of people...we had NO signal so we couldn't call Wes...but luckily I saw him over the crowd with Emily, his very cool GirlFriend. We went over got his attention and talked with him a while...he said he was going to let us get settled and they went behind the gate...Sky and I walk to try and get a 102.1 tshirt!

and watch the band for a bit... Lion's Den or something?? They were really quite awesome!! Chris even wanted their CD but we never got one :(
The lead singer...LOVED his shirt...Front said "where the hell is possum kingdom" Back said "In Texas you Dummy" LOVE it *hehe*
I looked over at Chris who waved me back, he then shows me some VIP passes **YIPPEE - Go WES** I was dreading the crowd..and the pushing and shoving doesn't seem so fun anymore!! So off I go to get some Beer *ssshhhh don't tell ;) * and behind the gate WE got to go! Chris and his brother, Wes.
Bands done, time for Wes to work :D - Emily and I took this time to go get some food, MAN oh man...the crowds were crazy!! sold out!! and I think they said they had like 4700 or so tickets!! and this place wasn't super big!! just WOW is all I can say!! we did make it back before the Toadies came on...BARELY!! but we did!!

Our View :D not so great a pic, the dusk dark and bright stage lights are so hard on a camera ;)

And the Crowd...see why I was happy NOT to be that!!!

They started with my all time fave FAVE song!! HappyFace...i just love that song they did most of the really fabulous songs and some off the new album...We all really had a great time!!

the very last song was, Tyler...of course probably the best song ;) and they crowd went wild...Sky and I wondered around to the front of the baracades for a minute...quite a bit louder on the front of the speakers then behind!! then the sheriffs were like no more, so back we went!! the crowd had been pushing the baracades so they had several guys holding it!!

Much fun was had...we got to see the Toadies, some people get sick, arrested, get stupid and more! worst part...the drive! we let the crowd die down because parking was a bitch...can't imagine all the drunks leaving..we left a bit after 11 and didn't pull into our driveway until right at 2am...that is a long night for this mama...but would I do it again, uhhhmmm well??? Hell Yes!!

What a Week

2008-09-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

I can NOT believe the 1st week of 2nd grade is behind us!! Completely Crazy!! McKinlee is really loving school and so happy that thus far she has NOT gotten in trouble with Chance and so they are still sitting together...that makes her super happy!! We had a small homework assignment to make a quilt square, I let McKinlee sew some Hannah Montana fabric, she did well, used my machine and sewed it like a champ!! I guess I really need to keep letting her, so she isn't 30 and just beginning - Like me!!

Tanner got to meet his teacher Thursday night, we got a class schedule and list of weekly Plans - on the way home McKinlee was reading it all to us...and Tanner started getting nervous, he didn't want to do all that (it looks like a lot, but they just change up the stuff a lot - keeping them interested - KWIM ; ) so we stop talking about it, we still have until next Tues before it actually starts!! Well he didn't sleep to well that night and woke up early Friday am...and was VERY upset that he didn't get to go to school!! SILLY!! To make him happy I told him he couldn't go to school because I needed him to help us pack we were making a quick trip to Granny's that night...

Which Brings me to a sad moment!! My Uncle has a daughter, that for the past 10 or 12 yrs has lived in New Jersey...McKinlee LOVES Jess to peices and has been SOOOO excited to see her more...not that we see her a lot, but it has been a LOT more then the few days a year!! Jess was having mom issues and moved here last February...and Finished school...well she went home to visit this summer and her and her mom really missed each other, and jess REALLY misses her friends - she will be a Senior this year...I can NOT imagine leaving my friends right before my Senior Year!! so she hopped on a Plane Sat Afternoon - heading back to New Jersey!! Jess we will miss you!! and I am really looking to save $$ so that I can come see you Graduate!!! and you can take me to New York!!

We came home Sat afternoon - Finish Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4 (have I mentioned we are watching the whole 7 seasons, since Kimberly got us all hooked *again*) and pondered our Labor day plans, which tentivaly included going to see the Toadies at Possum Kingdom lake...*that will be a post later*

so that is the week in a quick run down...lots going on this week with Tanner going Back tomorrow...wish us luck!! Hope everyone has a save and happy Labor Day!

McKinlee is in 2nd grade

2008-08-25T18:01:00.001-07:00

Where does the time go? seems like yesterday she was an infant...then poof Kindergarten...then poof 1st grade...and again POOF 2nd!! YIKES...she isn't a baby any more!! she got the teacher she wanted AND her BFF, Chance is in her class!! and *I* am super lucky there are great moms of great kids in her class!! We didn't have very many hands on in her class last year!! I don't see that as an issue this year!!

a Comparison from last year ;)

Day 1

2008-08-25T17:47:00.001-07:00

I typed this backwards to be easier for you to read!! I am trying to remember but it has been a a few days now!! I hope you enjoy seeing part of our trip as much as we enjoyed being there.... I booked this trip back in February...then early summer - Larry and Elaine aka Mamaw and Papaw decide to join us...they had taken their Granddaughter early June and I guess they decided it was just to much fun!! so we added 2 days so that we could have more time with them, since Elaine works in an ISD and has to go to school a week early...I never know what I am thinking when I book flights..ok I do - the sooner I get there, the better...so I booked an 8:50 take off...not really thinking about rush hour...but oh well - Chris wants to leave at 5:30 I say 6 and we take off in the truck about 5:45am - it has started to rain and we stop for donuts at the gas station across the street it starts raining pretty good...MIND you - it hasn't rained here in FOREVER ...we decide to be safe that we would come home and get my van so the suitcases aren't soaked..we do this...and get BACK on the road at 6am ( i knew 6am was a good time) anyway of course it doesn't rain anymore...but better to be safe then sorry!! we get to the Park n Ride about 6:45...we figure that is easier then to disrupt people in taking us and picking us up...so we immediatly hope on the bus to take us over...

we get there and stop so Chris can smoke since he can't in my van - and the bus was literally WAITING for us to get outta the van ;)
we check our luggage and since we changed it...we had to pay the $30 bag fee..I mean seriously WHO goes on a vacation and takes NO luggage!! I mean COME ON..I see taking it from 2 bags per person to 1 - but to pay for the 1st bag...crap - so we check 2 and carry on like 4...but I will stop there that is a big soap box for me...we get through security quickly and are in the terminal about 1 hr before boarding! GOOD thing we didn't leave at 5:30 ...the kids both had a window seat and neither one took a nap...I think we were all to excited!

our wing seat view!! this is not my fave seats...but it is cool to watch on take off and landing!
at the Orlando airport we have to take a monorail to the baggage claim...

Mamaw and Papaw are waiting for us!! we have planned on going straight to Daytona...so Mamaw buys some beach towels for the kiddos...since we had NO room to back any ;) First things first though...Lunch at their favorite NOT in Texas location...Perkins...and then the 1 hour car ride to Daytona Harley Davidson shop, I think the BIGGEST ever...Tanner had just fallen asleep so he was a bit crabby but finally woke up some!!

This is way mamaw and papaw want next ;) Mckinlee says it pretty comfy too!!
Look at this cute Mini Chopper!! tanner really wanted to take it home *giggle*Then to the beach...it was about 5pm so Elaine, Chris and I decide not to put on our suits...but the kids and papaw do!! and they had FUN!!

OH.MY.GOODNESS..this was about waist deep for Larry...he took the pic, I did a fix all and HOLY COW...look at all those fish...we saw a lot flopping out of the water and a LOT of pelicans feeding as well...but YIKES it was fairly clear water, had I had a suit on, I would probably had freaked out!!I told Chris he needed a Henna tattoo...and everyone was excited..but as it ended it was only Larry and I that get one..so we had to get a picture of us..the cool Henna dudes

Since we had an early start and plan on hitting Islands of adventure, we head back towards kissimee, to Mamaw and Papaws rented house!! I tell ya, there are advantages to staying on site, but the amount of room and stuff in this house, it was QUITE nice!! we stopped at the publix and got dinner and some breakfast for the next few days!! here are a few pics of their house!

the garage was a game room and had a screened in pool and "hot tub" although it didn't get hot! All in all a great day!! we had a slight delay with our flight and the tow hitch or something...but our luggage was there, we didn't wait long...the kids were pretty good and we had fun! looking forward to the rest of our vacation!!

Day 2

2008-08-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Mamaw and Papaw wanted to treat us to Islands of Adventure...this is part of the reason we added two days to our trip! We got up and left the house about 9:30 getting to Universal/Islands of Adventure about 10ish...Mamaw and papaw spoiled us...getting 1day 2 park with "Fast Pass" I forget what Universal calls it, that is Disneys name for it...but basically you pay a little and then you get to go to the FRONT of the line!! that was we could do both parks! :) THANK you Mamaw and Papaw! On our way there, we say a Shamu Slug Bug and then the Disney Electric line, aren't they both super cool!

Finally In...get a stroller
..a..n..d..
First Stop...Dr Suess-land...I figured the circle starting this way would be best...Riding the cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish and others...

Then off to the Lost Continent...what cool buildings, I don't remember these from last time - but maybe Ive just lost that memory!! I do remember the Dualing Dragons!! Larry and I rode both!! McKinlee was excited she recognized them from the Bring in On - In it to Win it movie ;)
Then over to Jurassic Park...Last time the car wasn't behind ropes ;)
and the ride...then Comic Book Land...this was a favorite...the building are just awesome! We meet some Super Heros there!!

Doesn't Chris look SOOO happy!! ;) we bought this pick and I was like What the HecK?
then Wolverine...Tanner wasn't to sure of him, but he talk to Tanner a bit and Tanner warmed up some!
we then we went to a girl super hero but she left as soon as we got them..meanie!! after we rode Spiderman the ride, in which Tanner was soooo excited, since he was the 40" minimum - even checked us and then they pulled him OFF to check again...I was like freaking come on!! anyway it is like a 4D - you wear glass and the things moves ALL over, Tanner was quite NOT amusued and really did NOT like the 3d part at ALL hehe...after all we went through to get on it...in his defense that ride almost made me sick and I can usually handle crazy things!

anyways after that we head over to just "universal studios" stopping at the Hard Rock for lunch in between...
Matchbox 20's guitar and pic ;)

about to go in waiting for PapawWe rode Jimmy Neutron - after we saw Sponge bob and got a quick pictureand then Shrek - then we met Shrek/Fiona and Donkey...Donkey was cool we would talk to you!!!
just a beautiful little girl...while waiting on daddy :)
the Woody Woodpecker ride...they rode this OVER and OVER and OVER... they had much fun!!

Chris got to pose with the Delorian from Back to the Future!! the kids had NO clue what this was hehehe
and JAWS...Tanner rode this ride...and actually liked it...he found it funny when the "shoot and burn" Jaws the Driver was all disgusting!! that became a phrase for a few days!! he still wasn't going to get to close to the big shark!
We also rode the Simpsons ride...which Elaine Mentioned she thinks used to be the Back to the Future Ride...and I have to agree after seeing it!! another 4 D type ride!! you are on a Roller coaster and Homer has fallen out!! they put some comedy in it...like about them dying and Homer says...we can't die,we still have $$ in our pocket!! and then something about send all your $$ to Universal.. it was quite funny! we are about finished at ET...which *I* loved as a kid, and I am happy to say BOTH my kids were super excited to ride it...and both talked about it the rest of the night...each had to get an ET doll ;) and we made a plan to watch it as soon as we get home!!

It is starting to get dark, we begin to head out...

As we leave Terminator was about to begin so we decide to do that...none of us were to impressed although they did mix 3 d - with real life...had seen that yet...but it was getting late and really we were ready to go!! we had to wait about 10 mins before the show actually started...
We didn't stay for the firework show, although we could have but as we were leaving Elaine stopped at the NBA shop and I caught this over the Hard Rock of the fireworks...and then we check out how HUGE the NBA players hands are, as they are imprinted in the basketballs below the menu outside!!
walking back through City walk Tanner wants a pic with the Margaritaville Plane!! so I obey this request... not a great pic here, but you get the idea!! then I had to sing about looking for my lost shaker of salt!! being the only drinking I sadly walked by margaritaville - secretly drooling for one!! ;)
Tomorrow is our official Disney check in day! I can't believe what all we have done already and we aren't even suppose to be here yet!! thank goodness for the Fast Pass things, as it was pretty crowded, I hope this isn't a sign of the week!!

Day 3

2008-08-25T08:50:00.001-07:00

We had set the alarm for about 7:30a - we don't wanna rush - and figure that will give us a good start! well I beat the alarm up - I had heard Elaine and was to excited to go back to sleep :) It was DISNEY day! Get up and ready and head to our Hotel - we needed PARK Tickets! :) since there was a place to buy tix, Larry go ahead and gets them there, so that they don't have to wait in the line at Disney! :) Since we are staying on site, we get a parking pass...YAYYY Larry and Elaine can park for FREE!! so we ride with them over...since our room isn't ready...and then the tram to the park...

we look at the Tree of Life for a second and then off to Dinoland...Mamaw and Papaw take the kids to ride the tricertop ride, while Chris smokes and I get Fast Passes to Dinosaur...then McKinlee and I ride the primawhirl - or whatever its called!! I couldn't believe the height was 48"...so Mamaw and Papaw stayed with Tanner... ..then we caught up with them in line for Goofy ;) and off to ride Dinosaur..
I held Tanner tight and just kept saying they are just robots, he actually said he liked it afterwards, so that is good!! Even the big Tyranasaurus didn't bother him much!! ( the girls and tanner in the 1st row, Chris and Larry in the 2nd)
After wards we get Fast Passes for Expedition Everest...but they aren't for 5 hours away..we are hungry and Mamaw wants Rainforest cafe...which is just at the entrance...sounds good to us...so we go! Look at the cool mini Hot dogs Tanner got...last time at the RF cafe..(tanners only time) he wasn't to sure of the loud animals and thunder storm...he wasn't as scared this time but still really leary of those monkeys which we sat by again! After lunch we headed to camp Minnie Mickey to catch the Festival of the Lion King
while waiting Tanner climbs the hill
about to start....
and all the awesome cast members...
we get FPs for the Kilimanjaro Safari and then catch the train to Rafikis Planet watch...I wasn't as impressed with this, but maybe because of the late day most of the characters were gone...and the petting zoo wasn't so great... we caught the safari...we got to see several animals...including a giraffe, alpaka, flamingos, hippos, lions, ostrich and more...
On the way to Expedition Everest we pass some drums - and a cool spot of the tree...so of course a pic!! these are MUCH better then the ones upfront...
Then off to EE...in which McKinlee was having a time, she was really scared...but the mean mommy was making her!! BUT I also KNOW that she would LOVE it!! and she DID...so Im not THAT mean!! ;)

the Mountain
OH NO...what happened to the track...we must go BACKWARD...
the pic of Me and Mckinlee 1st row - mamaw papaw 2nd row :D
McKinlee and Chris 2nd Row, me and Larry back row!

Then we decide to have Ice Cream...and you HAVE to have a pic with your ice cream!!

Any MAN do those Mickeys melt!! here is Tanners after like 3 mins..

and Back to Goofy, because now Pluto is their! ;)
No line at the Triceratop ride so Daddy and Papaw take the kids...
Then we decide we have done it all and we still must check in our room!! we called and got our room number, but our suit cases and stuff were still in the van...so we get to our room and check it all out..
Walk around a bit and head to the Cafe Rix...where we have a HUGE fight between Chris and I ...since it was our 1st Dining Plan meal we were confused...and not a good combination...crazy kids, long day, confusion...YIKES...we did get through it and finished checking out the hotel..quite nice if I can say so myself!
We walked Mamaw and Papaw to their car and said our goodbye, we would be seeing them at Magic Kingdom, but we had plans to be there early at 8am and Papaw wanted to sleep in some!! we settled in and got to bed a little early to get our well deserved rest!

Day 4

2008-08-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Up at the Crack of Dawn!! Part of staying onsite is that the park opens an hour early for resort guests...and since Magic Kingdom is the "main" park I thought we would take advantage of it! We get to the park a little after 8am...and while we should have headed straight for Fantasyland, we got distracted by Chip n Dale...I got some PJ with them recently and Tanner has been obsessed! So we had to stop for autographs and pics!!

Then off to Fantasy land!! we head straight for Dumbo...with only about a 15 min wait!!

after we head for Peter Pan, and since there was a 30 min wait...we got Fast Passes and then walked onto Its a Small World - Chris was not excited to hear that song for the 5 min ride, but it isn't a Disney trip without riding it! ;) so we did, even McKinlee was like AARRUUUGGGHHHH...but then sang it the whole rest of the trip with Pal Mickey!
We then headed over to the Tea Cups, and only 1 round wait!! Chris actually had a big smile on this ride and McKinlee wanted me to take a pic - but ET covered it up..the rest of the pics are super dark :( Im not a photographer and the bright backlight and spinning was crazy on my camera...
After tea cups, tanner spots the cars...and well goes into a fit...since the park has JUST opened I figure we should Go ahead and do it! It won't do anything but get longer...and we still had about 10 mins until FP to Peter Pan...so we go and wait about 20 mins..and they let Tanner drive...Chris had to press the pedal but the "steering" all Tanner, Im surprised Chris didn't get whip lash - they had the bar in the middle and the car was back and forth hitting that car!! hehe but he was SO excited to get to drive!!

While on our way back to Peter Pan - Mamaw and Papaw had called...they were there and had just rode Space Mountain since Tanner was a but to short... they met us over at PP and the rain was starting...

The rain got everyone cold so we stopped for coffee and Hot chocolate - and the kids got popcorn. that made the rain all better!!

Then over to check out Splash Mountain...but since we were wet from rain the water ride didn't seem so good....so I still have never riden Splash mountain...but also right there with Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road!! and Tanner was tall enough to ride it!! so we do...and he LOVED it!! He rode with Chris, and Chris said after the first little drop and turns, Tanner said, "YYEEEE Doggie"

In front of BTMRR - asking to ride again....
We have to start heading back toward main street, more specifically the Crystal Palace - we get there with about 15 mins to spare, Chris spots a smoking spot and we spot friends, so we go get in line to pass the time...and YAAYY its Timon and Rafiki...I think Lion King is my ALL time favorite movie...so I was excited!!Just a cute pic my my favorite people while we waited for lunch!
Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh...Eeyore and Tigger too!!

Piglet was there and McKinlee got to see her - but Tanner had started being a pain so He and Chris left as I 'paid' the bill...then we got a pic of the "flower" pooh and gang...they are all flowers!!
Mamaw and Papaw went to get FP's for Space mountain, while we ate! and then they met us back at the restuarant just in time! We headed over to SM while they took Tanner got FP's for Buzz and then met us at the SM exit...Chris wasn't impressed with SM, but McKinlee loved it!
We had a bit of time before Buzz - so we headed over to the Monster, Inc Laugh Floor - another one Chris was like whatever, but I think he enjoyed it!! we really all did!! Quite funny!! and I love how they put in audience in the story!

Then it was the TIME for Tanner's ride..BUZZ - he has been talking about this one FOREVER!! and it didn't disappoint!! he was so happy to see his Fave star!

I had put Tanner on my shoulders and so Chris got to wear my hat :) The kids and I got Mickey ears early in the day!! I wasn't going to, but it was PURPLE, TINK and ON SALE!! I could I not!! HELLO! ;)
we were about to leave but the flying carpets were calling our name...there wasn't a line so we stopped to ride...

The trip before Mamaw and Papaw hadn't seen the hall of presidents, I thought I haven't either but after it started I think I did my sr. trip...anyway..neat to see what all the presidents looked like and how the seem SO real...much better then a wax palace!!

and what Tanner thought of the Hall of Presidents...I hope this isn't what school will be like...no really it was about 4pm and he hasn't had a nap - so the dark and cool made him pass out..VERY quick!!

Papaw had seen that the Carosel of Progress was Walt Disney's favorite thing...and so we went to ride, the ride was down for who knows how long...bummer...BUT look who we spot!! we go get in line!!

After visiting Buzz - the ride was still down and they didn't have a time frame we decide we have basically done it all, we are tired...so we decide to leave.. on the way out we get a grandparent/kids pic so that we have one...

Mamaw wants to get Nat a Goofy hat...see tries it on...so I had to have a pic...and actually we had already have had HAT fun through out the day! Just a few fun hats!!

they also have the tink like like mine, so she gets one of those as well :) Mamaw was buying a pic of her a papaw, so Mckinlee and I go take a pic of her, Minnie, Walt with the castle in the background! :)
We had rode the bus over, but Mamaw and Papaw wanna take the kids to the WORLD Lgst McDonalds, so we ride the Ferry back to their car!!
We go to the Mickey D's step foot in side and we all instantly get a head ache...well except for the kids hehe - anyways we decide we didn't want to eat yucky price inflated food, so we take the kids to play at least for a bit then we head back to Perkins...before heading to the hotel...
Mamaw and Papaw offered to take the kids...so Chris and I could have a night...but Tanner is so weird about staying away and as tired as he was we wanted him and them rested!! McKinlee did go, as she is happy anywhere... Tanner was quite tired and a sleeping angel after the long day!! ;)

Day 5

2008-08-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

Up early again - but not TOO early or not having to rush as much this am..we leave for the Grand Floridian at 8:30am I had booked a photoshoot thinking it was $25 - well that was if you "pre" order your CD for $99 2 WEEKS prior to your trip..well they didn't tell me that over the phone, just that I would pay $125 at the place. FINE that is what I was expecting, but then they would make the CD there and I couldn't have borders...WELL the big thing with that is to be able to add borders for more options...HELLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOO so I paid 49.95 we were already there and planned on it...and then the CD will be $125 at home...so whatever we did it...and we I went back to get my stuff while the rest of the family got ready for breakfast they found a coupon for 20% off my CD...YAYYY that helps some!! at least getting it back down to the $100 I had planned on...anyway I got happier and we went to breakfast, since we were at the GF - I thought Breakfast with Mary Poppins would be fun!! I booked it last minute, but we all went and had fun!
Tanner wasn't so sure of the mad hatter, so he wouldn't get up there for a picture ;)

the carriage outside, while we waited for the car to be pulled up! Papaw couldn't find a parking spot so we Valet Parked the van!!
After breakfast we planned on a trip to Nasa...we had to hurry since Larry and Chris had tickets to see jeff Foxworthy at 10 and it was an hour drive...so off we went...hitting a bit of rain on the way...but it stopped for our NASA day ;) we talked about Fay abit...but I wasn't thinking anything would happenFirst thing we got on a 3 hr tour...the bus took us around the 144,000 acres of land that the Space Center sits on! First stop and watch tower, we could see far including the 2 launch pads...

2nd stop...to see the apollo...HOLY Cow this thing was HUGE... I think they said it was taller then 2 statue of Libertys...and as tall as 2 space shuttles as well!! a very cool site to see...this is just a small section...McKinlee got to to be an Astrounantsee a real space suit...and touch a moon rock...we walked around here a bit then off to the optional 3rd stop..the International Space Station Center...this also was cool, they were working on something although it wasn't actually going to be anything that went up onto the ISS - but still very cool...

we got to walk through the "living area" of them and look at the sleeping quarters...I think I read that an astronaunt has 73 cu feet of living space in it...compare that to 63 cu feet of "personal" space in an automobile...WOW - the gray thing on the left...the BED!!

This concluded our bus tour, so back the visitor complex we went...were we got to the see a real space ship...so in it and we also (well Larry, McKinlee and I) did the flight stimulator...it was cool I felt my cheeks moving - i thought the g force would be a little more, but it was still interesting..as we left they had pics of all the flight crews ever to go in space!! in bronze were the ones that didn't make it back! a great way to honor them!! Fallen Heros!!

We left NASA about 6pm...that way we could get back so the boys could leave...since the kids and I had time we figured why not go to the park :) I really wanted to see Fantasmic- as I got to thinking I really wanted to see Dreams as well at Magic Kingdom...so I figured Chris would rather see Fantasmic then the fireworks if he had to make a choice and since it was Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom we would do that...Tanner and McKinlee got a little nap in the car...and when we got to the hotel we got ready and left! 1st stop .. mail box...gotta get those post cards out ;)

then we wonder...of to adventure land...we didn't ride the jungle cruise yesterday so we go see the wait is 20 mins BUT the FP is as well...so we go ahead and FP it and go to check out Big Thunder RR, since both kids liked it so much yesterday...well it was a long line as well we wait about 5 mins and we can get another FP since Jungle cruise is so close to time...we go back ride the cruise and then head over to the castle...we actually get good seats and sit down and get ready...daddy calls to say he made it to the Hard Rock and we call Mammy to pass the last 5 min wait...then its off..and Tinkerbell Flys and the show begins...just beautiful to see the fireworks behind the castle...makes me feel like a kid myself...

After fireworks we head over to FP Buzz...then BACK to ride BTRR McKinlee was nervous about riding by herself, but actually didn't have to we all rode together!! the kids wanted to ride again but the stand by line was long again...you get spoiled by the FP, I tell ya!! Our Buzz FPs wasn't until Midnight (YIKES) but it was already 11:30 ...so we wait...we decide to ride Stitch's Great Escape, but it scared Tanner a bit and put him in melt down and he was ready to go...we stop at the coke shop for some corn dog bite and they have a room with cartoons, tanner settled down and ate some and decided he DID in fact wanna ride Buzz...so I told him we could - we stop for a pink castle picture, with the photopass guys...(we try for pink 3 different times, and each time as we get up to take a pic, the color changes) so we didn't get a full pink, but did get a 1/2 blue 1/2 purple one. So we ride Buzz and the kids are still raring to go..but I know any little thing would be a melt down so I decide its time to go!! Bye Bye Magic Kingdom, until tomorrow!

I didn't want to bug Chris I wasn't sure what time he would get home...LUCKILY while we were on the bus at 1am...he called and was at the hotel...THANK goodness..BOTH the kids had fallen asleep about 30 seconds after we got onto the bus!! so we walked down and carried McKinlee a bit until I couldn't hold Tanner anymore - then since she was technically awake McKinlee walked while daddy carried Tanner up to bed!! I am glad we got to go have some mommy time...they really enjoyed it and the fireworks were spectacular!!

Day 6

2008-08-25T06:39:00.001-07:00

A sorta day of 'rest' being a Saturday I expected the parks to be a bit more crowded...so I planned the Bibbity Boppity Boutique and then lunch at the castle...since we really did most everything the other day at the park and then our favorite rides the night at the park, we didn't need to spend much time at magic kingdom...we did miss Toon Town...and I did want to spend a bit of time there...so we got to the park about 10a...we did miss rope drop walking through to get to toon town, but we stopped for a castle pic by the photopass people... it was trying to rain and they get scarce with the rain, so i wanted to be sure and do it! and sure enough about the time we get to Minnie's house POURING...we walk through and wait on the rain some...we run over to the 'judges' tent - I figure if we were going to wait out the rain we could stand in line for characters...well about 5 mins and the rain is gone..so we head over to Mickey's house..and then the barnstormer - a small 'kiddie' roller coaster, it was a walk on and after we decided to get daddy to ride...well as SOON as we get to the front they close for lightening...it has started raining but just a drizzle...it continued through about noon... We had some time so we got FPs to Winnie the Pooh and while McKinlee and I headed over to the BBB Chris gets some for Buzz Lightyear...since that is Tanners Favorite...McKinlee and i go to the Castle so she can become the princess that she already it...first stopping at Snow Whites wishing well....then to the castle...they were a bit behind on our noon appointment and I was getting worried about our 1p lunch reservation, but we were in by 12:15 so maybe we will make it...

about to go...
the transformation starts!! getting changed into the princess gown...
Beautiful sweetheart!! *loved the shield not to get hair spray or *pixie* dust in the eyes!!
and Voila...and beautiful Belle - McKinlee :D
Chris and Tanner had gotten to the castle ... I told him a bit early and he just stood outside, so he wasn't to happy...but it was right at 1pm so we walked right into Cinderella's Royal Table...had to wait on Cindy a bit, but we did get a pic finally! :)ate some decent food, not super great but its the "place" and the "princess" you go for ;) Tanner got talked to by 2 princesses about guarded his sister and how special she is...Belle even made him shake on it!! ;) Belle also asked McKinlee if she was getting into her closet *hehe* OH and Aurora brushed Chris' arm and made him blush a bit!! ;) The dessert was super yummy...tanner and mckinlee both Loved the Chocolate crown..After lunch we did the pooh ride, with out Fast Pass...
And then Buzz...
you can't really take a pic of me and tanner and still see Buzz, so I took a pic of the TV screen..

Chris, Tanner and I took the monorail over to the Grand Floridian on Friday and McKinlee wasn't so happy that she didn't get to go...so we decided we would take the Monorail to Epcot..as we go to leave there is a big traffic jam...I was like well I bet it is 3 o clock...and sure enough - Parade time and since there was no way we were getting out then, what else can we do?? WATCH the parade...so we did...I hadn't planned on it as Chris isn't much on them ... but it was fun to the kids and I ...

After the parade we hit the monorail...and off to Epcot...

get another stoller (these did come in super handy and you just return and show your stamp at the next park and they give you another one!)

Chris REALLY wanted to go back the hotel, but you know me...Im a go go go'er and frankly the kids were so loud in the little hotel room, i prefered the park...we did stop for a bit at innovations the kids got to drive a "trash" truck and play games...we did this and a puzzle game. Cast members were super impressed with a princess pushing a trash truck ;)we headed to the worlds but got as far as Mexico (the 1st world ;) ) we got to see Donald...but with an unhappy daddy we decide to have dinner and head back to the hotel...we did have a SUPER early day tomorrow...we get off the bus stop 1 (the resturants) and get a refill of coffee and so the walk back to our hotel we play some on the "beach" the kiddos loved the hamocks

Day 7

2008-08-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Up again at 5:45am - we had an early breakfast at Animal Kingdom...Donalds Safari Breakfast at Tusker house... we were ready early so the kids counted there daily Disney Dollars :)

Then we headed over to the bus stop about 7:10a - we got on a bus quickly of course and had to wait until about 7:45a to get into AK - which didn't even open until 9am - but with reservations, it was good! we got a good pic of us with no one in it...although my lense started to fog with all the mosture ;) and mckinlee was excited to get her VERY own pic with the tree of life, which she claims is her favorite... Then Breakfast with Friends!! FINALLY ...Mickey Mouse :) Tanner was excited although they are in such a rush...mickey was like HURRY up already - you could tell my the hand signs!! *giggle*
And Donald, who used to be Tanners Favorite, but he wasn't as into him as I thought...still fun though! he sit shake his tail feathers in the small little parade through the resturant :)

After Breakfast the ropes brought the regular folk inside..and STRAIGHT to the Safari...we were going to do it, but with the people we decide not to since we did do it the other day! and off we went to Expidetion Everest since McKinlee decided she LOVED it..well the like was already super long and the line to get fast passes JUST as long...since we planned on this a shorter day we decided against it!! we hit Dinoland for a bit - riding the Triceratop ride like 4 times in a row!! They tried to tell Chris McKinlee couldn't ride the Privalwheel, but we had rode it before so he took tanner and I went to ride with mckinlee and fought them a bit since she *IS* tall enough! here they are on the ground, while we are riding :)we headed over for the first showing of Nemo..it was a super cool show!! Chris wasn't to excited to go, but I think he liked it a bit!! Definatly glad we didn't miss it!!
I had read that this ice cream place had cool souviner cups with the ice cream...so we went to check it out...well I had the wrong place or they don't do it anymore - but we did get some shakes :) and got to see more friends...Baloo and King Louie
AND Lilo and Stitch

After this we head out...we were tired and wanting to go to Hollywood Studios for the Fantasmic show tonight...On our way out the guy was 'helping' mckinlee...all the way to the ground...and the drama is ON...she cried forever!! here we are waiting for the bus she was in full melt down...and mad that after 5 mins of comforting her I finally started laughing...it wasn't even THAT bad...that made her even madder!!!Tanner tried to comfort her...we had drama the whole bus ride home, so we said that she must nap too - and no swimming...OF course after our 2 hr nap she was all better and it was OK to go to the pool for a bit! so we did...and we ate and Tanner played some!
After our rest and relaxing time at the pool we decide to head over to DHS...where we want to check out some stuff and see Fantasmic...but we find most shows and sightings are over at 5p - and it was about 6p so we get Passes to Start Tours and go to Eat at...
which Tanner has said was his favorite, it isn't exactly like the movie, but did have games...we played some and Chris won a pink power ranger...although most everything else was buried...we tried some but couldn't get it!! So we went back to ride Star tours...pretty cool the kids liked it!! and chris liked all the stuff to see...

and light sabors were a must after this too *hehe*

I had realized that Tanner could ride the Tower of Terror, so I had been pumping him up...we got fast passes and wondered a bit, then back to ride...

not a super great pic...we are the bottom 4 on the left :)

We went to the Great Movie ride and we played at the Chinese theater for a minute while Chris smoked...Mckinlee was so excited to see the Wizard of Oz in the GMR...

the park closed at 10 - but they had 2 fantasmic shows and we decided with the nap we could do the 10:30 one...and i will say this was a MUST for me as I haven't seen it for one reason or another my previous trips and I have heard SUCH good things and I will say it did not disappoint!! Disney can really go above and beyond with everything..and I love the story behind it! the kids were super intregued with it...after that we headed back to the hotel and in bed...we planned our day tomorrow to see the shows and all the characters we missed today!! then we watched Fay and the predictions...we were lucky - no rain today!!

Day 8

2008-08-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

We got a feel for MGM and a small plan ;) we got there a little before 10am and head straight for the Power Ranger area...we were there right at 10 so we decide to play for a few minute in Honey I shrunk the kids..which the kids LOVED!!

We Left there about 10:15 to go stand in line...which we did McKinlee was 1st to see the pink ranger and Tanner 2nd to see the Blue Ranger..the rode in In a super cool car and it was playing the theme song, tanner was in awe, I tell ya!!

McKinlee had her pink mystic force the daddy won her, so we the yellow saw it she took her by the hand and back over to the pink ranger! so she got to see her twice :) she did think that was super cool!!

After Power Rangers, we ran into more friends...they had more of a line, but they were worth the wait!!by this time it was getting hot, so Chris got some water and I went to get Fast passes for Toy Story mania...they wern't until 8:15 PM..YIKES but JIC I got them!! then we went to watch Lights, motors, action...all of us really seemed to like it!! even got the see the 1st auto star!! .... know who it is???? Herbie!! then he went under and got split in too...hehe...the stunts were cool, I didn't know if we were going to see this, and I am glad we did!!

While walking back we spot Kim Possible with a little line so we wait, McKinlee loved Kim Possible about 3 yrs ago, they don't play her as much i was surprised to see her there!! with Ron Stoppable, of course ;)
We go to see Play house Disney after this, so that we can be done with Tanner stuff...he was getting tired at this time....he pretended to go to sleep but then would wake up and be excited with each new story!!

It was about 3pm by this time and time for the Block party bash, Chris wants to smoke so I park front row for the parade...which was delayed for rain, but it has stopped and it super hot now...about 15 mins late the parade starts...pretty cool - normally they stop and do audience participation, but with the delay they do not...but the kids still have fun!!

After the parade we get FPs to Tower of Terror and Rockin' Rollercoaster and decide to leave for a bit...we get back to the Hotel and Fay is Coming...so as soon as Tanner goes to sleep McKinlee and I leave to go back to use all our fast passes!! my P&S had died and I was charging it and then forgot to grab it so no more pics...we got some with the photo pass, maybe I will add those in a few weeks when I get them! But when we got back we went staight to TofT...the RnRC - the coaster was Mckinlee's first looping coaster...and I knew she would love it...and she did!! she was a bit mad I didn't tell her it did, but really I couldn't remember if it did...we had some time before our TSM FP's so we did Drew Careys sound stage, which was cool!! a movie with 9 1.2 minute in total dark you can only hear it...but it is like you are there still!! then you got to make sounds out side like in a studio!! once our Fast passes were up for TSM we rode twice since we had the ones for Chris and Tanner...it was very cool..a 3d virtual interactive game!! It was nice not having to wait the 100min wait time!! I should have gotten the Fast Passes earlier..1st thing...note to self...new ride go STRAIGHT to that fast pass upon arrival!! we got a small bite and went to see the wait for TofT and RnRC...both over 40 mins so since it was about 10:30p we decide we are tired and would head back to the hotel! It never did rain that evening on us, but they still say Fay's a coming!!

Day 9

2008-08-22T20:03:00.001-07:00

We decide to Brave TS Fay today - the weather was light rain in the am getting heavier towards the evening! So epcot here we come, I was a bit sad as we had reservations for Coral Reef at 7p with Plans of Innovations after...

WE get there and it is barely raining, so we got to enter, DENIED...it seems as if I am not the math person I used to be, I swore we only used 5 of the 6 days, but NOPE we had been there 6 days already...so we went to the guest services desk and added a day to me and the kids...Chris did still have a day since he didn't go to the fireworks!!...ANYWAYS...wanna guess the cost for 3 of us to add one day to our ticket!!?? $9.59 - yep that is it!! that is why I told Chris it is MUCH better to do a big trip verses several small ones! and two day ticket is like $149!! anyway I got a giggle outta that!!

the MAIN reason we wanted to go, was that we told Tanner we would ride Test track...and since it is partially outdoor we head straight there, before the rain really hits...and well It was a HIT!! Tanner loved it!! and while waiting in line I call dining and there was a cancellations for 1:30 at the coral reef, so I go ahead and change our dinner to lunch and figure Innovations would be cancelled anyway...
After Test Track we quickly conquer the worlds...we got a stamp, mask item and writing in each language!! I was sad that this was shortened as I was looking forward to learning a bit more, but with the rain and lunch coming, we did this fairly quickly!!
the kids wanted to take our pic in Italy..kissing... so we did ;) and Chris watches Tanner walk the sides like we said NOT to do ;)
After the world we headed to the Seas for lunch at the Coral Reef, which was super good, I had the Mahi Mahi, Chris had steak, and the kids had pizza and mac n cheese...me and the kids all got 'light up' drinks!! fun fun....Then we went on Nemo and Friends then spent some time in the Seas, seeing lots of marine life, watching turtle talk and some trivia questions...
By this time it was raining pretty good, Chris had went out side as he wasn't excited about turtle talk, so he got really wet and was ready to go!!

by the time we got to the front it wasnt as bad, so McKinlee and I decided to stay - Chris wasn't to happy about this, but I really wanted to ride Space Ship earth and then meet Minnie Mouse...Well the line for Minnie and friends was super long, so McKinlee and I rode Figment and played in the Kodak What if lab...super cool be sure if there, to check it out...then we rode SSE...which wow, I loved the pics/film they do know...how fun I don't remember that from last time...but who knows...

After this we went to shop and left...so that daddy wasn't to mad at us! overall though, I was super sad about missing a lot of this park, I always thought epcot as an Ok park...but I have never really did the worlds or Innovations...either it has gotten cooler or having kids made me realize it more!! but this is a park I won't over look as much as i think the kids would have really liked it and it is definatly a fun educational park!!

We must head back start packing and get ready for our journey back to reality and get ready for things to go back to normal and us go home!!

Day 10

2008-08-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Chris must have been super ready to go, because he was up again by 6...showed and down for coffee!! I had planned on sleeping in a little...check out wasn't until 11 and our plan didn't leave until 5:40...but he was ready!! we got up and did some packing and off to the Maya Grill in our hotel for a breakfast buffet!! we had one table service left, YAAAY!!! so we got to use it! Fay we still trying to rain, but held off during our walk to the resturant...

On our way back, Tanner HAD to sit in the bikes, he really wanted to rent them, but I didn't have it scheduled (bad momma) but he was happy to sit for a bit...it was starting to rain, so we didn't stay long...
By the time we were done packing it was time to head out, it was raining pretty good...but Chris wants to walk, well Tanner doesn't last long pulling his suit case and a cast member stops to pick us up...thank goodness, I had wanted to call them in the 1st place ;) so we go ahead and check in with the hotel, who works with the airport and they check out luggage so we don't have too - and then our carryon bags are put in storage until we leave...I want to head over to DTD for a bit to pass time, chris doesn't...but Does...but the rain is still continuous and well it doesn't make for a good trip...we rush over to lego land and play for a minute, We stopped at the Pin Store, I was looking for a Coronado Spring Pin - and FINALLY found one for the kids...and took some pics with some our our fave pals

We got back from DTD about 1:45pm...just enough time to grab lunch and zero out our snacks, we had a lot since Chris was just buying meals and snacks and not using our Dining Plan (silly) we did some last minute Pin trading and headed to the luggage storage to wait for our bus!!

We got to the airport exactly 2 hrs prior to departure, Chris grabbed a quick smoke and I grabbed a pic of the kids and our bus...not the "real" Magical Express like the toys Tanner got, But still a Disney Bus!!

Then we were off to wait and get on the plane...I didn't take anymore pics, I was a bit pictured out *if you can imagine* but we have little turbulance, but a longer then normal (about 3 hrs)flight due to storms with Fay and here and home! But we are home, still unpacking but getting things back in order slowly but surely!! Hope everyone has enjoyed our trip, I know we or *I* sure did!!!

We are READY...

2008-08-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

as ready as we can be I think!! I am getting nervous...excited...scared...and did I mention EXCITED!! the kids are super excited and Chris, well, he is happy to be off of Work for 2 weeks!! that is about it!!

The count down is DONE!! the Clothes are prepared, I made each kid 3 outfits, and me a mickey mouse head to match as well....along with Trip Journals, Activity book, Envelope for Disney Money AND my Trip Planning Journal with has menus to a few places, places to see certian charaters, maps of the hotel and the WDW area, Things you DIDn't know about Disney and others that I found interesting! ;)

I decided last minute to make these...chris said he would wear it (before I told him we were ALL matching *giggle* and I also found the ones for the Grandparents that are coming the 1st part of our trip as well!!

most all of my shirts and envelopes/journal pages ideas came from the DIS boards, the wonderful people that are super active on this board are SO helpful and creative!! there is a LOT to learn and a LOT of information there! some of which will make you want more, and some just great info to have on a trip to the World!! :)

SO..we are packed (well mine and the kids) Activities planned and I am trying to keep expectations low and know that things will happen and we will MOST likely NOT see everything but that is OK!! I want this to be a FUN trip!! and maybe Chris will finally decide one day we can go back!!! ;)

Oh cool story about mckinlee...**and a bad Dis Board thing** you learn about things you would never know...they have a PAL Mickey http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/special/specialindex?id=PalMickeyPage well Pal Mickey if you don't wanna go to the website tells you about various activities...and plays games, well we plan on not spending a ton of $$ except what the kids got for gifts - which is about 100 each...and this cool creature is about $70...I had bought the kids each a $2 sctratch off and mckinlee said, Im gonna win a $100 for Disney and by that mickey...and ya know what SHE DID!!! so I told her absolutly she can get one!! She was SUPER Excited!!!

We are getting our hair braided today and final preps...but soon we will be in the HAPPIEST Place on Earth!! YIPPPPEEEEEEE

aaahhhhhh....

2008-08-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Since I posted about our AC going out - I thought I tell ya as of last night and officially today, we have AC!!! OH man..and even set on 78 (which is all I can afford) Im cold!! and it is SO DANG NICE! :) Jess and Nathan came down with my uncle to visit - we went swimming at Dad and Juls yesterday to escape the heat...and today I just lounged in my pjs ALL DAY!! SO nice!!

I did pack today, we have several things to do this weekend so - I thought Id get a head start and I did the kids and I are completely packed except daily things...the nerves and will everything be OK - will we wake up on time..ya know all the norm stuff!! ;) But I think I have it all covered...and I am really looking forward to just going and having a GOOD time!! if we miss something maybe Chris will just let us go back!! hehe

OK friends, Im off going to go sleep in my ice cold house! I don't know how people did it a LONG time ago w/ no ac!! just crazy!!

My poor Baby Girl!

2008-08-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Is sick!! OF COURSE...we have plans to take it easy - get a new AC and Get ReADY for DISNEY!! so she has to get a tummy bug!! She got sick once yesterday morning...then nothing...had a low grade fever last night...well this morning about 5:30 she started again!! at 8:30 she woke me up getting sick...and then she started talking...

Mck: Momma Im sorry, i can't got to camp today (she was signed up at ASI for camp today)
Mck: Ill have to go to mammy or something
me: no baby you are gonna stay home!!
Mck: what about your meeting? (I have a PTA meet this afternoon)
me: I won't go
Mck: Maybe you can tell them to have another and i won't be sick
me: baby Its OK!! don't worry I just want you well before we go to Disney!
Mck: I can go, if im sick, Ill just take my trashcan on the plane!!

I had to giggle and give her a hug!! poor baby, she is a bit worried!! although i know she will be better, I just hope if Tanner is gonna get it - it is sooner not later!!!

Send us lots of well vibes, PLEASE!

Tie Dying Fun

2008-08-03T20:38:00.001-07:00

08JULY 045
Originally uploaded by Renarey

Friday we had some friends over for play and tie Dying fun! Unfortunatly I was worried that our air was going out and really didn't pay much attention, and McKinlee really wanted to do hers and so I just let her!! they aren't horrible - I should have used their rubber bands and not small ones, but we have another kit to try again!! We had fun and that is all that matters!!

the kids played, aren't they cute as well!! :D

grrrr....stupid Texas heat...

2008-08-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

we are having ac issues - it went out June 17 (fathersday) not TO big a deal, but it took my uncle a week to fix it...and it was starting to get hot...we took it thinging ok we really need to look into a new one...this WINTER...

it has other ideas - last sat I was having sinus issues and thought allllllll day - man it seems hot...well sure enough as the day went it was going out...got it fixed this past monday...well it went out again today!! DANG it..we got with my uncle and he is suppose to be here next wednesday - MAYBE well had we known we may have went with a local guy but for more $$ - but it would have been done today ...so now we are in limbo on what do to!! I hate it...I swear when it rains it pours EVERYTHING has been going wrong the past few months...chris's job - things breaking and breaking our pocket book...We both just wanna break down and run away and just cry cry cry!!

I was fighting a sinus infection so we haven't been doing much!! have some stuff to post later and then my cousins benefit tomorrow and I will be taking pics for her, so I will share some! :) hope everyone is a TON cooler then I am right now! :(

Our Final Day in Corpus

2008-07-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

So our last day wasn't to eventful! Granny stayed with Gramps at Barkies, we woke up ate breakfast, checked out of the Best Western (funny story, on our first night I wrote the address and phone number...but forgot the name of the hotel...so I sent my granny into the Days inn because I just KNEW it was that one - when she had said Best Western...oops my bad!) Anyway we checked out and went to Barkies! We left for a bit to check out Shell World, well it was closed, maybe permenantly...so we stopped at Walmart for a cake, we were a few days early - but still had to celebrate 91 FABULOUS years of Barkies Life!! Happy Birthday Barkie!!

And 4 of the 5 Generations...

Then we left, I asked to go the "scenic" route = through Rockport...Gramps said OK but I think he wasn't to into it, he sorta missed it and we hit Fulton Beach - still Beautiful!! I played with my camera some more!!
Then we spot some shimping boats - it was by a playground and Peir so we stop to check it out!
Some weird looking Jellyfish, I wish I had thought to video..well i did just not with my camera, they were EVERYWHERE!!
Then off the play for a minute...And then some on the Peir, I stole some of Gramps' pics, so I am in some of them ;)
Funny story...you see here we are heading back to "land" well tanner was WAY ahead of me .. So I say "be careful, don't wanna fall in" and so he RUUUUUUUUNS back to me, saying "Pick me up, Im to slow" HAHA so funny because he was way ahead of me!! silly thing!!

then I spot a fishing line broke with a bobber in the water, so I fish it out!! and then left the weight and hook, someone maybe missing it! :)

then we walk to check out the shimping boat that just came in...

Check out the Pelicans...

No trip is complete with out feeding the birds!! ;)

South Texas Day two!

2008-07-18T09:07:00.001-07:00

I seem to have a pattern when going on this vacation...we go spend a day with family and then the beach and then a day of something...and this was no different...We looked into the museum of nature and science since we love the one in Dallas, but it was closed on monday's. Since the TX ST Aquarium is a reciprical of my Zoo membership we get 50% off there, so we decide to got there again!! (we went 3yrs ago on our last trip)

On our way we saw the "big" Bridge - we usually go this was to barkies, but Grandpa doesn't so when Chris told Tanner about it he was excited but we didn't see it...so he was excited to finally get to see it!! BUT we didn't go over it...yet... but here it is....

I was telling them the street used to "break" so the ships could go through, but this was so high that didn't have to happen, and mckinlee informed me she knew this from the TV ...Well...fine... ;) we get to the Aquarium and have a great time,

waiting on.....

the DOLPHINS...McKinlees FAVORITE by far!! the we see several different things... including the USS Lexington - tanner was COMPLETELY fasinated with the big boat!! and it sure is!! the kids haven't been on it...maybe in a few years I will attempt that!! lots of moving and reading in there *I* have been there, it is amazing!! Playing with my zooooooooom lense! :)

Up on the observation deck the kid looked throught the zooming things...not sure if tanners was working we didn't put $$ in his hehehe

We walk to the Blue Angel, entrance to the Lexington Tanner again Loving it!! but wondering why it doesn't fly ;) the anchor...that thing is H.U.G.E.

we walk to the beach for a minute and since we are starving, decide to go to lunch... I had seen a flyer for Peir 99 and we were right by it so we go!! you can't go to the coast and NOT have seafood, right!! the place was cool, like an old shack! but fun none the less...LOVE the sign in case you can't read it..."POOP ALERT do NOT feed the birds" ;) (Top yellow sign)We got the Shrimp Bonanza - OMG LOTS of shrimp and very VERY good!! EXCEPT since Tanner and his dad went fishing with shrimp - he decided you aren't suppose to eat it! and it was a fight, although finally getting him to try chickenshrimp he did eat a bit!! Look at all that food!!

I saw this and had it printed, I will frame it for our Disney Trip ... and put by chris's side of the bed :) I LOVE it!!

After filling our bellies, VERY full - OVER the bridge we go to the Corpus Christi Beach...we walk along the jetti some, and then go to see if this beach has shells, since the other one did not... SURE does I find a Super cool one, But LOOOOOOOK what is in it!!Hermit Crabs..in EVERY shell!! we actually brought one home not knowing, mckinlee even put it up to her ear but it was waaay hidden!! it died and I thought would fall out but it didn't and it REALLLLY stank, so I chunked it...YUCK!! all of these had creatures and this was just a few of them!I told the kids to try not to get tooo wet...WHAT was I thinking...Tanner was SOAKED!!! and mckinlee not much better!!

So they walked into the hotel with just panties and undies, although McKinlee HAD to have a towel of course! ;)

that night we went night hunting...when I was PG with McKinlee I found several sand dollars about 10ish at night, and so now it is a MUST to go look although I have never found one since! :( the kids kind liked it although mckinlee was worried about not seeing our shoes or the car!!

On our way back up to the car, tanner almost stepped on this...

I am certian it is a jellyfish...so I start really paying attention...and found this!!!!

just trying this out...a video on the star fish look close you can see it move.....

Our South Texas Trip

2008-07-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

well we have been on the move again...surpised?? hehe we went to S. Texas - My GREAT Grandmother, Barkie, lives in Ingelside...along with her daughter, Deloris and Granddaughter, Karyn. Tanner was a baby last time we went - so I decided it was time again to go! So, I talked my Granny and Grandpa into going...have I told you that I have the BEST grandparents around!! I just love them!! They put up with me and my kids and don't complain, much!! hehe

SOOOOO we get up early early Sat morning... REALLY Early, like 6:30 am...get to Grannys about 10:00ish...run a bit and back on the road about 10:30am...and by 11:30 McKinlee was already how much longer!! little did she now it was over 350 miles and so it would be a long day!! the kids played paper airplanes with granny and they were sooo giggly for a long time, who knew paper could be so fun!! ;) McKinlee also got a call from her BFF Chance, so that put a big smile on her face....

**incase you DON't Know, this will be VERY pic heavy!! We stop in Schenburg or something like that...Grandpa does NOT drive the interstate, which when i drive I hate, but riding no biggie - very senic and I love that!! I didn't get the camera out anymore, what is wrong with me??? We get to Ingelside about 6ish we attempt a hotel, not thinking it was Saturday at the beach...decide to go to Barkie's visit a bit FINALLY after calling about 50 hotels find one in Portland and leave about 9pm to get the kids in bed...not that they went to bed but I tired!!

So Sunday we get up get dressed and head to Barkies, with Beach plans following...Grandpa had stayed with Barkie to *try* and get some peace...we pack a small cooler and we head over ... After a bit of can we leave yet, can we leave yet ... we hop in the car drive over to Aransas Pass and board the Ferry to go over to Mustang Island...Tanner was not really liking the boat idea, as we has issues with water stuff...which is funny since after a bit he LOVES it...he did NOT want out onto the ferry until the VERY end and then he LOVED it!!!
We get to the beach.. and well - its very "sea weedy" or as Tanner said, "lots of Weed-sea" I had brought McKinlees New Petti skirt...and attempted some pics...

She wasn't into it at ALL, and with no place really to sit with out soaking I said, OK forget it...go play!!!! and so we did....

We buried McKinlee so then she said it was my turn, it was hard since the sea weed was so close to where the waves came up it would just wash it away as quick as you covered their legs...I had told her about a friend that made their child a mermaid and she wanted me to do that...
Also attempted a mommy/children pic - tanner not so interested...im basically holding his head up w/ mine! Granny came and had a little fun I hope! :)
We leave after a little over an hour since we are STARVING...we stop for post cards for our friends and then of course some pics in the shark it takes us 45 mins to get back across the ferry ... I had thought about coming back, have that not so much!! we go the McD's per Tanner's Request and back to Barkies a bit ..McKinlee watches some Cartoons on TV -Tanner takes advantage of Cars on my ipod *hehe*- Instead of the beach...we decide to leave to go to the P O O L at the hotel and then showers and bed early...as we planned on the Aqurium the next day...Tanner was asleep by 9:15p I think that was the earliest in MONTHS!!! Thank goodness, it gave me a few minutes of peace!!! we JUST got home and this is a bit of work, so day 2 will be later!! :)

July 4th Fun

2008-07-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

**WARNING* Pic Heavy ;)

well our july 4th was a two day ordeal!! Thursday the 3rd we went to Kaboomtown in Addison...probably the best firework display in Texas!! we have been the last year or two with Chera, Cassidy and Jeremy so it is kinda a tradition...while last year it was great it was lightly raining, they did a few but postponed the big tada...and we went back in Sept for it on Labor day! It was SUPER crowded, but we had tons of fun! We met Kimberly, Chance and family and some other DAM mamas...

the girls tried to watch the fireworks, but more fun was had with the glow sticks...lol The kids and I got home about midnight; just to get up and get ready for a day at Cedar Creek lake with the Reynolds/Halpain Family!! which too was lots of fun!! we had lunch, swam rode in the boat, chit chatted and just played around!! What is better then a day with family!!! we ended it with fireworks set off by Price and Chris and what a great job they did!! and again we didnt get home until about midnight!!

Sat we had a girlie day with Kimberly and Chance getting pedicures and lunch then the girls swam while we did some last minute things for them to get ready to go home!!

Sunday - McKinlee and I took Kimberly and family to the airport - the girls were all chatting and laughing and the MOMENT they were gone McKinlee sat there and about began to cry!! she is going to miss her BFF something fierce...but she will get through it and they will be SO happy again in about 6 weeks!! After the Airport we went to Chera's and McKinlee played with Cassidy while I attended a baby shower (can't wait to meet you DGBB ;) ) then home...

ON to today!! Monday...and not much today...just mckinlees NEW Summer hair du....

(with her stylist...my friend Linz :D ) can't tell...
look see the progress...and finished product...hehe...

and well we finished the day with VBS - Chloe came with us...and was a bit not wanting her mama to leave - so mckinlee helps her smile...aren't they sweet!

sorry this was so long...it hasn't been long since Ive posted, but WE have done A LOT!!! Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!!

My neice is 1 and Lake Whitney

2008-07-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Its been a while, and Im sorry- but I have a good reason! :) we packed up and went a way! last Saturday my neice turned one!! I can't believe how time flies!! Jamie is a walking talking cutie machine!!

after the birthday party the kids and I come home to pack and get to Grannys - it has been a while and we are bringing Mckinlee's BFF, Chance!! Chance is leaving for 5 weeks and the girls are not to happy about going without seeing each other that long!! since they met last summer I bet they haven't gone 2 or 3 days without doing SOMETHING together!! Im sure some of that has to do with their crazy mamas planning so much and all the sleepovers - but hey you are only 7 once, right! ;)

I took advantage of the time that the kids can run and play with out a constant supervisor to sew some!! I have really enjoyed learning!! My Granny helped me with a shirt, while I did mess up - Tanner loves it and that is ALLLLLL that matters! We went Sun to the Lake ... I am not one for Lake swimming, but I did get in some! The kids found a MUD pit and were so excited to get dirty and then wash off...hehe!! Uncle and janet cooked out hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages and stuff we all had fun!!

We got to see some deer while at the lake, do you see It?

After the lake...Nathan came to spend the night too and we went to see the "lil' Peaches" Peaches is a husky that the neighbors have aquired...she likes them better then her owner so she basically lives there with her partner Lonzo...and they had puppies - they are SOOOO cute, the kids really wanted one, but I wasn't going for it!! so we just played with them a bit and then did some Fireworks!

Monday we hang out, drive the tractor, swing and play, Take Nathan home - eat dinner, play some more and go to bed...Tues morning we wake up and start to pack up - say goodbye to lil' peaches (they won't be little next time ;) and start to head home!! So we are home and got a bit of "rest" McKinlee is back over at chances and we are going to some 4th of July stuff today!! exciting stuff I tell you!! Have a fun safe and happy FOURTH!!!

Less then 2 months...

2008-06-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

It has been fairly quiet for a few days here...Monday we went to Kimberly's and family - the kids played while we sew'd some!! then yesterday we picked up Chelsea and Chloe to go to the mall..my wedding ring broke :( time for a new one ;) but that will wait its just getting fixed! We have plans to go to the rain forest cafe later which should be fun..so i thought I'd take this time to talk about ......DISNEY!!!

I started sewing some clothes for the trip, Ive printed out "tip" envelopes for our dinners, mousekeepers and the kids...I have a good "Fun" Book Started for the kids - I have got a small plan - Im trying not to plan to much so that Chris isn't over whelmed!! Im more worried about him!! I have GOT to get him to learn to love the mouse like i do...because while Ive said Id be happy with this being the last trip to Disney for a while, I don't know how long that will last!! Hey...can't help it!! Ive got a kid in me...I love it!!

The Kids are really starting to get REALLY excited and that makes me sooo happy!! I have got to start getting everything else together so I don't stress...so wish me luck and if you see me between now and then, I will go ahead and appologize - i will probably talk about it, because I can NOT wait to be on a plane heading to the HAPPIEST Place on Earth!!!!

2008-06-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!
Some of you may know of, or have heard me reference in conversation, my cousin, Brandi, who recently had her left leg amputated above the knee. Others of you may not. She developed a rare form of bone cancer in 1995 called Osteosarcoma which took her through a series of chemo treatments, a metal rod placed in her left leg from the knee down, many surgeries, and numerous blood transfusions. Brandi battled cancer and won....but unfortunately, several years later the steel rod in Brandi's leg caused another infection and her body went into septic shock, almost taking her life at one point (May 2007). Obviously, Brandi is a fighter....and she's an incredible wife, mother of 3 children, and medical employee of Baylor. After Brandi's amputation last year, her friends joined together to start a foundation in her honor that would reach out to others who are battling Osteosarcoma and/or have lost a limb. Osteosarcoma usually appears in children or adolescents. Brandi was 17 when diagnosed.

The BKM Foundation (Brandi Keltner McPherson) has officially taken off! We are a non-profit organization and are made up of friends & family members of Brandi. Please take a moment to check out our new website at www.bkmfoundation.org .

We are hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 2nd from 3pm-8pm. The event is for everyone...so invite your family and friends! It will be hosted in Wills Point, TX, which is about 60 miles east of Dallas. The dude ranch where the event is taking place is jam-packed with fun activities for kids of all ages. We will be providing a catered dinner, refreshments, sno-cones, DJ and live music, swimming pool (so wear your bathing suits and bring a towel!), face painting, games, and much more! Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and FREE for children under 2.

All proceeds go to the BKM foundation to allow us to reach out to others. Currently, we are visiting patients at Children's Hospital. Our goal is to provide Osteosarcoma patients with a welcome bag that is filled with special items the child will need while they journey through their chemo treatments. (see more on the webpage)

I do have tickets if you are interested! :)

another weekend...GONE

2008-06-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

what a fun weekend!! we were busy and what a good time to be!! Did I mention that Fathers day we came home to a HOT house...our freon was out or low and man..my uncle glenn is an ac guy..but had plans - so we waited..a WEEK toughing it out having it on/off/on/off - CRAZY!! we were tired, cranky and plain HOT most of the week!

So Friday McKinlee spent the night with Chance - we had met some friends at peter piper pizza and of course the house was hot, so she stayed over there!! Tanner and I braved it...got up Sat morning to get ready for two...count them 2 Birthday parties!! ***Happy Birthday Brendan and Jordyn** no pics at Brendans I was crazy after running all over town...but Jordyn had a BIG day!! turning one!! and what a cutie she was *gush* Kim had a smashing party lots of stuff..and a cool cake with awesome pink icing... ;) hehehe here is tanner and his papaw!

After the party we all went swimming...I had my neice Jamie, holy moly what a slippery wiggle worm!! her 1st bday is this next weekend...I can't believe how fast they grow up!!
While swimming McKinlee started flipping and LOVES to take pics of herself!! it is so funny to download pics and see the THOUSANDS I get of her!!

Today we had a soccer party with McKinlees Soccer team, but my battery had died and the ONLY bad thing about my waterproof camera....it has a special battery...so I didn't get pics...Kimberly did, I just dont have them yet...but we were swimming again!! McKinlee is getting QUITE the tan and turning into a HUGE fish!!

Hope you had a GREAT weekend yourself!! :)

She's Crafty...

2008-06-20T09:12:00.001-07:00

HeHE and Im talking about me :-)

Ive always wanted to try and sew...Halloween last year my Moms group did a sewing MNI - and I was nervous ...so I packed up moms sewing machine and got all the stuff for it and went...to my grannys *giggle* no way was i making a fool of myself...so I made it and was so proud of me!! I did one more one after that...then mom wanted her machine back..so for Christmas I got a machine of my own!! and it sat for a while...BUT I have broken it out, and I am having sooo much fun!! 2 things...it is a BIT time consuming and it is NOT really cheaper to make your own clothes!! but they are fun addicting and my kids LOVE them!! so YYAAYYY!!! Here are a few of my creations!!

I made this for Cassidy, and well I think it is my fave, so now I need to do one for McKinlee ;-p

Fathers Day

2008-06-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Fathers Day - if you are a Father ...Happy Fathers day!! My wonderful Hubby w/ is kids :)

We had a good day...we let chris sleep in some...then we did some family cleaning and off to visit all the dads...First up - Pappy - My bro/sis went OOT at 6am with Youth Church Choir...so we were his only visitors for the day!! After that we went to Grandpa Ralph's...for lunch and a swim - Uncle Glenn came with his whole crew (that was mckinlees words hehe) So Glenn, his GF, her 2 kids, my cousin Jess, my cousin Cara - her hubby, 2 kids and 2 neices...MAN but It was FUN!! the kids all had a blast...Tanner swam with floaties a bit..yay and mckinlee was a fish like always...Chris swam again w/ us and then after getting dress -Dad and Glenn through him in again..he wasn't happy but he did salvage his phone thank god!! I would have been Mad if we were buying another $200 phone!!!

So after all the fun we leave to come home to wait for Papaw to get home...so we come home to a house of 90+ degrees...our AC was frozen - so I call MY Grandpa to tell him Happy Day and get some advice since he was in the AC business... advice - turn OFF the AC to defrost...great ITs H.O.T.! luckily right about then Papaw calls, so we load up to go say Happy Day to him!! They just returned from Disney earlier in the day!!

Jess is staying with us until Wednesday when I take her to the airport to go see her mom so gotta come up with some fun stuff LOL...be on the look out for it!

British Soccer Camp

2008-06-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Why is it that I chose *THE* hottest part of the day to sign the kids up for soccer!! mix that with a Monday Rain out...It was POURING rain at 5pm when we were suppose to be leaving, then completely sunny at 6pm - but it did rain a ton, so I was glad to have non-muddy kiddos...SO since these guys travel, we couldn't make up a day, but made up the hours -

SO instead of McKinlee going 5:30 to 8:30pm we were there 5p - 8:45p - Kudos to McKinlee for NOT complaining and to the coaches, they did this 9-12 and 5-9 daily!! Tanner joined in the festivities as well at Mini-Camp and he was so cute, he did his fair share of complaining though and after a bit, he would rather rough house then play soccer!! but the Coaches were awesome with him!! Anyway...I thought I was hot, and I just sat there on my big ol' bummy!

So, Like I said this was a british soccer camp!! OH man, I could just listen to them talk, and truthfully there were some things I was like, HUH?? One the first day they were calling Roll, and Tanner in British I guess is like "Tannah" and he was looking right at the coach...having NO idea his name was being called!! then the last day McKinlees Coach (Coach YamYam -pronouced by them "yum yum") was asking for something...still have no clue what he said - but he finally said "tape" I was like OH OK!! *bag* Chris came the last day and thought one asking for his "specticles" was pretty dang funny :)

OK back to soccer...The last day was "show" off day and the "World Cup". McKinlee and Chances were on team Italy... luckily our team got LOTS of points for spirit ( I don't think they scored a goal in any of their mini-games) - they made the littlest and biggest flag - McKinlee got best dressed...although she and Chance were all most the same except mckinlee wanted her arms painted so we painted a little on them. McKinlee also got camper of the week in her group he said she had good team spirit and always smiling...I was so proud of her!

whats that you say? this is no good w/o pics? well have no fear...I have some!! although my favorite 'playing' pics are on Kimberly's camera *sorry folks* but I do have some to share!!

McKinlee, Hannah and Chance on World Cup day

Tanner as the "tiger" chasing Coach Jackthe Mini Camp w/ coachesItaly - World Cup Champs 2008Tanner and Coach JackMcKinlee and Coach Yam Yam

My new toy ;)

2008-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have so much to share, so Im going to break it down WATCH out, I may actually blog a lot in the next 2 days!! Ive been meaning to post this, but I have been so busy (will share all that soon)...anyway back to my toy!! My good friend Chera (that does all my amazing pics...) she got an underwater camera and I just LOVED it!! So since it was waterproof, drop proof and freeze proof...what better that take to Disney World HEHEHE so I got it too!! :D While it was super odd to take a camera and go underwater, it is soooo much fun!! I even have McKinlee going under without holding her nose and kinda opening her eyes!! YEA that is sooooo good!! she just started going under last year and had to hold her nose...this is huge!!

Ok i know you wanna see pics...well I have tons, duh...here are some faves...

Look ...proof I let McKinlee use it AND Chris was even there, you can't see his face, but that is his body behind me :)

and Tanner, he fell in last year, so has a slight fear, he is getting better, I got a way and let him float some...he didn't know whether to laugh or cry...but I was proud of him either way...just gotta keep working on him! :) isn't he cute...my big boy

Its official, I have a 2nd grader!!!

2008-06-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

and what a big one she is! :) This was a tough year, changing schools, I did a lot with PTA and that was stressful, grades were taken this year - but she survived and survived well!!

On her awards day the last day of school, she got awarded for perfect attendance, "A" Honor roll and acheivement in kindness, uniqueness and patience!! my sweet baby girl!! She, like her mom, has a love/hate relationship with summer - ready for fun but will miss her friends!!

Here are some pics from her last day of school.

Know to figure out what to do between now and disney ;) *then again if you know me, the calendar is already full and I will for sure double book myself MORE then once!

5 years - COMPLETED

2008-06-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

Of McKinlee dancing...I can't believe it!! Saturday was McKinlee's recital after 5 years of dance!! of course she has been in more with Christmas's, school, competion and so on...and ya know I am SSOOO proud of her!! The girls really new the dance, not looking off at the teacher all the time, they were together on moves a lot and just over all GREAT!! just shows how big they are getting!! Hard to believe 5 of her 7 years she has been dancing!! the song made me choke up, some, I will have to find the words...it starts "Somewhere in the world day, a little girl goes out to play" soo sweet!! they started the dance "playing" mckinlee and another girl had a ball, others jumped rope or hula hooped - this is how the song ended in the rehersal I saw she did "patty cake" at the end with her BFF, Chance - well on the recital, she ran around while jumping rope, I didn't even know she KNEW how to jump rope that well!! again, getting so big!! sorry to go on and on, just one proud mama here....here are a few pics to share my sweet little girl!

the dads always do the last song, and this year they did bringing sexy back - THEN teresa (the owner) came out and danced to apple bottom jeans w/ them...it was SO great!! I just LOVE her, we have decided to stay closer to home next year with dance, but steps will always be very special to me!! and I will always remember the teachers...they were all so awesome! Just because its cute....

On a sad note, McKinlee woke up sick to her tummy with a bit of a fever so she is at home getting some poor babying today!! luckily it wasn't yesterday! She is starting to feel better, maybe we won't ruin her Perfect attendence at school the LAST week!!!

2008-05-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

What a busy week last week...and well...this week and well....thats my life ... why am I surprized!

Anyway, last thursday was Tanners End of Year Program - they did songs and had a small reception!! For a boy that wasn't really into school at first, he has grown to love it, his teachers and of course the friends!! He has school this week and then its over...OH MY what am I going to do!!! I opted Not to do summer due to cost and I really just wanna go do what I "want" and not work around a schedule, KWIM?? anyway here is my handsome man with Ms. Anabelle **GUSH**

Performing a song
With Reese's ... think they will Marry some day? :p
After the reception we met Kimberly, Brent and Delanie at Joe Willys...they were 2 kids short...guess where they were?? with Chris and I...I had the mom mobile super full, i tell ya! ;) that is a pretty cool place they have Dublim DP and "mexico" Coke (both have cane sugar, yum) In the FIVE years I have never been there...and it is MAYBE 5 mins from my house...shame on me!! We were out a bit late, so we had to rush home, because FRIDAY was FIELD DAY!!!

Remember those!!?? the BEST day in all of Elementary!! well this day didn't disappoint! It was FUN!! the firemen were there, the Red Cross was there, lots of fun, games, food....My mom came out so I could go help out and then her and Tanner brought us lunch we had our school wide family picnic and then watched the firemen/watch D.O.G.S. dads play the adminastration in water balloon volley ball...then went home!! had a tired day!!

McKinlee and I at Field day!

Run McKinlee Run!

Friday even Chris and the kids took Gracie to his moms...we loved her, but she was an adult dog - Tanner was a bit over playing her and she really didn't love it, that plus the fact of we are always on the go, we made a tough TOUGH decision!! Vicki isn't working and has no one living with her, and we think she will be much happy!! If you know me you KNOW this was a SUPER hard decision- Personally!! We went to see her yesterday and she did seem super happy!! so, while hard i feel it was the best decision for HER!! But I wanted to say, Gracie - we love you and will see you soon!!!!

So that said, Saturday Morning Chris took the kids fishing...McKinlee caught 12 fish!! YEP, 12!! and I got to sleep in, Gracie wasn't here to jump all over me and wake me up ;) ... then we had McKinlee un-offical last soccer game ( we have a make up one on Tues) then we got trophies, Chance came to spend the night and we went to Firewheel and got our First taste of Skys new job!! FREE MOVIES!! YAAYYYY!!! we saw speed racer!! great movie!!

Sun we rested, had a Baby Shower for the girls, boys went to see family and then we met up to see Gracie and have a family trip to Target!! again getting home late just to start a busy week again!! Ive already been to the school and will be going back soon!!! Hope everyone had a super great weekend!! School is ALMOST OUT!! wheeeww hewww!

a Day to Celebrate..

2008-05-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yayy me..two in one day...really I was on my desktop and I rarely am anymore, so I wanted to share with you my wonderful group of mommy friends!! I don't know what I would do with out these women, when I am down they are there, to help celebrate, laugh, cry they are there!! they are all very special to me and hold a dear place in my heart!! So if you read this, I love you very VERY dear to me! That said, our Big *3-0* MNO BDay Celebration...Christina, Marci and I recently turned 30 - and thats not all- Helen, Shanz, and Kimberly also have a BDay within days or so (just not 30) so we went out and had some fun!

Plan was the patio at Blue Canyon - then it started to rain...the weather had some "red" so they went ahead and moved us in...which wasn't what we wanted, but didn't stop us.... SOOOOO BC has Ladies Night 4-7 all you can drink domestic beer and wells...well they didn't TELL me that it ended at 7 over the phone, so I got my drink on...remember I am SAHM - drinks are HIGH so I was getting my $10 worth...hehehe but that also with an empty tummy made me tipsy early :) so sorry if I embarassed myself, I had tons of fun!

Thanks to Sabrina, Marci, Chel, Christina, Jen, Kimberly, Laura, Shanz, Linz, Stefani, Helen, Heather, Dawn and Samantha for helping everyone celebrate the big day!! Bdays are important and everyone should be celebrated!! so with out further adu' the pics :)

the BIG *3-0* Crew...aka christina, me and marci

jackie, marci, me, christina and jen
jackie, marci, me, christina, helen, sabrina and chel
dawn, me and linz
me and kimberly - we share the SAME bday :)

and just because I haven't shared pics, here are a few from Scarborough Faire....

McKinlee with the dress I made ALL by myself! :D

Riding an elephant

My bro, Justin and Tanner

and a Recent Pic of Gracie and Tanner :)

Happy Mothers Day ...

2008-05-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

a day late!! but better late than never, right!!

I had a good day!! I had gotten my ipod from Chris and the kids, so I spent some time loading some CDs - then we went to moms - saw Nana and visited a bit, mom and family got a foosball table so we had to play a few matches!! i stink at that game!! always have!! then we went to the MIL...and ya know how that goes...but it wasn't bad there were other people over at Chris's gmas across the street - so they had a blast and that makes me happy!

we got some the home "staples" from walmart and came home to cook Hotdogs...family time is always fun!! so all in all a GREAT Mothers day!! hope yalls was just a fabulous!!

Can you believe it!!

2008-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am officially OLD!! my birthday was 2 days ago...and I am no longer a 20 something...that seems soooooo odd to me! but Hey, like the song, the Next 30 years will be the best years of my life!! My kids are getting older, we can have lots of fun!! I had a great Birthday - Both kids had school, so I went to lunch with some friends - Kimberly even shares birthdays with me! so that was cool! i got to scrapbook some and then that night Rachels Challenge... a bit on that...

Rachel Scott was the first student shot in Columbine. I can't believe that was 9 years ago! I remember being so sad, but know as a parent...I can not imagine - sending you child to school and them just not coming back - you take things forgranted - did you tell them you love them - did you kiss them enough...well went they get home - its just school, right?!?!? Seeing her dad and the 123,000 acts of kindness and compassion that was completed in the last year was very emotional for me!! both sides of the stadium was full and standroom as well!! a great turn out and a great birthday, if I can say so myself!! going out tonight with a group of great moms tonight to celebrate Marci, Christina and My next 30 years!!

Also, my brother turned 16 on Wednesday - yesterday he got his license...watchout Texas Travis can drive! We had dinner at Kyoto on Wednesday and then dinner at moms with some of their friends last night, Mom and I made Travis an IPOD cake, which is fitting since it was for me as well, and I got my first IPOD as my gift! :)

on the kid front...school is winding down we had teacher appriecation this past week - we did something everyday for the teachers and then a huge lunch on Friday - I got to go sit in McKinlees class for about an hour - I have so much fun, but man her class is CrAzY!! but it was mostly recess so not bad, tanner even went he LOVES those boys!

This week is Tanner end of year program - McKinlees Field Day and I am sure Im missing something...but those are the most important...maybe I will remember to blog on the desktop so I can share some pics with you! :) Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Put your mind to it...

2008-04-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

and you can remember to blog :)

See it hasn't been a month!! yaayy!! What a fun TIRED weekend...I have been working on McKinlees "author debut" for school this friday...The weekend started Thursday I helped mom at the special events center with Travis' gymnastics meet, then that night went to watch him compete, im sooo proud of my lil' bro - he has coem very far in a short amt of time!!! GO patriots!! (they got 3rd overall, not bad really!! there were a lot of schools and a lot were really good!!!) and then this past friday McKinlee's Girl Scout troop spent the night at the Museum of Nature and Science . . . and I was a chaporone...fun, but man the floor was H.A.R.D. - they were doing things until about 11 pm and man where those girlies TIRED! they woke us at 7am, we had to wake up and get our stuff to the car so that we can see a Dallas movie and a Shark movie on the IMAX screen, can i just say SOOO Cool!! some pics from then...

after the sleep over kimberly, chance, mckinlee and I RUSH home to change there clothes and off to a soccer game, we get home about noon from it all and I just soo tired...we do a few things and mckinlee goes to spend the night at chances, and I trying not to fall asleep start on her reinassance dress since we are planning on going to scarborough faire this weekend...it is coming a long and looking nice - If I can say so myself **just don't look to hard at the stitching, I am no professional by any stretch of the imagination!!** I watch 2 weeks, since Chris left to help his dad...(a sad sad movie, left me in tears) then I pass out on the couch with Tanner...

This morning I get mckinlee work on the authors thing some, we have a Bday party and then some shopping...while Chris works...he beats us home with a surprise... **GRACIE** has come to live with us...he had promised mckinlee a dog, so when his boss offered him one, he took advantage. So we have a new member of the family...i suppose...she is a 1.5 yr old cocker spaniel...quite cute...we think trainable and is already crate trained!

So that is our weekend in a nut shell, i hope everyone else had a great weekend too!

i know I KNOW!!

2008-04-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

I am a big slacker! Im sorry! I really enjoy blogging, and I am sure in 10 years I will enjoy reading back on it...I will probably make myself tired then, since I can't seem to stop now!! lets see...it said I blogged last March 7..WOW really? that long? Since then, I Finished McKinlee's school yearbook ***YYAAAYYYYY*** I was so glad for that too!! Chris and I celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary, McKinlee had a field trip, program, girl scouts, dance and started soccer, Tanner well is just busy all day regardless - loving school and learning lots all that and I am sure many many MANY more things!!

mckinlee trip on the bus...

Just this weekend Fri after school Sky came over, we picked up Chance and went to Zoobilee at the Dallas Zoo, I wanted to miss traffic so we got there at 5pm, and I am so glad we did it got SOO crowded but we had really done it all, at least the "line" stuff - we played at the childrens zoo after jumping in bounce houses, face painting, and riding the monorail.

Sat we went to McKinlees soccer game and ran errons with daddy!! it was fun, we were in the car a lot, but we don't get many daddy days so we took advantage of it!!

Today the kids went with papaw to visit nanny, to the park, had ice cream then we all had dinner at Salt Grass I got a lot of cleaning done and even some painting I am doing for mckinlees little graduation party.

we have a busy BUSY next MONTH, I am afraid of even thinking about it!! and really it will go so fast that I will wake up one morning it will be summer and then I will no longer have a 1st grader and that my baby boy is one year closer to starting school as well!! that makes me wanna cry just thinking of it!

I think that should bring me up to date, sorta... I know I left a lot of details out, but I know you don't wanna read over a month of busy...let me tell ya its tiring! ha thanks for hanging in with me!! smootches!

Only in Texas...

2008-03-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday it was 70 degrees, monday barely 40 - wednesday, again 70's and then yesterday (thurs) SNOW...well in Plano/Frisco here in Rockwall we just had VERY cold rain and wind!! it did snow very late...or well VERY early this am - mckinlee still had school, I am very stuff but since this is one of tanners first snows, we went out for a bit...made a snow man off of my car!! He was so excited to throw it and watch it explode!! He kept telling me it was Christmas!! HAHA -

those of you north of me, SOO lucky!! I wanted it to really snow, my cousin in sherman said she went out with her ruler measured on her car ...they got 8 inches!!! WOW!! now, lets have some spring please!!

I forgot how much I LOVE Matchbox 20

2008-03-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

First things first, my baby had her BDay last week - she turned 7 on tues...why is it every year that "number" just seems so big!! I can't believe it! We had a small little PD on her actual bday and she LOVED it...then on Sat we had some family over and had a small party after mckinlee sold her first Girl Scout Cookie Booth - which they sold 71 boxes ... BUT *I* bought 14 of those ***BAG*** so you need some let me know I have extras! :)

so the first of last week my GS Leader, Paige, called me!! she had told me about her tickets to Matchbox 20 and I was SO jealous, i don't get much of MY radio time or i don't think to grab MY cd's - but I do love MB20 - so imagine my surprise when she calls to say her hubby has to work and that if I wanna I can go....**BOUNCING with excitment I was** so Sunday i got up, packed my bag and she picked me up at noon and off to Oklahoma City we went...Rob was a waiting for us ;) We got there about 3ish changed in our awesome hotel room, and then went to Toby keith's bar and grill

**** funny story we walked past TK B&G in Las Vegas a few years ago, then I caught a TK documentary, and he talked about his restuarant and how the chefs were not happy that he had a fried bolonga sandwich...and turns out it is a top seller...so I *had* to have one****

I was excited to go and OF course I DID have my sandwich...it was good, YK it was a Bolonga sandwich.... we went back to the hotel to drop off the car and walk to the Ford Center (it was about 3 blocks away) well while there we heard there were Tornados and such...and lots of rain...but the show went ON!! and it ROCKED, I truly forgot how much I adore them and the music!! and double BONUS, Alanis Morissette opened...LOVE her!! and she even did Fergies Humps - i had seen it on you tube...rocks LOL...MB20 sang all the best, some new and just plain Rocked!!! we were 7th row on the left...it was great...lets see...some pics...

after the show the temp had dropped 20 or more degrees and it was RAINING...luckily we crossed the street and could catch a skywalk almost the full distance to the hotel! and the next morning, it was SNOWING!!! when we got there the temp was 68 degrees...Hello - I guess texas isn't the ONLY weird weather state! We stopped at Winstar on the way home, blew 20 bucks playing wheel of furtune, I got to spin twice, but nothing big :( I was hoping for maybe a hundred maybe hehe but no, they took my $$$ of course!!

got back in just enough time to get the Tanner from Moms and get home to get McKinlee off the bus! we took the night off since we have been soooooo busy and it was sooooo cold, but we are back in the groove today! go go go... I think that is my new stuff for today!! hope everyone in Blog land is happy and healthy!!

Rain Rain GO AWAY...

2008-02-16T17:14:00.001-08:00

Man, will it ever stop - we cancelled our Girl Scout Day Camp due to weather and it is STILL raining...yuck...enough is enough!! although it was nice, I went to lunch with some mamas from DAM. That was nice, Christina picked me and mckinlee up and so we got some girlie time!

Hope everyone had a great VDay!! we Did, my mom went to Tanners Party since his and McKinlee was at the same time, I had to be at McKinlees being room mom - each child did a poem then we made pop tart post cards and played picture bingo, i think the kids had fun! then we ordered out Applebees and got out the FINE China!! I have had my Great Grandmothers china since I got married, haven't used them once...so we did - and nothing was broken YAYYY!! the kids LOVED it we had candles and flowers too!! sooo sweet!!

Tomorrow we are heading to Medieval Times, so to prepare Chris and McKinlee watched Cable Guy (remember they go there in the movie) we are leaving Tanner with my mom, so hopefully we can have some fun! the Plan is to get McKinlee and her friend Chance knighted :)

Take Care, thoughts going out to Chelsea Grandpa...Love to you both and your family!! I think of you all the time, girlie!! (((HUG)))

Everyone sleep well and stay safe!! - HUGS

2 weeks

2008-02-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

TWO WEEKS...and I will have a SEVEN year old little girl..wow!! we have lots of things planned, Medieval Times this coming weekend and then a Playdate w/ her friends on her actually bday and then a family party on the saturday after!! mix that in with everything else guess what...we are busy! SURPRISE SURPRISE...

Don't remember the last blog, I know at one time I blogged and it deleted, UGH...not much off the wall stuff happening...I get to make our dinner reservations for disney tomorrow!! chris thinks im insane but 180 days out, Im gonna try and book what I want! :)

I spent all day up at Shannon today, McKinlee just LOVES to have me there, i hope that never changes, but man oh man - I was taking class pics, and silly me I *thought* as the age got older it would be easier..NOPE...those 5 and 6th graders, good GRIEF they couldn't listen to save their life...I was about to just SCRRRRREEEEEAM!! I am done with that!! it will just be a 1st grade yearbook hahaha

Wasn't this weekend nice 75 degrees or so, and don't ya know we are in Texas - it is suppose to be 40 degrees this coming weekend and possible snow and again, wouldn't ya know...we have a girl scout day camp all day on sat...

I am out of things to say, I will try to come back soon, if not have a Happy Valentines day!! Hope you get all your hearts desires!!

WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!

2008-02-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

Well I blogged the other day and posted and it said can not maintenance and then POOF gone :(....

Basically - I was super proud of the kids...McKinlee had midyear reading test ...and testing at a level 18 which is 2nd grade **yyyaayy** and Tanner shocked me the other day by counting in SPANISH!! almost all the way 1-10!! Then I mentioned I was trying to talk chris into going to Disney world....

WELL... a Few days later...

IT IS BOOKED!!! We are going...we usually just stick around here - San Antonio and Corpus once but really we haven't been on a major family vacation...Tanner didn't go with us Hollywood...and Chris didn't go with us to Disneyland...Im a bit nervous as Chris isn't a theme park guy - or at least he doesn't claim to be...so who knows!! But I am determined to have GREAT trip!! So watch out, Im sure you will be hearing a LOT about it soon! SO I appologize now for all of it!!

Not much else going on, McKinlee ended up selling 360 boxes of GS cookies *yikes* but I am so proud of her!! she did a lot of that on her own! I am really getting into Yearbook, I have to get that done in the next 1.5 months...So i am gonna be busy busy with all that and McKinlees BDay coming soon! Wish me luck!!

Hope everyone had a great groundhog day!! looks like 6 more weeks of WINTER...which would be bad if we could get one nice weekend of just SNOW!! Tanner hasn't really got to see snow!

Can I ever just STOP...

2008-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

Have I seriously not blogged this year? I got an email from Chel this am - subject: Update - we have plans today and my first thought...DANG it - she is cancelling! I stop to read, Im bad about forgetting to go back and read things, so I did and the email is UPDATE YOUR BLOG...'oh yeah' I thought, 'I have a blog!!' My brain...gone!!

So here I am!! :) and I didn't realize it had been that long!! Well nothing major going on around here!! the kids went back to school on the 2nd and 3rd - Tanner is going 2 days a week and thankfully after the first 2 days this year he is NO longer having to be ripped off my legs! The 1st thursday of the year we had our first Girl Scout meeting of 2008...we talked about COOKIES!!! so as of Jan 11 we have been selling GS Cookies!! Im sure most everyone has been contacted ;) so far to date she has sold 207 boxes and that isn't counting the Troop to Troop boxes OR the booths we will be selling later!! If you haven't bought and want some CALL ME!! she wants to sell 1000 boxes ((((laughing))))

McKinlee is out of school today - Tues for staff development and MLK Day. So we are packing up and heading south!! although it is cold here in Texas and well suppose to sleet tonight to the south!! but we will be there a few days hopefully not longer...I would like to see *MY* friends to ;) and with school, time hardly permits!

On my moms group we ordered Petti skirts last AUGUST...they are FINALLY coming in - I do have some pics to share!! if you are interested! ;)

Other than all this -we are in full swing of Girl Scouts and McKinlee's SEVENTH Birthday!! *sniff sniff* SEVEN!! Be on the look out for Pics, fun, parties and probably more of me forgetting to blog *bag over head*

Goodbye 2007...

2007-12-31T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well there hasn't been a lot going on, Chance spent the night and the girls played with McKinlees new HSM Playstation game...they were singing and singing all night...we then went to "papa Todds" The kids got to play outside... they got some John Deere Christmas Presents and were super happy!! Christmas never seems to stop!! Today is New Years eve ... not that we have plans - well we were invited to a party, but everyone is just in lazy mode ;)

SO ...I want to wish each and every one of you...well the one or two that read this ...a super duper Happy New Year!! wish you a bigger/better 2008!!

A bit of History

2007-12-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

Ya know, when you go somewhere like on Vacation, you look for things to do - history, museums, monuments...why is it when you "live" in a city forever you tend to over look those things you would seek out when traveling!!

I was telling Kimberly when she just moved her this summer, that i have never been to the 6th floor museum. So when her friend came to visit and wanted to go, she invited me to tag along!! I wasn't even a thought at that time, actually my mom was only about 2 yrs old - but I know the basic story, I know the controversy - and I have SEEN the building!! just never taken the tour - or seen the location from that famous 6th floor...and While history isn't my favorite - it was hard to hold back the tears standing there looking from the next window...Learning how YOUNG his children were, seeing the pictures of THOUSANDS that gather obviously a well liked man!! Seeing how beautiful Jackie was and realizing that she wasn't much older then me and to loose her husband and to be sitting right there when it happened!! such a horrible thing to happen to a city, something Dallas with always be known for!! We didn't make it to the grassy knoll, it was cold with a bitterly cold wind and Kimberlys baby was with us!!

Once home the kids and I made some stops at the store, had some exchanged to sort out...and we stopped and bought underdog and hairspray movie!! both are super cute and I got a DEAL on hairspray!! a "gift set" with a pink locker, stickers, tote bag, and 2 disc DVD - all for $25 reg. $49 - so with all disc/coupons I got that and underdog for $36 - I was excited!!

Chris has been working, but he is a super sweet hubby!! He got home and after a bit I went with Kimberly and her friend to see Sweeney Todd, Man I just Love Johnny Depp - he and Tim Burten are spectacular!! the reveiws I read today gave it a B+ ...saying that all was well and the cast was great expect Helena (whom I believe is the leading lady) although I beg to differ!! I thought she was awesome!! We went to Studio Movie Grill!! I forgot how much i loved that place, we need some cooler stuff here is Rockwall!!

Speaking of my awesome hubby...I got word of a sale LUSH is having...while I wasn't super impressed with 1 of my 3 bath bombs - I was wanting to get some more and a sale is even better....so since he was close to Northpark he said he would go get me some so I wouldn't have to drag the kids there!! what a keeper!!

not much else going on, we are still recouping from Christmas trying to take it easy some...play with all the new toys and keeping the house somewhat clean! Blog at ya later

Its over.....

2007-12-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

Oh man, its been a bit and we have been in a whirlwind of christmas activities!!

McKinlee got out of school Tues the 18th, during that day was the jingle bell run! she was in 1st place for the girls in her class so she got a ribbon...then we had the class party...it was fun those kids are just great - we made an ornament, a bag for the goodies and they decorated a sugar cookie - that all with pizza way to much fun!! Tues was also Tanners last day - Kimberly took him thinking he wouldn't cry...nope wrong!! maybe after the first of the year when he goes 2 days a week that will stop... After School we had our Brownie party...the girls were all so tired..man oh man -

Wednesday we had a PJ day, even going over to Kimberly, Chance and Reese's house in our PJs. they kids made ornaments - then returned home for some rest and I got ready for a MNO with a group of FABULOUS women...I picked up Chel and we night a well deserved night out! the kids were with Kimberly, well McKinlee spend the night...Chris picked up Tanner - I came home to a sleeping household!!

Thursday we did some last minute shopping and Cookies at my moms - then went to a friends house for dinner - all fun and games of course!! ;)

Friday we went to the Polar express with Kimberly, Chance and Reese - meeting Marci and Madison...the kids had a blast singing on the train...and seeing Santa - although they rushed him through it was kinda sad!! we walked downtown grapevine for a bit that is such a great Christmas town!!

Saturday started Christmas's - we went to the Halpains - funny 2 years ago there were 3 kiddos and the boom happened - there are now 7!! and how much fun they all had!! tons of presents and lots of food!! Tanner got a Geo Trax, and transformers and McKinlee got a camera, gift card and Enchanted stuff!!

Sunday we had a small christmas with Chance and Reese they stayed with up while their parents went to the airport to pick up a friend! then off we went to Nannys to visit her for Christmas!!

Monday was Christmas eve - Chris took the kids to Alltex for some wire as he had some side jobs this week! I was suppose to rest, but I did some cleaning - took a shower...but after that I did sit and watch young and the restless until they got home! They got home I got Tanner to sleep and we finished cleaning the house...ya know just so the family and come and it get all dirty again ;) then we had Dinner and Christmas at my moms with my nana. I got my very own sewing machine - I was super excited!! I have been TRYING to learn ya know!! Tanner and McKinlee got lots of stuff - Disney Dollars, chairs, and more!! Chris got some shotgun shells and a new knife!! we went by a few houses to see christmas lights and come home at about 9:30pm to....................SANTA had CAME ALREADY!!!!!!!

Santa came early and left the kids a note...telling them he found our cookies and for them not to fight so much next year...he must have known we had a full Christmas day so took advantage and did most of our presents for each other then! the kids got way to much - I always say Im gonna NOT do so much, but then I always do! although I **DID** do a little better...a lot of what they got i have had for a while...I didn't spend to much in Nov/Dec - I got a brand new awesome pair of Crocs from Chris and the kids....I also got a GPS and some movies...Chris got the Jason Bourne Collection, a rodney carrington CD, and some odds and ins...the kids got Cars, HSM stuff - Camera's from Santa and more!! We rapped it up close to 11 - did some "re-cleaning" and off to bed!!

Christmas morning was somewhat relaxing - we slept in until 9:15ish - and then I had my sausage balls for breakfast, my mom makes me some as part of my christmas gift :) - the kids have honey buns and choc milk - I really enjoyed it...maybe Santa should come early every year ;) We started cooking and Family start coming about 11am...we had lots of family, lots of presents, lots of food and LOTS of fun!! We go personal gifts, Mckinlee got HSM Sing IT for the Play station - Tanner got a hot wheels case to hold 100 cars, we needed that!! Chris got some Cowboy PJs and some GC and I got a coach purse, a hair hilight GC, and a GAP GC can't wait go shopping, then we play White Elephant (Chinese Christmas) or whatever, lots of GOOD stuff and lots of Fighting over it ;) everyone was trickling out about 6pm and we went to Chris's mom for a bit!!

Today is the day AFTER Christmas and I must say I am somewhat excited and plan to be super lazy for a day or two...or maybe three!! hehe Last I heard the weather is suppose to be cold and i think it rained last night (I haven't been out and it is almost 1pm) so it great lazy weather!!

I think I have made this the longest blog EVER!! so if you actually read it all WOW!! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Looking forward to a Happy 2008!!
We had such a fun exciting busy Christmas - not that it is different!! we talked about Jesus and explained how he is the reason for the season...we talked about how blessed we are surrounded by family!!

Ice, Ice and More.... ICE

2007-12-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a few days Im sorry - I have been going 90 to nothing!! Yesterday Tanner had school I drop him and Reese off at 9am, then off to McKinlee's school to check on holiday shop. Tanner had a program at 10:30 so I can't stay long and back to Tanners school, I video'd so no pics yet, I took a few but they are on the other camera...anyway he did GREAT!! No crying, no coming to mom, then the end, he asked me to come up stairs ... I said no sweetie, the teacher said oh some moms are coming up...I should have just left! I had volunteered the afternoon shift at McKinlees school, but NO I go up stairs, and tears start - I hadn't even SAID that I was leaving! :( so i decide its time to go!! and they have to PULL him off my leg...that makes me soooooooo sad!! They even called 20 to 30 mins later saying he was still crying :( If I wasn't at McKinlees school I would have taken him, well that and LAST time I took him he screamed once on the road that he wanted to be in school...silly boy! I did call again to check on him and he was sleeping, so I went about my Holiday shop at Shannon. I was done at 4, had to run to the bank and then BACK to the school to sell popcorn, my wonderful mom came to help!! we made about $50 so not to bad!!

One busy day followed by another, Today, I had to again go up to McKinlees school to help with t-shirts for christmas party day!! I do love doing this though!! Mckinlee loves to see me and so do all the kiddos, really!! the morning Tanner was at Reese's house, I picked him up and we went back to pack holiday shop, but they were done - so Tanner got to watch a movie with his sissy's class, he was in heaven!! Then McKinlee, Chance and I left a little early to go get Chelsea and Chloe - we had a Fun night planned to see ICE, at the Gaylord Texan.

and WOW what a sight!! just the Gaylord alone was beautiful!! and ICE was spectacular!! Tanner said, "wow, this is AWESOME!" ;) everyone had tons of fun but it got cold quick and after a few slides everyone was ready to go!! They gave us a "free" cookie (they should for $20ea) so we got that and some hot chocolate to warm up!! It is just amazing what some people can do with 2 millions pounds of ICE!!! and really with 1.5 million lights!! here are some pics...

and while I would love to spend tomorrow in bed, I think it is suppose to be COLD COLD, I can't! We have to be in Garland at 10am, and then back at 7pm!! McKinlee and Chance have their Christmas recital! so hopefully we will get some rest in between!! Chris is gone hunting, I sure hope he doesn't shoot himself or anything!! he is sooo tired from working WAY to much!! Thats about it for now, Im sure I have forgotten TONS...OH - I have a "new" cousin...My uncle found out he has a 29 yr old daughter!! when I told McKinlee, she said, " how could he not know that?" so I told her she would have to ask Uncle that!! But she is excited she know will have a 6 yr old cousin!! that is one thing she lacks, family members esp girls close to her age!! so Hope they become fast friends!! Back to the point - Ive forgotten some, but Im so scatter brained it isn't funny!! hope everyone has a great day!!

Hugz!!

I said, BURRRR - Its cold in here...

2007-12-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

well it is most def. winter..I while it didn't feel "christmasy" with the 80 degree weather, I do secretly miss it!!

I wanted to start with a Tanner Story, Kimberly and I bought tickets for us and the kids to go to Heritage Village, well her whole family was going but with the weather being damp and cold she decided not to take the baby. So then we decided to leave Tanner and Reese at home with her hubby as well...(more to come on Heritage Village) so fast forward, We get home like 7:30p both kiddos are asleep, I take Tanner home put him to bed and he sleeps until 6:40am!!! **WOW**

so he wakes up and I was being lazy and still in bed and he looks at me and says, "Im at home, I had SOOOO much fun with Reese" I say 'Really?' then he tells me, "Then we bonked heads and she was mad and me, so I was mad at her" so I ask, "Was Brent mad" and Tanner tells me, "No, he didn't spank me"

HAHHAHAHA so I guess spanking is mad to him like I spank him all the time *whatever* But I will say the story Brent said wasn't that they "bonked heads" but that Tanner just HIT Reese while she was laying back on the couch...they are both toooo cute, they were bickering over a blanket this am, then Tanner asks, can Reese come to my house - no tanner not today yall are fighting anyway - so Reese answers, no not anymore I wanna come! :) they just love each other, the lovers quarls start early!!

OK well that got winded and prolly makes no sense, but i just can't believe my baby is so big and the conversations we have these days!!! So now Rewind to Heritage Village, which is Old City Park and collection of old buildings set up a nice to take you back in time..Yesterday was the Candlelight Christmas. The girls tried to dress the part wearing cute dress and my nana made them some bonnets but mostly the coats were on...it was special going with just the older ones although they were so dang cold! The Blacksmith made McKinlee a heart and she thought that was the coolest ever! how it was a stick and he heated it and made it bend. we had hot chocolate, warm Dr. Pepper, cookies and popcorn...lots of fun not so good for you stuff! We got there close to 3, and wanted to see it dark with the candle lit walkways and fires around, we took a carriage ride right at dusk and I bet the temp dropped 15 degrees in those 10 minutes - so after the ride we were all frozen and ready to go!! Since we were "chilly" Kimberly decided we needed some "chilis" although the weather was not to warm we had tons of fun and some pics to prove it ;)

Dang It Chel...

2007-12-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Well Hello!! long time No post...HAHAHA well after I posted I read Chelsea's blog and well...she tags me.. i have post post 8 things random interesting things about me...

1. Im not that interested, so this will prolly be boring!!

2. I love purple, everything would be purple if I had my way.

3. I feel natural is the way to go, I am just lazy!! Ive been making myself put on makeup because everyone else does and I feel so frumpy, but man I just love to get up brush the hair and GO!

4. I really try to be trendy, i just can't pull it off...see number 3 *hehe*

5. I love road trips - if not for the kids and stress of them in the car, I would just love to drive the country!! see the world!

6. Speaking of driving, I almost got Chris arrested in Mexico, for MY driving!! hahahaha... Remember this when going to Cozumel, if you rent a car, SERIOUSLY ask for SPECIFIC directions to a gas station..and go straight there, DO NOT pass Go, or Collect $200 bucks!!

7. I collect pressed pennys, Im cheap that is a souvinear I can afford...oh well I guess I also collect shot glasses again a lot because they again, are cheap!!

8. Im a closet Disney Freak....HAHAHAHA OK not so closet on that one, Im an All out Disney freak, bought a Tink shirt today to PROVE it!!

ok theres my 8 - and since I have a felling not many read this...Consider YOURSELF tagged! :D (luv ya)

Christmas Time...

2007-12-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

It was 80 stinking degrees today and it soooo doesn't feel like Christmas is near, BUT it is ... and ya know...we have an outside event tomorrow and after about 2 weeks of record breaking highs, wouldn't ya know...a stinkin' COLD Front...UGH..while I would like cold - in Texas the front usually means rain.. and yes 80% chance...and if we didn't have plans, they would be wrong, BUT since we do, They will be right...silly weather men!!

How is everyone? shopping done? I am mostly one more thing im thinking for tanner and he has a few less then McKinlee..But other then that.. I am DONE we don't need anything!! We have been super busy SURPRISE SURPRISE...we have been to a parade in Rockwall...seen santa NUMEROUS times so far...been Caroling for Cans with Girl Scouts, this was so fun and the girls did SO well And we collected 53 cans for Helping Hands - how awesome is that!!

We visited Santa's Village in Richardson along with tons of houses that have "special" lights - a house with a train, "santas house" although YET to see the big man there, and the house with lights to music all favorites of the kids!!

McKinlee has her Dance recital next sat, so she and her class are busy working on that...her school has Holiday shop this next week, so WORK for me!! and we are making Gingerbread houses at the Center on Wednesday with her friend!!

Funny story, McKinlee has a new BFF - Chance, I tell ya these girls are inseperable - well we had a "moment" tonight while caroling Chance and a fellow Scout Melanie were talk a lot, well McKinlee got a little jealous, they all rode to deliver cans to the church and well McKinlee comes out of the car, Chance and Melanie are Best Friends mom **and the lip is out, WHAT a pout** So I say well ya know, we have lots of friends it IS ok, "but MOM", she said, "They are *BEST* Friends" :( soo sad to see her like that, but I just had to giggle . . . Girls and the drama!! what fun Im gonna have the next 10- 15 years, until she reaches the "adult" woman...

I will end this, now as im sure you are bored, and I will also say with all the go go go, I have caught a cold, and I am doped up on Nyquil, so if the post is a bit drunk sounding, that is the reason, promise *hehe* Hope everyone has a save Holiday season!! <- Im sure I will be saying this some the next few weeks!!

OH and 1 more pic, just because he's a cutie...

Its begining to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!! :)

2007-11-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

I am sooo excited, we put the christmas trees <- yes TREES up on sun...i just love this time of year...it cludders my house a little more, but it is soooo festive! it is chilly and we had a cold rain this weekend, so it really does finally feel like winter! Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!! we did, the Cowboys went to 10-1 for the first time EVER I think!! YAYYYY!!!!

Friday I got up at 5 am to shop..OH HOLY COLDNESS!!! i got a GPS for fairly cheap, i really didn't NEED anything so what WAS I thinking, but I did have fun!! Came home fixed my cracker barrel potatos *yummmmm* and off to my dads for our Thanksgiving...I came home and CRASHED!!!

Saturday My dad, Juls and I went shopping AGAIN - man, Im done but Im jsut SO addicted -hehe But I didnt' spend a LOT and got some deals for our little angel!! so that was worth it, yucky rain and cold but oh well!!

Sun we lounged for a bit part of the day - McKinlee and I went with Chance and Kimberly to see enchanted I very good movie, the girls LOVED it and well if Life was only that way!! everyone would be soo happy! After going to visit Auntie Sky for her Bday we came home and worked on the tree! No pics of the Whole tree the house is still crazy from the empting of the christmas boxes...Why is it that to get festive, means to make a MESS?

Yesterday was Chris's Birthday, so we got a cake and his dad came over and we had a smal celebration...wow this is our last year as a 20 something...YIKES where does the time go!

well I better run Tanner is at school and which is why i have time to blog and post and it prolly make more scense the normal, but If Im late he will be one un happy camper!! Take care, happy holidays to everyone!! :D

not much happening around here..

2007-11-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

I haven't felt so good OF COURSE, both kids are home and ready to go...Sun stayed home watched the Cowboy game, another nail biting game, but we came out on top...9 and 1 BABY...and I will be at the Thanksgiving game...and its suppose to be cold...brrrrr - so im sure I will REALLY be sick after that :(

Yesterday we went up to Julies school **small mckinlee brag - she gave mckinlee some reading test, on words per minute, end of 1st grade they want them at 45 -end on 2nd 90 WELL, mckinlee got a 97!! WOW, my little smart girl she is alllllllways reading!!** then we went to the park for a bit, it got hot, WHY in November is it HOT!?!?!!? McKinlees friends Frankie came over after for a bit and gave her a Hannah gift, she was in heaven!! I laid down w/ tanner and we BOTH took a nap...and that was it, i was blah all evening.

today not much better, I think I have more sinuses than anything and man they have me good!! McKinlee is having a friends spend the night, which would be good but that means tanner will be MAD!! he wants to be included...we will work it out...sorry to be so boring...can you believe it is ALMOST thanksgiving?? and then Christmas...man where does the time go??

can I just take a NAP!!!

2007-11-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

I am just SOOOO tired...my day yesterday...get up at 6:15...tanner woke up while chris was getting ready, their conversation...
T- "hi daddy, what you doin'"
C- "Getting ready for work"
T- "Gonna go Buy Money"
C- " well, you dont' buy money"
T- "you gonna go make money"
C- "yes"
T- "So I can got to disneyland and see Shamu"
C- (giving me a yucky look) "yea, I guess"

hehehe, im training him right!! then get mckinlee on the bus, Tanner and I get ready go have breakfast with some brownie moms, then to Walmart for last minute feast things, drop Tanner off at moms so he can get a nap - then rush to McKinlees school for the feast, after the feast...mckinlee and I rush home, change for the Terry Fator show, she was SO excited :) go pick up Tanner, head over to meet Chera, Jeremy and CassCass at Cafe Brazil *i just loooove their turkey crepes* Chris met us for dinner and off to Terry we go!! and OH MY it was SOLD out and TONS and tons of people!! he had some old stuff but new as well!! we didn't make it to the meet and greet kids fell asleep, BUT we are suppose to have dinner with him Wed. early thanksgiving I suppose so I guess that is better ANYWAY!

So we get home about midnight fall into bed, alarm going off at 7:30 for mckinlees parade...so up and at 'em again... i just love parades though, BUT McKinlee was on the wrong said of the float, don't they KNOW where the parents are gonna sit ;) hahhaha after that Rowlett Real estate exp had a meet Santa so we did that...and then mickey d's ... I am soo tired!! no naps and suppose to meet Chel and Chloe for a Bday dinner for Chel, I plan on an EASY day tomorrow!!!

OHOH, I got my pics back from Chera, so I stand by what I said in a previous post, Chris and I make beautiful kiddos...heres the link if interested...http://www.chera25.com/galleries/Rena111307/

I think that is all I can think of for now!! so chat soon, that is if I don't forget again!!!

I make just the cutest kiddos ;)

2007-11-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

well...I do!! so I almost forgot to blog, BUT I didn't...I dont' have much time...

last night we went to Chance and Reese's house to make turkey cookies for Tanner and Reese's classes...they had fun - kimberly took pics, but well I didn't...she will share one day though!!! got home and Mckinlee got a call from her friend Frankie, who was at the Hannah Montana Concert! McKinlee was sad not to get to go but so happy that Frankie called to let her listen to "Rock star" then everyone off to bed.......

We got up early this am, everyone got showers and mckinlee was on the bus at 7:25 (a little late today, driver :) anyhoo...so tanner and I rush to get ready pick Reese up and get them to school by 8 - it was 8:15 but they got extra $$ go what do they care...drop them off...rush up to McKinlees school to help with crafts, leave there go straight to Tanners school for their program and feast... I was SUPPOSE to go BACK to mckinlee's school but tanner wanted to go home with me...no biggie - we go to get his backpack and show him his friends, see there are friends here you wanna stay?? NOPE...UNTIL...we get in the car and it goes into gear...well he had changed his mind 2 times...wanted to go then stay then go...so I wasn't turning around to take him in because I knew what that was, he would THEN wanna go...that boy, he screamed the WHOLE 10mins home...UGH UGH UGH...so guess what...he got a nap!

BUT his program was cute, he walked in crying (funny thing that is what mckinlee used to do - hehe) but he did it and even but on a smile for the camera silly boy! and his pics were awesome they are so cute I couldn't choose!! so there was $50 in pics that REALLY I don't need..but they are CUTE ...

His Program, see the red eyes, but he DID partcipate...

so we are resting to get ready for girl scouts tonight and McKinlees Feast tomorrow, Maybe I just need to take a DAY OFF next week me AND the kids...man oh man oh man!!

um...yea..ok...what day is it?!?!?!?!

2007-11-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

So...I got a slap on the .......wrist?!?! Today from Chel...that I haven't blogged in 12 days...SORRY!! ya know my days just run together, I have this, that and more of it going on...and 1/2 of it I think I dream up for myself!! I bet I was up at Mckinlees school 7 or so days of the last 12 days!! so sorry, didn't i say when I started I was a big flake!! well if not, I am :D

Anyways, let me think...the last 2 weeks.....

Oh...tanner had his school pics tues the 3rd, i haven't gotten them yet, but i took some ... isn't he sweet!!

We have a feast at his school tomorrow so ill have some more then!! He is still smitten with Reese..they are becoming inseperable...its sooooo sweet!! we have done numerous things with them, including jump and jive today with her and Madison. the kids just LOVE it!!

McKinlee is just trucking a long in 1st grade!! doing great in all the she does!! we are getting ready for a parade this sat...then her christmas recital in Dec. we also made a turkey for penny votes at her school...she also has a craft rotation and feast tomorrow and friday..thus being SO busy the last few days!!

We spend last weekend basically in Whitney, we were suppose to come home on sat BUT unexpected things happened, so we got home about 5ish...just enough time to finish the cowboy game...speaking of...they are rocking at 8 - 1 this season YYAAAAYYYYY!!! AND, we are going to the Thanksgiving day game against the Jets, Im soooo excited, I have been to one Cowboys game but really I don't remember it...so im excited!!

so hopefully that catches you up on this crazy world...ill try not to stay away so long!

well sorry guys...to much stuff so little time!!

2007-11-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

time has flown!! sorry if you check often, I THINK about blogging and well that is about it!!

it has been almost 2 weeks!! and man things have been crazy!! Most important my BABY is now 3 - sniff sniff!!! I can't believe it! 3 year ago we were just coming home right before Halloween, I had this idea I was still going to take McKinlee TorTing...YEA right!! but she got to go!! where has the time gone?? Tanner had a Pirate BDay and the weather was PERFECT!! Good too, since there were TONS of people!! Nathan and Uncle had come the day before to go w/ us to a Halloween Carnival in Rockwall and they spent the night...the boys are soooo cute...they love and miss one another and they play then fight make up and play then fight!! Nathan has Tanner hooked on Power Rangers so they played power rangers all weekend! some pics....

Thens theres Halloween....I barely had time to breathe, after Tanners party, Monday I went to McKinlees School the 1st grade was carving pumpkins...they had SO much fun!! Tanner went to Mammys house, and I brought mckinlee home from school changed into her costume, picked up her friend Reese and OFF to Dance... they had a Halloween Party from 5:30 to 6 and then Chick Fila for Spirit Night....

Tues, Tanner went to school and I went and had lunch with MY friend Marci, it had been kids kids kids, I wanted a break - after I got Tanner from school got him to nap for a bit, as soon as McKinlee got home we went to Chloe and Chels for some pumpkin carving...

SOOO 2 days NOT home at all...leads up to HALLOWEEN....and silly momma made Tanner a Well Visit KNOWING he needs Shots...AND at 8:30 AM...what WAS I thinking... anywhoo we went he is WELL...34.5 lbs and 41"tall...they did a cbc for blood work and he pee'd in a cup for them!! then got 2 shots...he kept telling me I told you i not sick i don't NEED a shot :( but he got them and since he was soooo good, OFF to Chuck E Cheese...Kimberly, Reese and Delaney meet us up there for some play time!! we get there at 10am and were the ONLY people in there until almost NOON!! It was awesome!! Tanner took a good nap he woke up, sissy was home and it was time to get ready for Trick or Treat time!!

Since this was the first year daylight savings time we went to Tanners school festival first....we meet Kimberly, Chance and Reese there as well...after wards heading back to their house for TorTing... This was Tanner first year to actually participate, he has been sick the last 2 years :( he got a little scared and it almost did him in, he was very cautous after that!! but he had fun, and kept on truckin'

I made mckinlee an appt for a flu shot today, Im ready for a day i can just STAY HOME!!!

Wow...what a weekend

2007-10-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

and its ONLY Sat...So I spent all Friday at McKinlees school although I said I wouldn't...then Tanner went to play at his new BFF Reese's house - and while he did that, Reese's mom and big sister, Chance, McKinlee and I went shopping...Mckinlee got the new Build a Bear *usually we only do a "bear" and then clothes later...using coupons since they are so high - but we splurged and got an outfit AND shoes it is so cute, I should not be lazy and up load the pics...then we walked around Firewheel, the weather is finally starting to get sooo nice! Chance came home and spent the night with us, some giggly girls - we had petticures and tons of giggles - I was worried they wouldn't sleep and we Both had an EARLY start!! It wasn't so bad they were asleep before 11...

BUT, woke me up about 7ish ... but they were so good!! I had a 9:45 hair appointment...I missed it ( that was way early i shouldn't have even tried, but ya know) anyway, Chelsea reeeeaaaalllllly wanted me to chop all the hair off, so she made me an appointment with her lady...at 11:15...yea...and she was watching the kids *BONUS* she didn't tell me the lady was sooooo slow...so after 1pm I hookem over to HBJ to watch super cute Chloe cheer her heart out!! I reeaallyy need to get McKinlee in that...so those that actually read this remind me next spring...mckinlee cheer...ok sorry - so I got my are CHOPPED ALL OFF...AND didn't tell Chris...wonder if he will notice? hehe
After Chloes game off to the DAM picnic, holy cow there were tons of DAMers...my kids had a blast and that park completely ROCKS! It was the scottish rite hospital - so we also got to donate to an awesome cause! played for an hour then tried really hard to get to the harbor to take pics of my brother, Travis has homecoming tonight for his GF. well it took me over 30 mins to get 5 miles on the final stretch I was soo mad, but did get a few...another lazy moment still haven't uploaded pics...
sooooo, basically we left the house this am at 9am and didnt get home until after 7pm and we have a Halloween party HERE tomorrow, SO I better get to bed just to be super crazy tomorrow and next week as well! nighty night friends!

Fun at the Fair

2007-10-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

So we went to the Fair yesterday...we had rain monday and the air cooled down - it made for a PERFECT fair day yesterday, even chilly at times!! McKinlee went to school and I had some copies to run and I got McKinlee outta school at 10:30 (had to be there for attendance ;) ) then off we went...Chris had the day off as he is going OOT so he went with us!! He did say the ONLY thing we can do is that car show (haha) but he actually gave in a little! we saw elsie the cow - lots of animals to feed - we got to sit in a corvette, and I sat in a Hummer!! if only we could afford one, then i would fit in around Rockwall ;) the kids rode a few rides, Tanner made me laugh so hard - he rode the HUGE rides at 6 flags LAST year but we got on a smaller roller coaster and well he ended up crying...but not to after the ride. he pushed out of the handles RUNNING off the ride....silly boy - so then mckinlee spots 'baby' swings again that Tanner has rode again and again - well he looks at the lady all funny that put him in then smiles for a pics RIGHT before BURSTING into tears!! he FINALLY settles in for the tea cups!! i had lots of laughs from the little guy...even this am, he stated that the "dragon ride" was toooo fast! we had some corny dogs/carmel apples yum yum...why there *IS* a fair!

Chris is OOT for a week - YIKES, good thing we have tons of plans in the coming week...girl scouts, picnic, halloween party, school stuff and more im sure!

some fair pics....

quick catchup

2007-10-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

holy moly..what a week...we had a big sale for yearbook at mckinlees school (i am the chairperson) and YAAY me I sold like 70 books!! that is awesome for the 1st few days!! anyways i bet I spent 20 hours up at the school last week, man oh man!!

I have mckinlees evaluation, her teacher said she was in the top reading group and that she gets along with everyone (DUH- my social butterfly;) ) even the ones HARD to get along with...I hope she gets that from me, I was friends and like almost everyone...i was fairly Popular and most of my friends weren't in that group and well..i just didnt' care!! i hope she will be like this as well!!! I am very proud of her though, she missed one problem in math - and Ms tanner said she thought they were pretty hard!! my little smarty!! she reads a lot and TONS to tanner is so sweet!!

Im not watching Jamie anymore, so Tanner and I had fun when we weren't at mckinlee school - we went to Sara's to play with Sara and Rissa - went to Chucke Cheese with Reese and then to the bounce house with Reese and Madison...we have pics will have to add later!! he has so much fun with all his girls!

we are in full force on party planning...WHERE did this month go...so any of you readin if you wanna help i have JOBS!!

OK well we have a bday party today and family pics...YYYAAAAYYYYY!!! so I will check back in soon, i just know it has been awhile...sorry!! have a great weeeknd!

What a crazy week...

2007-10-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Man, why didn't someone tell me when you kids start school your whole world becomes that!! Lets see my schedule last week....

Mon- McKinlee School - then Dance

Tues- McKinlee School -

Wed- we have fair day so we did the whole pumpkin day...yikes all the fun we try to squeeze in when she is home

Thurs- McKinlee and Tanner School - I have 450 x3 pages to run off to get out to parents and so I go up there do that staple them, run teacher copies - home to rest for a sec then PTA meet and then Girl Scout meeting...

Fri- have Teddy Bear tea cutting, printing, hole punching and have to go BACK to the school to get some stuff done...

Man oh Man!! then Fri had to finish Teddy bear Tea then get up Sat to finish still and then host/particiapate in it! it was great, Sky took pics of all the mom/daughter everyone was so dressed the part and seemed to have a GREAT time! Heard lots of great reviews, which makes it worth it...but man I was glad for it to be over!! although that just meant a few hours of pic editing and a new week to do it all again!! But I think they are cute, if I say so myself...

Then today we had a Birthday party at the park, Why oh Why is it 90 degrees in almost MID october.

Im not watching jamie anymore, i will miss her - but will have a little more time to get things done I hope anyway...first on the list - Tanners Birthday Invite - it is getting so close! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!

TOOO HOT

2007-10-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Its WAY to hot for October, I mean I understand we are in Texas, but MAN!! Mckinlee had a fair day today we decided since every weekend is booked to go to the pumpkin patch...well....it was soo hot!! we were there long enough for pics and left!! Im sooooooo ready for FALL!!!

we had picked up Chera and Cassidy so we went for ice cream and back to their place to work on Pics for tanners bday ( i can NOT believe he will be 3 soon) anyways by the time we were done it was traffic time so we just hung out!! they all rock for letting us stay :) My kids just love that whole family!!! when we left we stopped by collin creek I need to RETURN some stuff to the Disney store and i got tanner a Capt jack outfit for his bday/halloween, I am SUCH a Disney SUCKER!!! why do i NOT own stock in them??? I spent MORE money of course...man oh man

we had sucha long day starting with meeting a Baby Olivia, what sweetness, I just love babies!! Congrats to Christina and James she is just BEAUTIFUL!!! anyway we left the house at 10am, and didnt' get home until 8:30 tanner was already a sleep and Mckinlee quickly followed!! 2 more days this week!! then a busy weekend...man where does the time go????

just because, here are a few more pics from today!!

***YAY i learned how to add pics!! watch out!! i take WAY to many hehe**

I can sew!!!!

2007-10-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Not very good, but i DID it!! so on DAM a friend is host a sewing club - ive always wanted to do it, but never actually did - I will admit I just assumed it was super easy and you could do it fast...well I have a new found respect for those that make those outfits!! and the money they charge!! first of all - for everything I need for one outfit it was $25!! so it is NOT cheaper to make your stuff!! and the 2 hour sew pattern took me about 6 to 8 hours...REMEMBER, though - this was my very first time to even use a sewing machine, so i was realllllllllly slow!! but I did it and it is wearable!!

So my Granny helped me - and by help she just guided me, I actually did 100% of the sewing!! I was so proud of me!! I can't wait to do more things!! This is my last week watching jamie, Im a little sad, but that also means I have thursday to do stuff for ME!!!! The kids went to play with their cousin, Nathan and had TONS of fun!! Nathan has gotten Tanner into Power Rangers, OMG...I am so not sure about the "boy" toys and shows!! I can handle Pixar movies and stuff - but power rangers, YIKES!

Not much else has happened, I just wanted to brag on my sewing ;) McKinlee is out of school tomorrow for the fair, we arent going but hanging out with friends, so Im sure Ill have something to say!! sorry guys we are not to exciting!!

A Tanner Brag

2007-09-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

I just picked up tanner, he is in MDO one day a week...I really need to do two - but financially just can't right know!! Anyway, I got there today he was cutting playdoh - he said "Hi mom I playing playdoh" and just sat there like and Im gonna finish. hehe That was fine I had an opportunity to talk to the Teachers.

So I talked and they said tanner was so good, he sits in circle time - repeats his spanish, took a good nap...AND said please and thank you with out being prompted...that made me feel so good!! my little man, getting sooooo big!! I was so proud!! AND he didn't cry today!! this was the 4th day?? and only going once a week - so I was pretty happy with that!!

McKinlee is home too!! Reading again, I can't believe how well she is doing!! and I am also Happy to Report the PTA meeting this am wasn't horrible...I ha d a few points - and she really sounded like she was going to get her crap in order, and hopefully we are starting fresh! Im ready to be productive! thanks to all of you for listening to my huge ramble last night!

Of to go have some fun!

OOOooohhhHHH the Drama...

2007-09-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

So, I was about to go to bed, but I am so dang stressed - i thought maybe a blog to get it all out would help...so here goes **prepare for a tad of a vent here**

Last year, we all know Mckinlee started Kindergarten - I was so excited to be involved in her school, my mom didn't have that opportunity with me. I really was looking forward to it! I decided to just a be a member, I mean elementary in our town is up to 6th grade and well then I have Tanner. I didn't make it to many meetings, since we had dance on the same nights as most of them....in March I got to help with the yearbook, and I was sooooo excited!! I was a HS editor and well, i just loved it!! I got all excited when we were going to a new school - a FRESH start...I wanted to do the yearbook and get more involved with PTA.

GOOD GRIEF what a freaking mistake...in the last 24 hours we have had 4 of our 6 members of the executive board RESIGN and NONE of them needed to!! the remaining ones seems to be the issue!! I am talking spending $$$ that wasn't voted on and approved..and we aren't talking 5 or 10 bucks, we are talking 6 or 7 HUNDRED...this is kinda my CHILD they are f-ing with...I am NOT happy!! part of me wants to say forget it...then part of me doesn't want her to screw it up this bad...we are having a meeting in the am, and i am NOT looking forward to it...FINALLY our principle is gettin involved, i am curious, nervous, pissed all in the same!! and I am not a confrontational person, so this will be interesting!!

ANy who...that has been my last few days, I have received about 30 emails a DAY on this crap...so im ready to slow it down!!!! we had company come over today, our Cousin Cindy and Austin, the boys have so much fun!! they line allllll of Tanners cars across the whole entire living room!! I think that boy needs more cars ... NOT!! then we went to CiCis for dinner - our 1st spirit night...which considering we are in such a rut I wasn't sure, but we went!!!

OH OH ... McKinlee has started her Reading folder, and ready a 144 page book in the last two days!! almost COMPLETELY by herself a few bigger words like considerate or stranger..but with a little guidance she did it!! Im so proud of her!! she had to read some of it to daddy tonight, and he had to sign her "log" too - BECAUSE if she gets 20 then she gets to eat w/ the teacher and that is a big deal to her!!

I think that is what is new in our crazy house...we are enjoying life, acting crazy and lovin' every minute of it!! see ya in the next day or so! :D

Wow, what an experiance..

2007-09-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the short post last week...The other leader I was riding with called my cell phone...HELLO ... if you dont know me well, then let me tell ya- I *ONLY* answer that dang thang maybe 1/2 the time...hahaha

So anyway - we left friday after school to go to Bette Perot camp for Girl Scouts...We had several stops and finally got there about 7:30p just before dark - good too because it was SUPER dark there!! so we wonder around some, roast marshmallows for smores and head off to bed...the cabins sleep 8 and there was 6 of us and i was SO glad I had my sleeping bag with the fan on and windows open(no a/c) it was cool!!

Breakfast was at 7:15 - which wasn't to bad - no curtains the sun had us up!! french toast - yum although they ran outta eggs we got some of the last ones..hehe good thing we weren't late ;)

We were given a scavenger hunt to find places around the camp and then had horse riding at 10. Off we were, the girls were SUPER excited to get those holes punched at each location... then horse time came so we headed that way...after that crafts/lunch/swim/craft/dinner...we were B U S Y! ! ! ! ! Well the Pool or something gave me hives and so i got grouchy...we started to look for our LAST place on the scavenger...NOW we had looked for this place once already wondering about 10mins...so off we go again, we go to where we THINK it is and walk and walk and walk...then we get to a T...no signs and the light is getting dimmer...so we decide to forget it... Dang Alligator Pond. so we go to Flag Retiring and see the bon fire and sing songs and watch skits...mckinlee is super tired but wants to do the night hike...YEA RIGHT!! so she makes me walk about 5 mins up a hill, then decides well maybe i don't want to!! UGH but I wasn't gonna complain..so we went to the cabin get our stuff off to the "latrine" and then i realize my hives are YUCKY...but what can ya do...we go back to the cabin pack some and off to bed...

the next morning our breakfast wasn't until 9 am, but we have Kapar to sign up for(those are our chores) well we didnt realize we were signing up for a morning one...so we had to get there at 8am to "hide" the breakfasts - this was fun and the girls loved it...well during breakfast we find out...remember Alligator Pond?? well if we finish the hunt the girls get a special patch...we are soooooo close and the girls WANT to finish...and come to find out there is a GUIDED trail STEPS from our cabin - we never even SAW the sign...DANG IT..I mean we spent a good hour searching for it....mckinlee even had a nasty run in w/ a pointy vine that ended in tears...and bad momma was sooo tired I wouldn't/couldn't carry her which made it MUCH MUCH worse!!

On the GOOD side we found it!! and talked about IF there were alligators in it..??? we did find a blog saying it was...YIKES - we were REALLY close to that pond...but all ready to go it was very humid sun ... so we took a pic so they know we really did go..and off we went... DALLAS here we come... fun YES...do I want to go again, uuhhhmmmmm NO!!! well ok later...much MUCH MUUUUCH later!!

we got home and just lounged I was so tired and doped up on benedryl - mckinlee played she was ready to go after the car ride...but she was still in bed by 8!!

On a sadder note, chris's g-ma died Fri. we had the funeral today...I feel like such a horrible person, I think I met her twice...chris and I have been together 10 YEARS...married 8 and I can't say one thing about her really....this is his grandmother...well great. I felt like such a horrible great granddaughter in law...why didn't we make time for her...we new basically were she was...and then his Nanny was there today (nannys husband was this grandmothers son) anyway... Chris's granddad died on his 2nd bday...so nanny is alone, and only in garland...I feel so bad that we never have time to go over there...Life is short and you never know when someone will leave us...I pledge to myself that I will try MUCH harder to go visit!! I want my kids to know their family more than just a name. Sorry Nanny, we love you bunches!! Mamaw Reynolds - I am soo sorry I didn't get to know you better!! Im sorry that my kids never met your smiling face!

that will be my early new years resolution.... along with blogging to be able to look back on our life many many many years to come!! so someone call me in a few days, and say HELLO rena new blog please! because we have PTA, cici's night, school, girl scouts, work, life and other things that just keep me from thinking of it!

sorry this was long and if you read to here bless you!! you must be bored to pieces...what a true friend you are..LUV YA!!

See I told ya...

2007-09-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

I have thought about Blogging, but then I get side tracked and forget!! Let me see...this week...school all week for McKinlee - she got her progress report today - ALL E's for excellent in all 'subjects' mostly E's in conduct....2 S's in follows directions :( opps must be the talking!!

Ok well I must run sorry I was going to say mckinlee and I are camping this weekend and well...our ride is here!! so ill post Sun!!!