Yesterday's post and Girls Weekend reminded me of another little prank from my past.
Someday I hope my boys will read these posts and perhaps they will realize that their mom used to be fun (because I am sure they will think I am a big ol' stick in the mud when they are teenagers). One of my favorite stories is of my dad getting caught skipping school and going to play pool with his buddies.
There's a place in The Woodlands just north of Houston called The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. We shopped near there during Girls Weekend. It is an outdoor amphitheater with regular chair seats but also a sloping hill where people can sit on a blanket and/or bring a picnic to watch the concert. Very fun. Possibly romantic if you are there with the right person.
Several of us went to see James Taylor. We bought the cheap tickets which meant sitting on the hill. I can't remember for sure, but I think I was there with some of the girls who taught school with me so it definitely wasn't a date night for me. While we were waiting for the performance to start we happened to see Joe** one of the guys who taught with us at Second Baptist School. Joe** did not see us. Joe** was on a date. We did not recognize Date Girl so our guess was that this might be a first date or a very new relationship. Joe was reclining on the blanket with the beautiful girl, the picnic basket, and the perfect weather (and soon the JT music). He didn't know of the triple dog dare 40 feet behind him.
I walked down the far side of the hill like I was going to the restroom so he wouldn't see me. I walked up the "aisle" closest to Joe looking around like I was trying to find my group. When I saw him, I acted very surprised and said in a somewhat excited loud voice,
"Joe? Joe? Oh my goodness! I can't believe it's you. I haven't seen you since you broke off our ENGAGEMENT."
Everyone on their blankets near Joe immediately turned to watch thinking, "Oh, this is going to be good."
Date Girl is clearly uncomfortable.
Joe's face is red and he is trying to say something but before he can speak, I say
"What has it been? Two months? I can't believe it has been two months!!! How are you? And how's your family?"
Then I promptly plopped down on their blanket continuing to ask rapid fire questions.
I am surprised Joe didn't kill me right then and there. My friends are watching 40 feet up and while they can't hear anything they can see his and her priceless facial expressions.
Date Girl's mind is racing. "He was engaged? He didn't tell me that. She is sitting on our blanket."
I try to keep it up without laughing and even introduce myself to Date Girl. Finally, Joe is laughing because he knows I got him good. He is saying, "Rachel, stop it. Rachel, I am going to kill you." This makes me start laughing so I can't keep up the act.
Joe reluctantly introduces me to Date Girl as one of his co-workers (and not a former fiancee). I leave them alone so he can convince her that I really was just kidding.
Now that was a fun concert!
**Names have been changed to protect the innocent especially since Joe didn't marry that Date Girl but he is happily married to someone else and has two kids (so I hear).
Happy Birthday to my nephew Thom today! Have a great day! Next year's the big one!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Throwback Thursday
The date: 1996ish (definitely pre Sept. 11)
The place: George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX
The mood: Always be careful when you ask someone else to pick you up at the airport.
Back in our single days in Houston it was common to ask another single to pick you up at the airport if you had to travel for business or go home to visit family. It saved on parking fees and it was usually easy to find a friend to help.
We had a friend named Trey. He was the director of our Sunday School class. He was one of those guys who always had a snappy comeback for everything or a snide remark. He loved pulling pranks and always seemed to have the last laugh. He teased others mercilessly, but was an all around good guy.
Several of us from our class were having dinner together one night and one of the guys said he had to leave to go pick up Trey from the airport.
I may have suggested that we "pick him up" in style. We went home to find appropriate attire and make a poster. I wish the pictures were better quality.
He never ever told anyone when he was going out of town ever again.
The place: George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX
The mood: Always be careful when you ask someone else to pick you up at the airport.
Back in our single days in Houston it was common to ask another single to pick you up at the airport if you had to travel for business or go home to visit family. It saved on parking fees and it was usually easy to find a friend to help.
We had a friend named Trey. He was the director of our Sunday School class. He was one of those guys who always had a snappy comeback for everything or a snide remark. He loved pulling pranks and always seemed to have the last laugh. He teased others mercilessly, but was an all around good guy.
Several of us from our class were having dinner together one night and one of the guys said he had to leave to go pick up Trey from the airport.
I may have suggested that we "pick him up" in style. We went home to find appropriate attire and make a poster. I wish the pictures were better quality.
The sign read, "Trey Vick -- Congradulations on ur parole. We knowed you didn't do it." When he got off the plane we all started yelling and cheering and congratulating him on his parole. He was shocked and speechless to say the least. Trey is in the white Polo Sport tshirt. 
He never ever told anyone when he was going out of town ever again.
We did pull this little prank a few more times to our unsuspecting friends. Every time I flew after that I always got a little nervous when it was time to deplane.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Fly the Friendly Skies
My flight to Houston was 2 hours and 18 minutes. That's an important detail in this little story.
Like a good little girl, I went to the restroom before I boarded the plane. But for some reason about 30 minutes into the flight I had to go again. Maybe it has something to do with altitude and pressure changes on my bladder or the coffee I drank at home. Who knows.
I head back to the restroom and lock the door. No light comes on. So my first thought is that I didn't slide the lever into the locked position. So I open the door and close it again and slide the lever shut. Still no light. Try again. Nothing. I am sure the people in the back of the plane are starting to formulate some opinions about the girl in the bathroom who keeps opening and closing the door.
Then I second guess myself even though I've flown hundreds of times. Is there a light switch in the airplane bathroom? I feel around for one. The germaphobe in me is freaking out touching all those nasty surfaces. Nope. No light switch.
Do you know how dark an airplane bathroom is? No lights. None. No crack with a little light filtering through. Pitch dark.
At this point I had waited too long. I REALLY had to go to the bathroom and couldn't hold it so I proceded in the darkness hoping that I wouldn't miss. (Sorry if this is too gross for you.) See, I am a squatter and that is all I am going to say about that. On a level of difficulty scale, this bathroom trip was a 9.825. It would have been a 10 if I were on crutches or had a small child with me.
But here's the kicker: I finish (sucessfully) and wash my hands. I walk out and the flight attendant happens to be near the back of the plane by my seat. I could not make this up if I tried.
Me: Did you know the light is out in the bathroom?
Flight Attendant: Yes. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. They can't fix it until we get to Houston.
Me: (just staring at her with a dumbfounded look)
FA: Good thing going to the bathroom is one of those things we do everyday so we can still do it in the dark.
Me: (fake laugh) yeah, good thing???
No lie. Then finally at about the 1 hour and 30 minute mark (remember the flight is only 2 hrs 18 min), the flight attendant comes on and says this:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the light is not working in the lavatory. It will be fixed when we get to Houston. In the meantime, there is a flashlight next to the wall of the lavatory IF you need it. But please return it since it is a part of our emergency equipment."
Seriously? Do you think you could have offered the flashlight option, oh I don't know, at the beginning of the flight when she KNEW there was no light?
That same airline (I won't use names but it rhymes with Dontinental) now charges $50 to be put on the list to fly standby. I was going to try to get an earlier flight home on Monday and I asked the agent if I could do that. She said it would cost $50. There were three people on the list ahead of me so I asked her what would happen if I didn't get a seat. Her response? You'll lose $50. I asked her to explain it again because clearly I was missing something. Same story. You have to pay just to get on the list whether you actually get the seat or not. Wait, am I in Houston or Vegas? Because that sounds like gambling to me!
Like a good little girl, I went to the restroom before I boarded the plane. But for some reason about 30 minutes into the flight I had to go again. Maybe it has something to do with altitude and pressure changes on my bladder or the coffee I drank at home. Who knows.
I head back to the restroom and lock the door. No light comes on. So my first thought is that I didn't slide the lever into the locked position. So I open the door and close it again and slide the lever shut. Still no light. Try again. Nothing. I am sure the people in the back of the plane are starting to formulate some opinions about the girl in the bathroom who keeps opening and closing the door.
Then I second guess myself even though I've flown hundreds of times. Is there a light switch in the airplane bathroom? I feel around for one. The germaphobe in me is freaking out touching all those nasty surfaces. Nope. No light switch.
Do you know how dark an airplane bathroom is? No lights. None. No crack with a little light filtering through. Pitch dark.
At this point I had waited too long. I REALLY had to go to the bathroom and couldn't hold it so I proceded in the darkness hoping that I wouldn't miss. (Sorry if this is too gross for you.) See, I am a squatter and that is all I am going to say about that. On a level of difficulty scale, this bathroom trip was a 9.825. It would have been a 10 if I were on crutches or had a small child with me.
But here's the kicker: I finish (sucessfully) and wash my hands. I walk out and the flight attendant happens to be near the back of the plane by my seat. I could not make this up if I tried.
Me: Did you know the light is out in the bathroom?
Flight Attendant: Yes. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. They can't fix it until we get to Houston.
Me: (just staring at her with a dumbfounded look)
FA: Good thing going to the bathroom is one of those things we do everyday so we can still do it in the dark.
Me: (fake laugh) yeah, good thing???
No lie. Then finally at about the 1 hour and 30 minute mark (remember the flight is only 2 hrs 18 min), the flight attendant comes on and says this:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the light is not working in the lavatory. It will be fixed when we get to Houston. In the meantime, there is a flashlight next to the wall of the lavatory IF you need it. But please return it since it is a part of our emergency equipment."
Seriously? Do you think you could have offered the flashlight option, oh I don't know, at the beginning of the flight when she KNEW there was no light?
That same airline (I won't use names but it rhymes with Dontinental) now charges $50 to be put on the list to fly standby. I was going to try to get an earlier flight home on Monday and I asked the agent if I could do that. She said it would cost $50. There were three people on the list ahead of me so I asked her what would happen if I didn't get a seat. Her response? You'll lose $50. I asked her to explain it again because clearly I was missing something. Same story. You have to pay just to get on the list whether you actually get the seat or not. Wait, am I in Houston or Vegas? Because that sounds like gambling to me!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Chalk One Up
Before I had kids, my friends with kids told me that dads interact differently with their kids than moms do. Whether it's changing a diaper, giving a bath or playing, dads just do it differently. I didn't understand at first. But now I do.
Fletcher went to a birthday party recently and he received sidewalk chalk in the goodie bag. I was in the house cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. I'll let these pictures speak for themselves.
I know I said I would let the pictures speak for themselves, but please note Kevin's face.
And neck.
Luke is just now starting to learn his colors. Kevin put some pink chalk on his feet and Luke frantically started wiping it off saying, "Not pink. Not pink. Not pink."
Monday, July 27, 2009
Girls' Weekend 2009
I've been at Lake Conroe just north of Houston for our annual Girls' Weekend since Friday.
Kevin is at home alone with the boys for Boys' Weekend (Fletcher started calling it that). Pray for him. Fletcher has big plans since mom is away. On Thursday he told me, "Mom, I can't wait to take you to the airport." I wasn't sure how to take that.
We won't be doing any whitewater rafting this weekend, just relaxing by the pool and enjoying time together without kids.
Kevin is at home alone with the boys for Boys' Weekend (Fletcher started calling it that). Pray for him. Fletcher has big plans since mom is away. On Thursday he told me, "Mom, I can't wait to take you to the airport." I wasn't sure how to take that.
We won't be doing any whitewater rafting this weekend, just relaxing by the pool and enjoying time together without kids.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Summer Garden
What an adventure this has been!
Of everything we've planted the cucumbers have done the best even though they have taken over a portion of the fencing around the garden. Fletcher and Kevin have especially enjoyed eating them. We were getting tomatoes too until the blight completely destroyed them. They were all very small though.
We took out the carrots and the onions because they weren't growing. We are holding on to a little hope for the strawberries and leaving the peppers just in case. I didn't have much hope for the blueberries in the first place since they were an impulse purchase at Sam's. I probably should do some research to see what kind of blueberry plants grow best around here.
This white flower is a bloom on one of the strawberry plants.
I did buy a pack of mini pumpkin seeds for the boys to plant. It says it takes 100 days to grow. So that means we should plant them today. I don't think we will plant anything else for the fall.
Will I do a garden again next year? I'm not sure. I have learned alot, but I still realize there's so much to learn. I think I know a little more about what NOT to do. With North Carolina's unpredictible spring weather (remember it snowed on March 1 after we planted stuff on Feb. 15), I don't think I'll do a spring garden. But we may try another summer garden.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Throwback Thursday
The date: 1969-1975
The place: All of these were taken somewhere in the vicinity of Sulphur, Louisiana
The mood: Oh, there is just so much to say. So I'll give a brief rundown of each photo. Please feel free to comment if I miss anything.
1969ish - please note Denise's lovely glasses and orange ensemble. Poor David hadn't had eye surgery yet to fix his lazy eye, but the shorts with longsleeves adds a nice touch. Mike didn't get the memo that white socks don't go with black dress shoes. Me - I really just didn't want to take the picture. That sofa was a luxurious dark green vinyl.
I like this picture alot. It is one of the few we have of our entire family. I was probably about 2 years old so this would have been around 1970. I am not sure where we were because I don't recognize that couch. Denise is rockin' that plaid skirt. My mom looks so young with her headband and flippy hair.
1972 - Mike was 14, Denise was 12, David was 6 and I was 3. My MawMaw Petree (mom's mom) made our matching dresses. Don't miss the fact that David is wearing a plaid tie that matches his plaid shirt. Now there's a new fashion trend that didn't catch on. Mike would spend hours in the bathroom trying to get his hair to do that.
Probably 1973 - I was a flowergirl in a wedding. Sorry Mike, you were just too tall to fit your head in the picture. That corner of the living room was our "photo corner" for some reason. Don't miss Mike's white shoes. I think we still have that set of encyclopedias somewhere. I spent hours looking through those when I was a kid.
1974 - David and Mike were both secure enough in their manhood to wear varying shades of pink. Mike still had the combover bang thing going on. Denise had seriously long hair. I remember wearing that little necklace was kind of a big deal for me. Um, David, what were you looking at?
1975 - Mike's hair changed from the combover to the butt cut part down the middle. Nice black leisure suit with very busy shirt. That 70's Show would have loved this for their costume department. David is stylin' with his white bow tie and shirt. You can't tell from the photo but I went with the nautical sailor look in this photo. My sister cut her hair all short and sassy.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Drawing A Blank
I got nothing.
Blogger's block.
Kids haven't said or done anything funny.
Haven't run across any funny videos or pictures or websites online.
Video camera battery needs to be recharged.
No crazy stories from my marriage, neighborhood, grocery store, park, pool or church.
So do you have any questions for me? A story you want me to tell? Wisdom from my 40 years?
You ask. I'll answer. I'm an open book.*
*As long as I don't have to use our last name or tell where we live. I'm a little freaky when it comes to that kind of stuff. You know with all those internet crazies out there.
Blogger's block.
Kids haven't said or done anything funny.
Haven't run across any funny videos or pictures or websites online.
Video camera battery needs to be recharged.
No crazy stories from my marriage, neighborhood, grocery store, park, pool or church.
So do you have any questions for me? A story you want me to tell? Wisdom from my 40 years?
You ask. I'll answer. I'm an open book.*
*As long as I don't have to use our last name or tell where we live. I'm a little freaky when it comes to that kind of stuff. You know with all those internet crazies out there.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monkey On Your Back
Fletcher and Luke both got furry monkeys at Fletcher's End Of Preschool Fun Day. They are the kind of monkeys that have velcro on their hands and feet so you can attach them to things. Who knew such a cheap little trinket could provide hours (literally) of entertainment at our house.
Most recently, they've been wearing them around their necks as capes. They run around the house yelling. Super Monkey Boys. (They do alot of non-purposeful yelling with or without monkeys on their backs. Our house is an acoustical dream. I've given up trying to make them stop.)
I tried to get pictures, but Luke wouldn't stop playing long enough to pose. He wouldn't even look at the camera. Fletcher, on the other hand, wanted to be sure his knife and his tough-guy face got into the picture.
I'm sensing we might need some superhero capes in the near future. 
Monday, July 20, 2009
Surprises
I ordered this on Friday for Luke's birthday.
He loves Kevin's truck so I figured he would enjoy one of his own complete with hard hat and tool set and flip down tailgate. He played with his cousin Bear's Cozy Coupe in Louisiana and liked that too.
Kevin told me I could order it as long as I promised that I would not give it to Luke until his birthday. He knows me all too well. I have a hard time waiting to give gifts. Once I buy it, I want to give it.
This is going to be a long 30 days.
He loves Kevin's truck so I figured he would enjoy one of his own complete with hard hat and tool set and flip down tailgate. He played with his cousin Bear's Cozy Coupe in Louisiana and liked that too.
There's only one problem.
It is supposed to arrive this week.
But Luke's birthday isn't until August 20th.
Kevin told me I could order it as long as I promised that I would not give it to Luke until his birthday. He knows me all too well. I have a hard time waiting to give gifts. Once I buy it, I want to give it.
This is going to be a long 30 days.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Fourth of July Weekend
Finally! Here are a few pictures from our trip to Louisiana for the 4th of July.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Throwback Thursday
The date: Only one pic said 1980 on it so the other ones were late 70's 
Normally, I would not post a picture of me in a swimsuit on my blog, but I'll make an exception. Look at that tan. Obviously, sunscreen was optional.
This picture was from one of the first trips I remember. I was deathly afraid of the water and I'm not sure why. I would not let go of the side of the pool even with my life jacket on. Finally, on the very last day I let go and had fun "swimming" then I cried because we had to go home.
My family has always referred to this photo as the "starving Ethopian child". I know that isn't politically correct. But it shows that I was a pretty skinny kid and got really dark in the summertime. Maybe I should have eaten some of that bread instead of feeding it all to the ducks. Again, we've got some modesty issues with those short shorts.
Just in case you were considering booking your summer vacation at Miller's Resort, sadly I have to inform you that it is no longer there.
The place: Miller's Resort, Hot Springs, Arkansas
The mood: These are the pictures I was referring to in this post. Miller's was a favorite vacation spot for my family over the years.
This is my brother David and me in front of our luxury condo complete with lumpy pull out vinyl sofa and kitchenette. Check out my high waisted shorts and halter top. Mom, where was my modesty? Why was my brother wearing blue jeans in the summer?
This is the pool with a diving board. Most pools these days don't have those for liability reasons. David is showing off his moves. The picture below is the dock. We watched the boats come in and out of this little inlet. We did not have a boat. We did some fishing off of this dock. My dad said I talked too much and scared all of the fish away. :(
Normally, I would not post a picture of me in a swimsuit on my blog, but I'll make an exception. Look at that tan. Obviously, sunscreen was optional.
This picture was from one of the first trips I remember. I was deathly afraid of the water and I'm not sure why. I would not let go of the side of the pool even with my life jacket on. Finally, on the very last day I let go and had fun "swimming" then I cried because we had to go home.
My family has always referred to this photo as the "starving Ethopian child". I know that isn't politically correct. But it shows that I was a pretty skinny kid and got really dark in the summertime. Maybe I should have eaten some of that bread instead of feeding it all to the ducks. Again, we've got some modesty issues with those short shorts.
Just in case you were considering booking your summer vacation at Miller's Resort, sadly I have to inform you that it is no longer there.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Great Minds
(Thankfully, we are all better at our house but I still need to catch up on LA trip photos so blogs might be a little random this week)
I love creativity. I love the creative process. Ideas. Brainstorming. Critiquing. Finished product.
I wish I were better at it. Unfortunately, I am not very artistic which is why I majored in math and not art in college (although some will say that there is something artistically beautiful about an isosceles triangle). Maybe.
I also like graphic design stuff. I can't talk in specific graphic designer lingo, but I can look at something and say, "That's a neat idea" or "Cool font".
This link below has about 400 creative business cards. Each one is like a mini art project. I know. I am just a geek at heart. I have no need for a business card since I am a stay at home mom. I haven't needed a business card in almost three years. I suppose I could have a mommy card, but handing that out at Chick-Fil-A might be awkward. I still love the creativity in these cards and I am sure you have plenty of time to scroll through all 400 and pick a favorite or two. Or maybe not.
I'm so glad God invented creativity. After all, He chose rainbows in the sky and burning bushes to get his message across to his people. We're just following His lead.
Enjoy.
http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/
I love creativity. I love the creative process. Ideas. Brainstorming. Critiquing. Finished product.
I wish I were better at it. Unfortunately, I am not very artistic which is why I majored in math and not art in college (although some will say that there is something artistically beautiful about an isosceles triangle). Maybe.
I also like graphic design stuff. I can't talk in specific graphic designer lingo, but I can look at something and say, "That's a neat idea" or "Cool font".
This link below has about 400 creative business cards. Each one is like a mini art project. I know. I am just a geek at heart. I have no need for a business card since I am a stay at home mom. I haven't needed a business card in almost three years. I suppose I could have a mommy card, but handing that out at Chick-Fil-A might be awkward. I still love the creativity in these cards and I am sure you have plenty of time to scroll through all 400 and pick a favorite or two. Or maybe not.
I'm so glad God invented creativity. After all, He chose rainbows in the sky and burning bushes to get his message across to his people. We're just following His lead.
Enjoy.
http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Fun Finds
After the crazy week we had, I told Kevin that I needed a break from the boys and they needed a break from me. So he graciously let me have the majority of the day on Saturday to run errands and just wander the aisles of Marshalls without wiping any bottoms or attempting to convince someone to eat or drink something.
I stopped by the consignment store where I take some of the boys clothes to pick up my check. I found these cute things and they were essentially free since I used my store credit to purchase them.
This wooden clock is from Pottery Barn Kids. You can see from the picture that each little rotating block has the number, the number written out, the number in dots and the minutes. I'm pretty sure Fletcher will start learning to tell time either in kindergarten or maybe 1st grade so I hope it will be helpful. It is just really cute. Fletcher loves it.
Note the Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on the counter. Momma don't play when it comes to viruses. Also note the sympathy flowers that Kevin brought home to me Friday night because he knew we had a rough week. Awwwww. Why, yes, that is yet another gun that Fletcher is holding. Kevin took care of a neighbor's dog and they brought toys for the boys as a thank you. This is one of those air guns that shoots foam suction bullets. Kevin and Fletcher have had fun with it. Those foam bullets do stick to the ceiling but they eventually fall off.
Luke is really into big machines these days so when I saw this giant Little Tikes excavator and bulldozer I knew he would love them. He does. They are on the deck right now and he has asked to go outside to play with them. They are previously loved but they still have lots of life left in them. We got out the scrub brushes and soap and the boys had fun washing them.
Now I just need to convince Kevin that we need a big sandbox for them. Of course, that will involve killing the grass but I think it would be totally worth it. Another option would be to take the dirt out of the garden and fill that box with sand. Hmmmm. Now there's a thought.
I'd kill grass for this cute face anyday.
I'll have a garden update for you perhaps tomorrow.
I stopped by the consignment store where I take some of the boys clothes to pick up my check. I found these cute things and they were essentially free since I used my store credit to purchase them.
This wooden clock is from Pottery Barn Kids. You can see from the picture that each little rotating block has the number, the number written out, the number in dots and the minutes. I'm pretty sure Fletcher will start learning to tell time either in kindergarten or maybe 1st grade so I hope it will be helpful. It is just really cute. Fletcher loves it.
Note the Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on the counter. Momma don't play when it comes to viruses. Also note the sympathy flowers that Kevin brought home to me Friday night because he knew we had a rough week. Awwwww. Why, yes, that is yet another gun that Fletcher is holding. Kevin took care of a neighbor's dog and they brought toys for the boys as a thank you. This is one of those air guns that shoots foam suction bullets. Kevin and Fletcher have had fun with it. Those foam bullets do stick to the ceiling but they eventually fall off.Luke is really into big machines these days so when I saw this giant Little Tikes excavator and bulldozer I knew he would love them. He does. They are on the deck right now and he has asked to go outside to play with them. They are previously loved but they still have lots of life left in them. We got out the scrub brushes and soap and the boys had fun washing them.
Now I just need to convince Kevin that we need a big sandbox for them. Of course, that will involve killing the grass but I think it would be totally worth it. Another option would be to take the dirt out of the garden and fill that box with sand. Hmmmm. Now there's a thought.I'd kill grass for this cute face anyday.
I'll have a garden update for you perhaps tomorrow.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Oh My Goodness
What a week!
Fletcher's little illness from the plane turned into a full blown gastrointestinal virus coupled with an ear infection with a pretty high fever and stomach cramps and headaches. He finally started feeling better Sunday afternoon. That's 6 days of sickness. He's never been sick that long. Kevin was out of town until Friday so it was just me and the boys. Luke was not liking all of the attention his big brother was receiving so he decided to be particularly fussy and clingy too. In Luke's little mind I guess he thought Mommy and Fletcher were having a grand ole time playing games without him behind that closed bathroom door. The fact that I wouldn't let him come in the bathroom with us 17 times a day just added to his frustration. Good times.
I took Fletcher to the doctor and the doc said to follow the "BRAT" diet - Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast and Pedialyte since he was having bowel difficulties to put it nicely. He never threw up. It was all in the other direction. Alot in the other direction. Numerous times a day. And several or eight times at night. For six days.
Anyway.
It was a lesson in patience and perserverance for me.
I would not make a good nurse.
Did I mention he doesn't like rice?
We had several conversations that went something like this:
Mom: Why don't you drink some of this Pedialyte.
Fletcher: No
Mom: How about eating some baked potato. I'll make one for you.
F: No
M: Crackers?
F: No
M: Pasta?
F: No
M: Banana?
F: No
M: Toast?
F: (wait for it) No
Are you sensing a pattern here?
F: (Clutching stomach, contorted face) Ohhhhh. My stomach hurts. My head. My head hurts too.
M: Oh buddy I am so sorry you are sick.
F: (crying, with a dramatic flair) I just can't handle this sickness. I need to feel better.
M: Well, the doctor said you need to drink this stuff and eat some of the things I've mentioned
F: No
M: (bites tongue and looks for nearest wall to pound my head against)
I realize Pedialyte doesn't taste very good at all. I finally resorted to making Pedialyte smoothies with bananas, yogurt, peaches, Pedialyte and probiotic powder. Miracle of all miracles - he actually liked it and drank it. So I made more. And continued to make more until now he's had so many bananas that he probably won't poop until Christmas.
But he's feeling better so maybe I'm not such a bad nurse after all.
Fletcher's little illness from the plane turned into a full blown gastrointestinal virus coupled with an ear infection with a pretty high fever and stomach cramps and headaches. He finally started feeling better Sunday afternoon. That's 6 days of sickness. He's never been sick that long. Kevin was out of town until Friday so it was just me and the boys. Luke was not liking all of the attention his big brother was receiving so he decided to be particularly fussy and clingy too. In Luke's little mind I guess he thought Mommy and Fletcher were having a grand ole time playing games without him behind that closed bathroom door. The fact that I wouldn't let him come in the bathroom with us 17 times a day just added to his frustration. Good times.
I took Fletcher to the doctor and the doc said to follow the "BRAT" diet - Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast and Pedialyte since he was having bowel difficulties to put it nicely. He never threw up. It was all in the other direction. Alot in the other direction. Numerous times a day. And several or eight times at night. For six days.
Anyway.
It was a lesson in patience and perserverance for me.
I would not make a good nurse.
Did I mention he doesn't like rice?
We had several conversations that went something like this:
Mom: Why don't you drink some of this Pedialyte.
Fletcher: No
Mom: How about eating some baked potato. I'll make one for you.
F: No
M: Crackers?
F: No
M: Pasta?
F: No
M: Banana?
F: No
M: Toast?
F: (wait for it) No
Are you sensing a pattern here?
F: (Clutching stomach, contorted face) Ohhhhh. My stomach hurts. My head. My head hurts too.
M: Oh buddy I am so sorry you are sick.
F: (crying, with a dramatic flair) I just can't handle this sickness. I need to feel better.
M: Well, the doctor said you need to drink this stuff and eat some of the things I've mentioned
F: No
M: (bites tongue and looks for nearest wall to pound my head against)
I realize Pedialyte doesn't taste very good at all. I finally resorted to making Pedialyte smoothies with bananas, yogurt, peaches, Pedialyte and probiotic powder. Miracle of all miracles - he actually liked it and drank it. So I made more. And continued to make more until now he's had so many bananas that he probably won't poop until Christmas.
But he's feeling better so maybe I'm not such a bad nurse after all.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Ready. Set. Eat.
Pork Loin. Rice. Gravy. Corn. Peas. Rolls. Salad. Strawberry Shortcake. Leftovers. Chips. Salsa. Cheese Dip. Dark Chocolate M&M's. Hamburgers. Hotdogs. Sausage. BBQ Chicken. Potato Salad. Rice Dressing. Baked Beans. Garlic Bread. Cantalope. Tomatoes (freshly picked from the garden). Apple Pie. Brownie Cake. Leftovers. Spaghetti with Meatballs. Caesar Salad. Garlic Bread. Peach Cobbler. Ice Cream. Fried Shrimp. Potato Salad. Green Salad. Bread. French Fries. Jalapenos. Chocolate Pudding Pie. Pizza. Breadsticks. Wings.
That's a whole lot of food in just four days! And I didn't even mention breakfast.
That's a whole lot of food in just four days! And I didn't even mention breakfast.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Give Me A Ticket For An Aeroplane
Ain't got time to take a fast train.
Although I think a fast train might have gotten us home a little sooner on Tuesday.
Here's the recap of our travel day. Bullet point style but without the bullets.
5 AM wake up
Sick mommy
Rush to airport
Final boarding call for ______(insert our last name here)
Scramble to get two kids and two adults and stuff through security
Yes, toddler must take off shoes to go through security
Aaaaargh
Row 19
Very back of the plane
Taxi to runway
Sit for twenty minutes
Huge thunderstorm in Houston (our connecting city)
Hasn't rained in Houston for months
IAH closes down for over an hour
Wait in plane for hour
Begins to rain
Toddler starts singing, "Rain, rain go away come again another day"
Repeats 50 times to the delight of all passengers I'm sure
Sick 5 year old child
Crying child
Sick child needs to p00p
Sick child doesn't want to go in airplane bathroom
Sick child and Dad have conversation in airplane bathroom that the entire plane can hear
No success
Man from row 3 comes to use bathroom
Walks out and tells sick child, "I don't blame you -- that bathroom is pretty gross"
More delays in Houston
Deplane
More waiting in tiny terminal
Everyone comments on how cute toddler is
Sick child is now running fever and crying
Complaining that his head hurts
Toddler starts crying too because he is tired of waiting and snacks are all eaten
Not so cute now
Kind lady offers aspirin
Not sure if it is chewable kind
Sick child chews aspirin
Says loudly, "I think I am going to throw up"
100 people shift uncomfortably in their seats in tiny waiting area
Mommy searches for nearest trashcan
While shoving pretzels in child's mouth to remove icky taste
No throw up
Kind woman comes over and puts hand on sick child and prays for him
Some might be offended
I was thankful for her faith and boldness
Child falls asleep in one of those pay-for-massage recliners
Reboard plane
Short flight to IAH
Both kids sleep for the 30 minute flight
Dad checks status of our flight on his Blackberry
Our original flight home is "now taxi-ing down runway"
Oops
Utter chaos because everyone's flights are messed up from earlier storm delays
Stressed travelers
Wait in line
Plane leaving for our hometown with a few open seats
Yay!
Final boarding NOW
Uh-oh
No time to get lunch for hungry toddler
Must run through terminal
With two children
Did I mention one was sick?
Thank the Lord Daddy was with us
Barely make it on plane
Who knows what will happen to our checked luggage
Praise God for "snack" lunch of tiny sandwich, carrots and M&Ms
Sick child finds $20 bill in between seats
No telling whose it is or how long it had been there
Toddler is entertained by DVD movies and M&Ms
Toddler does not nap
Sick mommy gets nap
Land at 4 pm
Originally supposed to land at 11:58 am
Toddler starts crying when strapped in stroller
He is done for the day
People stare at screaming toddler
Baggage claim
Miraculously our checked bags are there
Shuttle bus to parking
Toddler still crying
Cries the entire 40 minute ride home
Sick mommy doesn't know what to do
Sick child and toddler in bed by 7 pm
Sick mommy soon follows
Still have sick child
But both slept until 7am on Wednesday
And both took almost 4 hour naps
But our trip was still totally worth every hassle of the return trip home. We had such a great time with my family.
Although I think a fast train might have gotten us home a little sooner on Tuesday.
Here's the recap of our travel day. Bullet point style but without the bullets.
5 AM wake up
Sick mommy
Rush to airport
Final boarding call for ______(insert our last name here)
Scramble to get two kids and two adults and stuff through security
Yes, toddler must take off shoes to go through security
Aaaaargh
Row 19
Very back of the plane
Taxi to runway
Sit for twenty minutes
Huge thunderstorm in Houston (our connecting city)
Hasn't rained in Houston for months
IAH closes down for over an hour
Wait in plane for hour
Begins to rain
Toddler starts singing, "Rain, rain go away come again another day"
Repeats 50 times to the delight of all passengers I'm sure
Sick 5 year old child
Crying child
Sick child needs to p00p
Sick child doesn't want to go in airplane bathroom
Sick child and Dad have conversation in airplane bathroom that the entire plane can hear
No success
Man from row 3 comes to use bathroom
Walks out and tells sick child, "I don't blame you -- that bathroom is pretty gross"
More delays in Houston
Deplane
More waiting in tiny terminal
Everyone comments on how cute toddler is
Sick child is now running fever and crying
Complaining that his head hurts
Toddler starts crying too because he is tired of waiting and snacks are all eaten
Not so cute now
Kind lady offers aspirin
Not sure if it is chewable kind
Sick child chews aspirin
Says loudly, "I think I am going to throw up"
100 people shift uncomfortably in their seats in tiny waiting area
Mommy searches for nearest trashcan
While shoving pretzels in child's mouth to remove icky taste
No throw up
Kind woman comes over and puts hand on sick child and prays for him
Some might be offended
I was thankful for her faith and boldness
Child falls asleep in one of those pay-for-massage recliners
Reboard plane
Short flight to IAH
Both kids sleep for the 30 minute flight
Dad checks status of our flight on his Blackberry
Our original flight home is "now taxi-ing down runway"
Oops
Utter chaos because everyone's flights are messed up from earlier storm delays
Stressed travelers
Wait in line
Plane leaving for our hometown with a few open seats
Yay!
Final boarding NOW
Uh-oh
No time to get lunch for hungry toddler
Must run through terminal
With two children
Did I mention one was sick?
Thank the Lord Daddy was with us
Barely make it on plane
Who knows what will happen to our checked luggage
Praise God for "snack" lunch of tiny sandwich, carrots and M&Ms
Sick child finds $20 bill in between seats
No telling whose it is or how long it had been there
Toddler is entertained by DVD movies and M&Ms
Toddler does not nap
Sick mommy gets nap
Land at 4 pm
Originally supposed to land at 11:58 am
Toddler starts crying when strapped in stroller
He is done for the day
People stare at screaming toddler
Baggage claim
Miraculously our checked bags are there
Shuttle bus to parking
Toddler still crying
Cries the entire 40 minute ride home
Sick mommy doesn't know what to do
Sick child and toddler in bed by 7 pm
Sick mommy soon follows
Still have sick child
But both slept until 7am on Wednesday
And both took almost 4 hour naps
But our trip was still totally worth every hassle of the return trip home. We had such a great time with my family.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Awkward...
Crazy travel day yesterday. Still trying to recover. Will blog about it later.
In the meantime, check out this hilarious website: http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/
I especially like this entry: http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2009/07/01/awkward-family-story-the-thanksgiving-letter/
Can I just tell you how glad I am that Marney isn't part of my family???
In the meantime, check out this hilarious website: http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/
I especially like this entry: http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2009/07/01/awkward-family-story-the-thanksgiving-letter/
Can I just tell you how glad I am that Marney isn't part of my family???
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sneak Peek
We've been busy. Well, if you define being "busy" as sitting around visiting and eating alot!
More pics later this week.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Chocolate Chips Incident (rerun)
<<Originally published on June 13, 2008 - we are still visiting family in Louisiana>>
Earlier this week I was getting ready to take Fletcher to sports camp. He walked into my bathroom and I noticed what looked and smelled like chocolate on the corners of his mouth. Keep in mind it is 8:30 am.
Mom: Have you been eating something chocolate?
Fletcher: No
We've been having some trouble with him lying about various things like whether he washed his hands before dinner.
Mom: I can see food on your face. Show me what you ate.
Fletcher: Ok
We start the Walk of Shame from my bathroom to the kitchen pantry. Only he doesn't go to the kitchen. He starts walking down the hall to his room! Huh? He goes to his nightstand beside his bed and opens the bottom drawer. Well, hello there Nestle Tollhouse Semi-sweet Morsels. Yes, the chocolate chips I use for BAKING! not SNACKING (well only sometimes if there is no chocolate in the entire house and the boys are sleeping)! Only 1/8 of the bag is left. I can't remember how many were in there to begin with. Guess that tells you how long it's been since I've baked any cookies. I didn't even know he knew they were in the pantry.
Mom: How long have these been in here?
Fletcher: (who still doesn't have a good grasp of time concepts) Since yesterday.
My heart starts skipping every other beat as I envision him with freshly brushed teeth popping the semi-sweet morsels long after we thought he was sleeping. I tried to find the balance between laughter and appropriate parenting.
We had a long talk about lying, deception, boundaries, hiding things from mom and dad, how God always sees everything and how bugs really like sweets and that nightstand is mighty close to the bed that he sleeps in on a nightly basis.
Time to make some cookies.
Earlier this week I was getting ready to take Fletcher to sports camp. He walked into my bathroom and I noticed what looked and smelled like chocolate on the corners of his mouth. Keep in mind it is 8:30 am.
Mom: Have you been eating something chocolate?
Fletcher: No
We've been having some trouble with him lying about various things like whether he washed his hands before dinner.
Mom: I can see food on your face. Show me what you ate.
Fletcher: Ok
We start the Walk of Shame from my bathroom to the kitchen pantry. Only he doesn't go to the kitchen. He starts walking down the hall to his room! Huh? He goes to his nightstand beside his bed and opens the bottom drawer. Well, hello there Nestle Tollhouse Semi-sweet Morsels. Yes, the chocolate chips I use for BAKING! not SNACKING (well only sometimes if there is no chocolate in the entire house and the boys are sleeping)! Only 1/8 of the bag is left. I can't remember how many were in there to begin with. Guess that tells you how long it's been since I've baked any cookies. I didn't even know he knew they were in the pantry.
Mom: How long have these been in here?
Fletcher: (who still doesn't have a good grasp of time concepts) Since yesterday.
My heart starts skipping every other beat as I envision him with freshly brushed teeth popping the semi-sweet morsels long after we thought he was sleeping. I tried to find the balance between laughter and appropriate parenting.
We had a long talk about lying, deception, boundaries, hiding things from mom and dad, how God always sees everything and how bugs really like sweets and that nightstand is mighty close to the bed that he sleeps in on a nightly basis.
Time to make some cookies.
Friday, July 3, 2009
So Whose Blogs Do You Read?
Sometimes people will ask me what blogs I read. If I were more on top of things, I'd probably have a list in my side bar. But I am not on top of things.
I read other blogs usually because they are funny. Either the writing style or the content or both make me smile. I try to limit the ones I visit because it is easy to get sucked into reading blogs instead of doing important stuff like laundry or making dinner. Here are my top five blogs that I read and why.
http://thebigmamablog.com/- she is a mom of a five year old girl who lives in San Antonio. Very funny because her daughter reminds me of the female version of Fletcher.
http://boomama.net/- this mom also has a five year old son. She lives in Tennessee and her "southern-ness" comes out in her blog. She talks alot about bacon, Southern Living magazine and does recaps of The Office and American Idol and The Bachelor/ette. The recaps are sometimes funnier than the shows themselves.
http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/ - she is a mom of five year old triplets (gasp!). While this blog records the story of her children, she also has some great spiritual posts that tie her parenting back to God's relationship to us as his children and they really make me think.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/ - here's a city girl who married a rancher and lives in nowhere, Oklahoma with her husband and four kids. She has a great section on her blog for recipes that use normal ingredients (because she can't find any fancy stuff where she lives). Her instructions and photos that go along with each recipe are hilarious. Two thumbs up for her Mac 'n Cheese recipe!
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ - she's a mom of three kids under the age of four but she still puts together awesome posts on deals, giveaways, freebies, etc. I've gotten some fun samples of products and coupons in the mail because I've found the info on her site. There's not much humor but a ton of info if you are looking to save money.
Bonus blog: http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/ (note the three f's if you are typing in the site name). I've mentioned this blog before, but he is always good for a laugh especially if you've grown up in church. Except on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays his posts are a little more serious and really make you think.
I do read blogs of personal friends too but I didn't list any of those because I feel like I should ask them first before I start giving out their website.
Happy Fourth of July!
I read other blogs usually because they are funny. Either the writing style or the content or both make me smile. I try to limit the ones I visit because it is easy to get sucked into reading blogs instead of doing important stuff like laundry or making dinner. Here are my top five blogs that I read and why.
http://thebigmamablog.com/- she is a mom of a five year old girl who lives in San Antonio. Very funny because her daughter reminds me of the female version of Fletcher.
http://boomama.net/- this mom also has a five year old son. She lives in Tennessee and her "southern-ness" comes out in her blog. She talks alot about bacon, Southern Living magazine and does recaps of The Office and American Idol and The Bachelor/ette. The recaps are sometimes funnier than the shows themselves.
http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/ - she is a mom of five year old triplets (gasp!). While this blog records the story of her children, she also has some great spiritual posts that tie her parenting back to God's relationship to us as his children and they really make me think.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/ - here's a city girl who married a rancher and lives in nowhere, Oklahoma with her husband and four kids. She has a great section on her blog for recipes that use normal ingredients (because she can't find any fancy stuff where she lives). Her instructions and photos that go along with each recipe are hilarious. Two thumbs up for her Mac 'n Cheese recipe!
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ - she's a mom of three kids under the age of four but she still puts together awesome posts on deals, giveaways, freebies, etc. I've gotten some fun samples of products and coupons in the mail because I've found the info on her site. There's not much humor but a ton of info if you are looking to save money.
Bonus blog: http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/ (note the three f's if you are typing in the site name). I've mentioned this blog before, but he is always good for a laugh especially if you've grown up in church. Except on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays his posts are a little more serious and really make you think.
I do read blogs of personal friends too but I didn't list any of those because I feel like I should ask them first before I start giving out their website.
Happy Fourth of July!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Throwback Thursday
The date: July 4, 2004
The place: Houston, TX at my brother Mike's house
The mood: Good food. Good family. Good fun. Technically, I don't think Cade should have been in this picture since he and Traci weren't married yet. I guess we made an exception. Good thing he followed through because trying to Photoshop someone out of a picture is difficult! Our family has grown a bit since this picture. We now have three new kiddos in the mix (Luke, Bear, and Wesley).
On a fashion note, you'd think I would be able to decide whether I want short hair or long hair since every year it seems to change.
We are headed out tonight to Louisiana to spend 4th of July with my family. Here's hoping for good weather for our Saturday barbeque and good boys on the plane ride! :-)
I haven't forgotten about pictures from the family vacations to Arkansas. I have to find them at mom & dad's house when I am there. So stay tuned.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Summer Memories
A few things I remember about my summers when I was a kid growing up in Louisiana:
We couldn't wait until the last day of school because starting the very next day we could go barefoot until school started again. That was a BIG deal! To this day I am still not a big fan of wearing shoes.
My mom would take us to the library each week and I would read all of my books that I checked out in one day.
My mom would also take us to the city pool. There are two or three songs that automatically remind me of the Maplewood pool every time I hear them on an oldies station or in the elevator. I can't ever remember the names of the songs, I just remember hearing them at the pool.
We spent alot of time at the ball field for my brother's baseball games. I always wanted food from the concession stand. Now I try to avoid concession stands at all costs.
At some point the whole family had to help put up corn or shell purple hull peas. I wasn't very good at either one.
Two words: Snow Cones!
Three more words: Homemade Ice Cream! The kind you had to crank with the handle.
Family vacations consisted of trips to Houston to go to Astroworld or if we were really adventurous we went to Hot Springs, Arkansas. There was a "resort" on a lake with cabins and a pool. Those trips were so fun. I'll have to try to find pictures and post them for Throwback Thursday. I guess that's why traveling is important to me for our family. I want my boys to have great memories of trips we took together as a family.
What are your favorite summer memories?
We couldn't wait until the last day of school because starting the very next day we could go barefoot until school started again. That was a BIG deal! To this day I am still not a big fan of wearing shoes.
My mom would take us to the library each week and I would read all of my books that I checked out in one day.
My mom would also take us to the city pool. There are two or three songs that automatically remind me of the Maplewood pool every time I hear them on an oldies station or in the elevator. I can't ever remember the names of the songs, I just remember hearing them at the pool.
We spent alot of time at the ball field for my brother's baseball games. I always wanted food from the concession stand. Now I try to avoid concession stands at all costs.
At some point the whole family had to help put up corn or shell purple hull peas. I wasn't very good at either one.
Two words: Snow Cones!
Three more words: Homemade Ice Cream! The kind you had to crank with the handle.
Family vacations consisted of trips to Houston to go to Astroworld or if we were really adventurous we went to Hot Springs, Arkansas. There was a "resort" on a lake with cabins and a pool. Those trips were so fun. I'll have to try to find pictures and post them for Throwback Thursday. I guess that's why traveling is important to me for our family. I want my boys to have great memories of trips we took together as a family.
What are your favorite summer memories?
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