Testing out the new toy!

So Mamaw and Papaw graciously bought me a new toy. Not an all fun and games toy. More like I will be in tears while looking up animations for A&P kind of toy. They bought me a Tablet and since I am still on Winter break its a fun toy :-) . So I am writing my first post via the "Tablet".

Still not sure how this works with pics and all so you will see some craziness for sure. So I leave you with the boys decorating their "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake and getting a bit "Chocolate Wasted" in the process. And them really enjoying the ice cream churning process from our new machine thanks to Uncle Rob. His name is chanted every time we scoop them some dairy goodness!

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 came a tad too fast it seems. I was horribly unprepared. Pop's God love him did all the shopping, wrapping and did all the Santa duties possible. I studied for finals, cried, grumped, growled, planned class Christmas parties and then cooked for 2-3 days straight to prepare for Christmas. Yes, I married a Saint. He truly understands the whole meaning of Christmas, hopefully my heart will grow a bit each year...Grinch style.

A new year is quickly sneaking up on us an I hope it brings many more blessings. Below is a bit of what our holiday was like.

Bet yours was just as crazy!



It's still okay.....for now.

What I'm Loving right now.....

* That the heat is subsiding and I don't melt while waiting for the boys to get out of school.

* Smells of Autumn. Crisp cooler air (cooler not cool yet), cinnamon boiling for Little E's requested    oatmeal,and spicy smells that remind me that winter is near.

* Believe it or not football season. While Pop's is consumed in his game, children in bed and I can lock myself  away in my hole (back room) and study ahhh in peace.

* STATE FAIR!!!! I'm loving that the Fair has begun, I look forward to it EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR!

* Most importantly I'm Loving this ^^^^^^^  he is not too big to hold my hand. I'm seriously loving that! Who knows when they won't want to hold my hand anymore. I'm just happy that it's still okay...for now.

RSVP if you dare...

At this moment I'm tired but happy to have enjoyed great family time over the weekend.
I baked which at times helps calm my nerves.
I spent a lot of time at the side of my house feeding our lone chicken, Tashia. Trying to keep her happy in hopes that she will give me eggs soon.
I enjoyed watching my boys still cuddle up to us as we watch a family movie.
I loved seeing the boys spend time with their cousins.

Lately I really try to concentrate on the positive which for me is not an easy thing to do. I'm a tired, exhausted, and  pessimistic person who desperately wants to put school on hold. Why? The same reason our country is so far behind educationally. Because it costs way to much money to go to school therefore my reason for wanting to opt out until we have more free dough. I feel selfish making my little family sacrifice so I can stay hidden away in the back room with my head buried in books. Making my husband do more than he should have to. Not being able to do a simple Fundraiser for my kids school because it started at the same time that I was prepping for a HUGE exam. I'm having a pity party for myself and no one else is invited and if you are I hope you decline my invitation. ***Sorry for the gloom but I'm trying! That's why I posted pictures that made me smile all weekend :)***

Lost and then I was found....sort of.

Well so much to say but honestly not much time. Time is something I don't have much of lately.
So I will fast forward quickly.
Last post boys had their birthday party, Blast!
Next I flew out to visit my Best friend in L.A. where we spoiled ourselves in yummy deliciousness, wine, trip to Vegas and a tour of the WB. Where we both ran over a little old lady to get to the F*R*I*E*N*D*S couch while squealing like little girls! Ok so we didn't run over a little old lady but if she had been there we would have!
YUP that's the set below...LOVE IT!

Came home in time to register myself for class, hence the reason why I have time for NOTHING. And I mean NOTHING. Not even a blog. BUT I took a few minutes from my studies to write a little something or I was ready to loose my mind from all the formulas shoved into my brain.
Then my little guys started 3rd and 2nd grade...3rd and 2nd!!! How? Why? When?
Most women freak at turning 30 oh not me! I freaked when Pop's brought it to my attention that our oldest monkey has only 2 more years of Elementary school left after this. Sigh. I will stop there before I depress myself.
ANYWAY! Here they are first day of school and all smiles!

And unfortunately this month our school lost a special teacher. She was our boys Kinder teacher and our friend. She was compassionate, caring, patient and an amazing educator. Her loss was felt everywhere. Our school will never be the same without her.
With that I want to share something.

Everyday after school she would sign language the sign "I love you" as the students filed out of class at the end of the day. To this day Z our 3rd grader argues that the sign means "good-bye, I love you". He was so used to seeing her do it, both boys were. She took a family who had two little boys with struggles and speech issues and put our minds at ease by helping them succeed. Helping these two little boys start a healthy foundation of trust and confidence within the school that they still carry with them. She also was known for when her students answered correctly she asked them to kiss their palms and touch their foreheads by saying "You did great Kiss your Brain!" I always loved hearing her tell her class that. So I leave you with that for today.

We miss you Mrs.M I know your watching down on us, watching down on your kids. They indeed are making you proud. They are all "kissing their brain."

A bit O' fluff.....

A friend of mine says she tries to keep things simple. She doesn't like to do a lot of fluff. Well I did just a bit of it for the boys birthday party.

This year was Star Wars and since I'm always trying to save a buck here I decided to make some goodies.

Light sabers made of pool noodles. These were a hit! Kids had a blast!!

Super easy to make. Just take your pool noodle, cut in half use some duct tape, electrical tape, foil tape and let your imagination fly.

Each child got a baggie with some Star Wars sugar cookies. They came out pretty awesome if I do say so myself. ** Secret.. royal icing in squeeze bottles!**

We special ordered the boys pinata. Didn't know they were going to make the Death Star Life size!!! We barely got it to fit in the van...HUGE!!!!

Wasn't too thrilled with how my cake came out. Boys were OUT OF CONTROL all week and had me worn out! So I really wasn't into mommy bake mode. But they loved it so here it is, Jengafett on one side.....

...Bobafett on the other side.

It was super hot but the kids didn't care they jumped while they swatted each other with their soft sabers and us adults kicked back under the misters with a cold Beerita in hand.

Ahhhh could use a Beerita right now!

Party planning, Lemonade and dropping the ball????

 
                    

Birthday boys

Well I'm in party planning mode for the boys. The big ol' 7 & 8 is a year that demands business I guess. And this year they want Star Wars. Z is so Star Wars crazy he has surpassed his father on Jedi knowledge, let me tell ya that's not easy to do.

So I'm planning, making, creating and seeing how I can do things better and cheaper!

Along with party on the mind the boys have been harassing me! YES! Harassing me for LEMONADE! They say they want to earn their own money and sell lemonade. So here I am in a situation of Where? Why? NO!!!

We dont' get much traffic on our street how are they going to sell? I'm going to go through all the work and after 10 minutes and a few beads of sweat you know they are going to want to come back in. RIGHT? But alas they shall have a lemonade stand. Think we'll go over to Mamaw and Papaw's shop and see if we can sell goods there. OR I've even considered doing in on Saturday putting signs for all the garage sale hoppers. They can come by for lemonade and brownies. Well we shall see.

As for dropping the ball? We let our kids play outside on the jungle gym....at midnight! I feel bad but its about 105 during the day. Then it's bath and bed time. I always feel a bit guilty letting them play out so late (yes we are out with them and so is Nina our killer of rugs dog.). Also today I was folding towels on the couch one minute then next thing I know I hear a little voice say "Mom, Z is crying because he lost at his Star Wars game." Huh? Wha? Am I actually laying in the fetal position dead asleep on the couch? How did that happen????

Oh I guess they're night playing is starting to affect me, I'm seriously dropping the ball!

In no particular order.....

Our summer if you've read before has been a tad crazy. But we find time for lots in between this is what our little family has been up to, In no particular order......

Lake House get away, boys sleeping in Pop's arms. One little one seems to be awake and peeking.

Our beautiful Z turned a year older. He is 8....8!!!! Where does time fly by the time you know it he'll be 18, something I try hard not to think about. (Gotta love the cupcake toppers! Thank you Unkie Rob!)

Z got his signature locks cut off. I laughed nervously through the whole process. I think I saw mom's pull their small children closer to them in fear of the crazy, laughing woman sitting by them.

Many zoo trips! It will be my last full free summer. I will be going to school year round then I graduate and start work so I'm taking advantage of being with my boys.

Pop's surgery...poor, poor Pop's. I take him on his first 5K and I break him!

We finally got us some chickens. YES! I will allow you to sing "There's a whole in the bucket Dear Liza, Dear Liza"...just this once!

And boys all time favorite thing this summer? Yup swimming. They are extra toasty brown. Little E even lifted his arm to mine and said "I'm almost there mom!" Yeah E you are.

Off to make new memories today, first things first...SHOWER! I have to wash all this paint off me. I'm a messy painter. Will post photos of my finished porch when done...can't wait!

Summer 2011...thus far.

Boys and I before we headed with Pop's, Mamaw and Papaw to the lake house for 4th of July weekend to meet up with cousin Melodie.

Well not much blogging because summer started with my feet hitting the ground running! Where to start.... Nick was scheduled for knee surgery so we were trying to get some stuff done before that. First Monday of the boys summer break and our water heater busts leaking water into the house into my new floors...boo!

Boys go with Mamaw and Papaw so Pops and I can tear up the floors, buy a new water heater and Papaw comes help Nick install (We have fantabulous parents!). Nick has surgery and insists on going back to work 4 days later where I have to drive him and work along with him, loved being with him HATED working in the sun all day..blech. Now we are having a covered porch built and I decided the house needs to be painted and I'm too cheap aka poor to have anyone do it for us so I have cheap labor from our boys and myself to do the work. Along with all this I decided to spring clean in JULY and planning the boys birthday party and getting all this done before I fly out to spend time with my Best Bud in California. In between spending quality time with my boys and making many zoo trips!PHEW! This summer break is making me look forward to College Algebra and Biology courses this coming semester thats for sure! BUT with that said I really am enjoying summer break....especially the sleeping in part ;).

Back to Basics

When our boys were little all that went into their little bodies was made by yours truly. I did a lot from scratch because I felt it was healthier, less preservatives and well healthier.

Since starting school myself I have gotten well....lazy. So I've decided to take baby steps to get back to feeding my boys healthy goodness. It's been over a month since I quit buying tortillas and canned beans.

Baby steps, baby steps.

Below tortillas in the making!

"Testales" I think that's how you spell it. Basically little "dough balls".

Don't have a photo of the finished product cause quite frankly I'm rolling them out and cooking them tonight when my little ones are in bed. The lovely smell shall sneak into their rooms and fill it with goodness. I think a nice egg burrito sounds like a good breakfast. Don't you?

The ones I work so hard for....and their Pop's of course. They make it all so worth it!

Next dusting off the ol' bread maker. Anyone have a good recipe to share?

** I will give the tortilla recipe when I break it down** Only have the large batch recipe.**

At this moment.......

I'm loving that my boys still enjoy healthy after school snacks...........

Enjoying the easy up keep of my new floors........

Excited that Pop's has all the recycled wood planks cut and ready to be put up........

Amazed with the beauty my garden has already given me........

Happy the sun is out to hang my laundry.......

With a mom's busy schedule sometimes it's the little things that make everything just right.

Labor of Love.

Well I've toyed and toyed with the idea since we bought our home. I wanted chickens! I grew up around them and now I want my own. Here's the thing. We're not quite city and we're not quite country we're right smack dab in the middle. So I looked it up and our little town allows it, but no roosters! Fair enough not trying to raise a farm, just want some farm fresh eggs!

So since I made up my mind and decided to upcycle our dog house which by the way has NEVER been used, and make it in to a coop. Nick has always wanted to make me a garden fence, so I could have my own garden getaway per say. And well we need it now more than ever so Nie won't get in, she can be so naughty!

So here it is, his labor of LoVe!

He placed the first pole and the beginning of my fence. I am so in love! (In back you can see a stinker getting into the compost hence the reason behind our fence!)

I honestly LOVE that he's doing this. He's read, researched, measured, dug the hole, mixed the concrete and 1 pole down only 3 more to go. Then my fence slowly starts to go up!!! I CANT WAIT!!!

AND might I add all this is recycled goodies! Yes, someone tore down a fence and we went curb shopping. Concrete was left overs from last summers patio job,$0 cost!

Pop's Your the BeSt!!

Looks fantastic doesn't it?!?!

(Naughty Nie Nie!..Grrrr...)

Baby Green Beans!!

Baby Cilantro!! I also have baby Basil. My tomatoes and Echinacea haven't taken. Oh well I'm still trying!

Blog? What Blog?

I've fallen off the face of the earth but that's what happens when your a school volunteer, helping the PTA, a mom, wife and lets just top that off with being a student. So needless to say free time is well something I have no concept of. Not that I had in the past to be quite honest but if I did have any free time before I sure as heck don't know!

The boys are thriving, not without struggles but thriving. Z had his name mentioned over the intercom for Mathematics! I'm VERY proud! E's becoming more of a fluent reader and Z has recently taken up the hobby of reading...yes READING! I hope this habit doesnt die that's for sure.

So much has gone on in our little household, Pop's has turned a year older, Praise God. The boys and I took our very first road trip alone. Mind you it was only a 4 hour drive from home but none the less we did it, I did it! We drove to Houston to meet up with my family. My nephew is at the Ronald McDonald House. We rented a room but spent most of our days at the RMH. I have to say I am VERY proud of my boys. They played with children who were very sick and NEVER, EVER questioned a thing. They saw a playmate and played away. For me it was rather bitter sweet. My heart and prayers go out to each and every child in that house. While there the boys were invited to all the activities they offered. One was the petting zoo where I caught Z in a almost catatonic state with a little yellow chick. He asked if he could have one. Little does he know I was already planning on getting two little chicks to have my own URBAN COOP...nothing like fresh eggs to make all of ones baking PERFECT! So I told him if he and Little E were good the Easter Bunny would bring them each a little chick. He liked that idea.

Well like always I'm out of time! I am off to help out at the Snack Shack up at the school! A mom's job is just never done! Hope to keep up with more blogging. Til then here are some sweet pics of Z and the chick. Hopefully soon it will be the boys and their own little chicks! :)

He put that little chicky to sleep!

100th day...sort of.

Little E had his 100th day of school celebration. Well it was more like the 104th since they were out for most of last week due to snow and ice, but HEY whose counting. (Me because I can't wait for summer vacation!)

Kids who made a 100th day project got to march in the parade around the school. His project was ummm the patch on his hat. We cut out the word 100 with felt and glued it on a round piece of felt and put 100 dots with fabric paint. OKAY not creative and YES Z did the same thing last year but if it works go with it right?

I have to say I love the patch on the hat and Little E looked so cute!

The whole day was filled with crafts celebrating their 100th day my favorite part was the 100th day Crunch Munch. A trail mix filled with M&M's, white and chocolate chips, popcorn, Chex cereal, pretzels, popcorn and so much more! It was the best sweet and salty thing I've ever had. We will be making this at home!

Hmmmm that would be a fun Snowed in craft to do with the boys wouldn't it? I know they'd eat that..for sure!

How we survived!

 We were stuck inside for 4 days....4 DAYS! Boys were getting restless, mom was getting grouchy, Pop's was in heaven in his recliner! To keep cabin fever down I had to keep these boys occupied. So I popped their tent/house in the living room and they were able to play and if they were good they could sleep in there at night. So this really helped keep my sanity.

Next I came up with backyard Jello! Boys had picked out Jello that they wanted to make about 2 weeks ago. So glad we hadn't gotten to them yet because this became a fun thing for them.

Little E mixing up his Blueberry Jello.

Z mixing up his Lime Jello. I made sure to talk a bit o science while we did this, Solids, Liquids and phase changes. It may have gone in one ear and out the other, who knows!

Jello sitting covered in the backyard! Boys would go to the window every so often to check on their treats.

End result??......

YUMMY!

Iced In!!

Yesterday there was no school for the boys or I and no work for Nick. So instead of suffering indoors we got out yesterday and well we played.
Nick grabbed a nice big laundry basket and the rest was history! No casualties except for me. E came down so fast before I could think I was up in the air and down on my face. My face didn't actually hit the concrete thanks to the fact that I looked like Ralphie from A Christmas Story...we all did.

                                      Nick and I took a turn too..it was fun!

Z disappointed that he didn't knock me down! STINKER!

Today is another iced in day hope tomorrow there's school! We're all getting cabin fever!!



Farewell 2010 Don't let the door hit you in the Bleeeeeep!

Okay so 2010 wasn't all horrific. My boys turned a year older and are healthy Praise God.
Nick and I have a strong and loving marriage what else could one ask for?
But December was an exceptionally rough month for us. One I could or would love to just forget, but alas it won't be that easy.
Now I march into 2011 with a few choices to make and get ready to register for school once again. I'm closer to my goal every semester and soon will find myself with my hard earned degree and our family will be that much closer to having strong financial stability.
Through all this month I felt a lot of anger, confusion and fear.
But having the fantastic husband that I have made me see that with God things get better.
He's the warmth I feel in my body when I feel myself going down a sad path.
He lights a gleam in my boys' eyes that make me melt uncontrollably.
So with all this said I pray for a better year.
To 2011!
May your December month just bring me a little holiday stress and no more.
I can't take another December 2010 ever again.