I am addicted....

To:
1. Dr. Pepper (I've managed to quit several times...now is not one of them).  As I type I am enjoying a 32 oz fountain Dr. Pepper from LOVES...the best ever....while waiting for the hubster to get out of his uniform (getting out of pd gear is crazy).

2.  Pinterest - I've made 6 different food items in the last few days (5 of them on Sunday).  I am currently shopping ideas to redecorate Jaylin's room.  She has so earned this treat...she doesn't know that it is going down....she is going to LOVE it.

3.  Candy....I can't stop eating it....My name is Sabrina and I have a problem.

4.  Romance.  I believe in romance...I need to be WOOED often. ;)

5.  Target 5 for $20 bikini panties....these things are the best...not usually what I buy, but I'm glad I decided to give them a try.  Super comfy, super CUTE.  I <3 them.

6.  Eskimo Kiss Scentsy...I love it!  Smells like my kind of Christmas.

7.  Checking Jaylin's hair ( I am happy to report that we are nit free...we are doing a final treatment tomorrow just to be safe).  I will be so glad when I can cross this off the list.

8.  Late night chats with the hubster...we've been staying up way too late here lately, but I'm loving the quality time.

I'm addicted to many other things, but it is time for bed.  I'm off for now.

MIA

I've been missing in action lately....I am happy to report that I have 4 less people living in my house! The bad news is they left a parting gift. I am currently helping J write about about the year she got lice for Christmas!

First let me say that I know that it's not the end of the world, but we managed to make it through daycare and preK-half of her 5th grade year before ever getting it! It wasn't even on my radar for things to watch out for...until letting our inlaws stay with us. The things that bothers me the most is that they.knew their daughters had lice and didn't tell us....who does that? The last week has been field with treatments, twice a day comb through sessions, and daily bedding washing/vacuum/bleaching & Lysol/brush boiling and car cleaning! Oh and we shaved Hunter's head just to be sure. We have been it free for a whole day....still going to do another treatment just to be safe.

Be on the look out for our book!
;)

I'm off to cuddle with the hubs!

Hurry up Wednesday....

That is my next hopeful date...I really hope that thing go as planned....I'm getting tired of taking my kids to the office to kill time.  Yup, I said...I have been reduced to getting up early in the morning on weekends and taking my kids to the office.  We rent movies, they play games and I just breathe...

So let's all pray for good news Wednesday.

Things are looking up...and it looks like directly at a 70's porn mustache

I may have my house back to myself very soon...excited about that!  :)  Whoo hoo!

In other news,  my husband informed me today that all of the officers on his shift are going to rock the glorious mustache.  Not just any mustache... the scary ones that make them look like 70's porn stars...not that I've seen a 70's porn, but I've seen 70's porn stars...lol! I seriously had a bad reaction...an "if you do I'm not kissing you" kind of reaction, well that and another major thing.  I really don't like the mustache....it's not that I mind facial hair, it is just this particular style.  Oh well, I guess I'll survive....it's looking like I have to deal with it through February.

I don't think that I would be stressing it as much, except that I know that they are doing this to be silly....just to see who can grow out the craziest looking one....and there is NO PRIZE....just bragging rights. 

Lord help me with this one....I don't know how I'll survive it (a little dramatic I know).

Not my usual self....

I am cranky.  I am a creature of habit.....I used to think that I  adapted easily - apparently that is not the case. 

I NEED a vacation....a REAL one....Today.

That's it....that's all I've got. 

I am officially a whiny pants.

I'm off to work....that will make me feel better.

Creepy Crawlies update...

So far no signs of lice...thank you Lord!  I'm still praying though...

Life is good, I'm adjusting to life with an indoor dog.  So no more complaining about the doggy situation.

Trick or Treat....

I love Halloween...I love candy....I love taking my kids trick or treating.....it is fun stuff.  :)  This year I had to come up with two extra uniforms about an hour before we left to go trick or treating.....I managed to pull it together...and then one of my nieces went with her big sister's cheerleader uniform....it worked. 

The hubster was able to attend the festivities before leaving for Police training....it was fun and I'm glad that he stayed to hang with us. 

It was a fun night....we ended up getting home around 9, fed kids, bathed kids, looked through kids candy (they were allowed to have 2 pieces for the night), brushed teeth and went to bed.  Good stuff.

My night ended up with lots of tricks:  puking child (not mine), dog poop...also not mine, and no sleep due to yipping, stair climbing, crying and puking....I'm ready for a miracle. 

I'll end this whiny little post with pictures of the Goblins....err....kiddos! :) 

The crew....

Franken Girl

Ninja

What a stash....

Protecting his loot!

<3

Creepy Crawlies

I am going to pass out! Smooth out! I don't do bugs....no ticks, fleas.....and definitely not LICE!!!!

As the hubster and I were getting ready for bed (brushing teeth, etc) I happened to notice a bottle on the sink....I thought it said flea killing shampoo...and I immediately began to regret that we'd allowed them to bring their dog - until the hubster pointed out that it said lice killing shampoo. I can't sleep! All I can think about is going upstairs to make sure that Jaylin is not sharing a pillow with her cousins....or the bed! That may sound bad but I am not trying to come through J's hair searching for eggs! Lord help me now!
I just want to start this day all over! I'm a little frustrated with the SIL...she should have given me a heads up.....

I need a vacation!

I'm not going to make it....

Ok so my in laws have been back at the house for all of three hours and I think that I might die....I think the dog "Puddin'" (don't get me started on the name) is the deal breaker....seriously.  I like animals...really I do, but just not in MY house.  Lord give me strength.... it is the ugliest dog....I'm serious.  It. Is. Ugly.  and it really needs a bath....REALLY.  It was all over my couch pillows - on my furniture....Lord help me.

I think I may die.  I'm not being melodramatic.... I seriously may die.  Please come check on me...or pray for me....I need it!

Full house....

My sister-in-law and her family are moving in with us.....it is going to be cramped, but it is the right thing to do. They are moving from an area where jobs are sparse....so they are moving here for more opportunities. So my small four bedroom house is going to accolade eight people....oh and their dog. That may be my breaking point....I don't like house pets personally....I couldn't ask them to give away their dog....oh how I wanted to.
I'm hoping that they will be able to find jobs and be able to afford a house in a couple of months.

This should be interesting....

World Series blues....

My Rangers are killing me. Wish we could pull it out. Truth be told we should have won that game last night...

2 innings left...let's see how this goes.

Hoping for a miracle.

Life can be complicated.

I am in one of those moods.....I've been in one for a few days.  The mood where I spend way too much time trying to figure out if I've made if a difference.  Leadership can be an interesting concept....I'm thinking that I've learned a lot,  cared deeply, given immensely and served with the purest of intentions....and now I'm wondering when, if, how to let it go. 

And then there is that part of me...the part that believes in doing things because it will make a difference....doing things because sometimes it is the most important thing to do. 

What will I do?

I can't imagine....

the loss of a child.  Since Saturday my thoughts and prayers have been focused on the Cellum family as they mourn the loss of their sweet Angel, Stevy.  Stevy was diagnosed with cancer (leukemia and bone cancer) about three years ago and since then she has been an inspiration for many. 

There is a part of me that recognizes that she is no longer in pain and suffering and then there is the mother side of me....the side that mourns for her parents.  The loss of the child seems so unnatural....my heart aches for her parents. 

I know that she is in heaven and God has her wrapped in his arms, so for that I am happy.  When I  think of the milestones that her parents will miss with her, my heart breaks.


http://www.wattsfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/wattsf0/obit.cgi?user=491951Cellum

Not so Blue Birthday after all....

If you didn't read the Birthday Blues go there first.  This is how the day ended. :)

So I thought that I wouldn't be able to pull off a special birthday celebration between working all day and Rick needing to leave at a decent hour so he could make it to his monthly Army commitment - DRILL.  It ended up really well!  I picked the kids up from school, ran to get cupcake supplies, made it home to bake and decorate the Birthday Wall. 

Operation surprise Daddy was a success!  Whoo hoo!  The kids had a blast drawing and decorating the wall and to top it all off were were able to share the surprise with my sister-in-law and two nieces.  It was a good surprise....:)  Rick was able to listen to his birthday song, blow out his candles, open his gifts and eat dinner and hit the road an 1 1/2 after he walked in the door.  I wish that we would have had a little more time with him on his birthday, but I will take what  I can get.  :)  The hubster loved all of his gifts, but most of all he loved his birthday wall....said it made him feel special! :)  Mission Accomplished! 

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Birthdays?

















  











Happy Birthday to the Hubster.....36 has never looked so good!

Birthday Blues...

I love Birthdays and I love Birthday Surprises and Parties....but when you are married to a police officer and an Army Reserve Soldier you find that time to celebrate his birthday is always limited.  Today is the Hubster's birthday....36th to be exact and due to his crappy work schedule and drill schedule guess who will be working until 7 tonight and then on the road for a 2.5 hour drive because he has drill this weekend?  Yes, you guessed it....the hubster.  So instead of getting to take him out for an awesome dinner or even attempt to throw him a surprise gathering....we will have 30 minutes to give him his gifts sing happy birthday and then help him pack the car so he can get on the road.  

So I have the Birthday Blues today and it's not even MY birthday! 

I still plan to make it an awesome 30 minutes!  We've got his favorite things :) Instead of cake (since the hubster is not into cake like I am) we are putting his two lovely candles in the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream.  :)  I love Birthdays! :)
  



One Awesome Sooner Gift



One Awesome Gerber Knife



I am a Snob...........

when it comes to girls and sports.  Let me clarify...girls who claim to be sports fan, but then dare complain about people posting about their team.  A friend of mine (I've know her for forever) posted a complaint on facebook - "she was tired of all of the OU posts".  This bothered me for several reasons:

1.  She is wearing an OU shirt in her profile pic!!!!  Really?!?  Are you a fan?

2.  It was the 3rd Quarter when she posted the complaint!  The 3rd Quarter!!!!  Not 10 hours after the game was over but the 3rd QUARTER! 

3.  When I pointed #1 out to her she tried to give me the excuse that we should all be talking about the Rangers.  The Rangers weren't set to play for another 2 hours at this point!  Seriously?!?  Can we not enjoy the butt whipping that OU was handing to Texas?!? (After the OU game was over I sent her a message that said - now we can think about the Rangers....and I LOVE my Rangers). 

4.  It was the OU/TEXAS Game - the biggest rivalry that we have.....not OU and Tulsa or OU and Ball State....but OU/TEXAS!!!!!!

5. OU/TEXAS.

Ok....I'm done.  I know that not everyone is a major sports fan....but don't sport a team shirt and complain about that team getting props on facebook on the afternoon of one of the BIGGEST games that said team will play.  It was the profile pic that rubbed me the wrong way.....it would have been better had she been wearing a Rangers shirt in the pic.....ok....so it's the little things that stress me out sometimes.  So it's official....I am a snob.  If you are going to be a fan, then be a FAN. 

Hey Jeff:  Boomer!  LOL....  See? I'm a hardcore fan.....rubbing in the big win on my dear friend Jeff (who just happens to be a Uterus fan....excuse me...a Texas fan. 

Sincerely,
Hardcore female sports fan.

Interesting times of Brina K...

I used to say that I was going to write a book and title it the "Life and Times of Brina K"....I really should get after that, for now I'll just settle for blogging since it's been so long.

Life has been interesting...and BUSY.  I feel like I am always running in circles - the family, work/students, softball practice, family circles....the ones that just keep going!  Never ending....just like a circle, circle.  I am really stressed....I've gained at least 10 pounds and my arms that once had definition don't anymore.  I spend all of my free time with Jaylin and all of her softball practices and games (6 days a week) so my evening workouts have been on hold.  And don't get me started on getting up at 5:00am to go workout...it just hasn't happened.  I am just too tired to get up....I'm up by 6:15 but that is not enough time to get in the kind of workout that I'm used to.  I am ready for the middle of November....softball season will be over and I will have my evenings back.

I do love softball and I love coaching Jaylin and the rest of the team, but this two team thing has got to end.  We are almost done with our 12U team - our tournament is the 21st and then our RockStar team will just practice a couple of days a week until Spring.  Our 10U team is going strong until mid November.  Hunter wants to start playing basketball and that season starts Oct. 31st for 1st graders....so I still may be running in circles.  I guess I'm going to have to be a little more disciplined....and get up in the mornings.  I love watching Jaylin play and she really enjoys softball and is really getting better.  She had a home run and a couple of great defensive stops in Saturday's game (which we won 11-4).  So I'm not going to ask her to stop playing....I just have to realize that this is my life for a while....until she leaves home for college and then I'll travel to as many games as possible.  Oh well...I love it and I love her so I'm all in with this crazy life of running in circles.



This weekend was full of adventure....

Jaylin had a friend sleep over Friday night....so I was on entertainment duty....softball games, cupcake baking, board game playing, movie watching, bracelet making, hair straightening....you name it we did it Friday night!

The Blue Angels beat the Heartbreakers 11-4!

OU spanked Texas...it was wonderful!  I love it when OU beats Texas!  It is good for the soul! ;)

The Rangers beat the Tigers in game 1!

It was a great weekend to be a sports fan!


My Hunting Adventure:

I was up this morning at 5:00am for a romantic hunting trip with the hubster.  I've gone hunting with him before as his cheerleader/camerawoman/witness, but this time was different....it was all about me!  He didn't even carry a weapon (it's archery season)!  He walked into a spot that he had prepared for me the week before.  As we walked into the woods to our spot I found myself thinking about horror movies....you know the ones where the lone or token black person is the first to go....and sometimes it happens in the woods....so as I'm following the hubster through the woods I'm trying not to laugh out and loud and ruin the silence with my thoughts and laughter.  We made it to our blind and got comfortable and watched.....waited..........watched............waited and about two hours later about 8 yards outside my window crept a six point buck and just as I turned to get a clear look he caught wind, jumped, snorted and ran away.  He came back about twenty minutes later (he walked a big circle around us) but he never got closer than 35 yards and there was all sorts of brush and timber so I didn't think I could get a good shot and I let him walk.  Even though I didn't kill anything, I had a really good time with Rick and must say that it was fun to be the one with the weapon.  Oh and the good news....I managed to survive my jaunt in the woods in the dark......thank goodness!  We made it home around noon, grabbed a quick bite to eat and then took a nap...I was so tired!  Hunting is hard work. 

After my nap, I watched a little football and went out to play around with my camera and Jaylin (she is always a willing model).  I really think that I am going to start taking photos for profit.  I really want to supplement my income and to start paying for this PhD....and photography is the one thing that I can do that won't interfere with work.  Work money pays the bills, but my photography money will help fund my education and fun money :)  So if you know anyone who needs pics send them my way :).

I'm off to watch the rest of this Green Bay Packer game with the hubs....my Rangers aren't playing until tomorrow. 

SAD...

I woke up this morning after 1:00 am because I had a horrible dream....one of those that are just soooo real that you can't go back to sleep.  It. Was. That. Bad.  It was so bad that it made me wish that my husband wasn't a cop.  So bad that I immediately sent him a text (knowing that I might wake him) telling him how much I love him and how happy I am to be where we are in life.

I finally fell back asleep around 4:30 am and was so tired when my alarm sounded at 6:00.  I knew then that it was going to be a long day.  I was at one of my high schools before 8:00 and spent the entire day presenting an Oklahoma Promise workshop to over 270 9th and 10th graders.  I didn't leave town until 3:00 pm and made it back to D town in time to read a few scholarships and prepare for seeing my students off to a student leadership conference. 

I finally made it home a little after 5 and must admit that I was so tired that I let the kids play the wii while I catnapped for 30 minutes....I need my mommy card revoked.  Once I woke up I decided that I would check facebook (yeah, I'm that addicted) and noticed a post from a former TRIO professional  that led me to believe that  a TRIO program in Oklahoma had been lost.  It is always sad when this happens....students that need services will no longer be able to receive the support and guidance that they need and deserve, coworkers have to leave jobs that they believe in and have invested so much blood, sweat, tears and time.  The saddest part for me is that these are people that I care about and I know that they are the kind of professionals that do the job for the all of the right reasons....and it makes me sad because there are students who depended on their guidance, but I'm just SAD because they are people that I LOVE. 

I am just soooo SAD. 

It's going to be a long 10 days...

it's only been two days and I'm tired.  Really tired.  I sure hope the hubs comes back with a ton of ground antelope...that it the only thing that will make me running around like a crazy person worth it. 

Today was a pretty lazy day....I've managed to get all of the laundry finished and put away, watch a little football and pick up the ingredients for dorito casserole.  Guess I'll get off the rear and make it. 

This week is going to fly by...I have a ton going on and just hope that I can keep it all organized. 

The things that I dislike about hunting trips....

I'm preparing for a week+ of lonely...ok it's not that bad, but there are some things that I am going to miss for the next 10 days.

*kisses
*hugs
*winks
*smiles
* rear taps...it's the coach in him....I always get at least one "good job" pat a day.
*softball/baseball expertise at Blue Angel practices
*jokes at my expense
* his voice :( 
*lunch dates
*snuggles
*the good stuff...lol!

So I guess this list really has nothing to do with hunting trips....it is just away time. So I guess I'll suck it up and keep moving! 

I can't complain about this little venture to Wyoming....I love getting to eat anteloupe chili....so I'll send him off on Friday with a good luck hug & kiss and a good job rear tap....He better bring home a lot of anteloupe!!!

Not a baby anymore...

and that is why my stomach hurts when I have to clean up your poop....your explosive poop!  Those are the words that I uttered to my dear boy Hunter.  Last night I'd planned on having a nice late dinner and time with the hubby..............well that didn't happen.  Shortly after putting the kids to bed last night we were alerted to the tummy issues of Hunter boy...........2 pairs of underwear and 2 showers later he's back to bed.  Then Jaylin is up with a headache....she got hit in the head with a softball Saturday and has had a headache ever since....I'm starting to worry a little.....we will see how it goes and go to the Dr. if we need to. 

By the time I made it to bed I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow.  I woke up this morning hoping to get a workout in and hoping that the kids would feel better.........nope.  As soon as I get out of my bedroom I could hear Hunter in the upstairs bathroom....it was loud.  I knew then that at least one kid would be at home sick today.......by the time I get upstairs I find Jaylin sitting in the floor of her room brushing her hair and crying because her head hurt and she didn't want to miss school.  So now I've got two sick kids and set about the task of medicating (as much as one can in this situation which equates to a tylenol for Jaylin) and notifying teachers and schools.

Hunter's 1st grade teacher is great!  She is going to get his work ready so that I can pick it up after lunch - we don't want him to be overwhelmed with homework tomorrow so we'll get caught up this evening.  As far as Jaylin, well apparently in the 5th grade they don't want to send work home unless you've missed for three days....I'm a little bummed that we can't pick stuff up this afternoon....because that means that homework tomorrow is going to be a curse word.  Hoping that this is over soon!

I'm off to clean up poop....and my stomach hurts at the thought of it!  I love my kids, really I do - I just can't clean up big kid poop.  Babies - no problem.  Once you are potty trained you are on your own....well at least I wish that they were....oh the things we do for our children!

Weekend over!?!?

Weekends always seem to fly by....I still need another day to really feel like I've rested up at all!  Oh well...I guess I'll just suck it up and go with it! :) 

The reasons why my weekend passed so quickly:

1.  First softball practice for the 10U team that I am co coaching - I am pretty excited....we have some young girls, but have about 5 veterans that will be good examples for our younger girls.  The girls selected our team name and we are the...........Blue Angels!  :)  I'm so excited!

2.  Spent the second half of day (Saturday) feeling crummy - upset tummy.  Actually had an early night for once!

3.  Still felt sick this morning so I stayed home and cleaned house a little (spent most of my time on the couch).

4.  Rick, Jaylin & Hunter went on a squirrel hunting adventure and brought back 1 squirrel for me to cook up.

5.  Went out for a late lunch.

6.  Grocery shopping trip - lasted 2 hours.

7.  The rest of my day has been spent watching football. 

How I'm about to use the rest of my weekend time:

1.  About to start watching the Eagles play the Falcons....and get ready for an early workout and then work tomorrow.

2.  Late Dinner with the hubby - sending the kids to bed in one hour and the rest of his time is mine. 

3. I may even try to squeeze in one of my items from the Ways to Spend 25 minute list - and I don't mean washing the dishes...lol. Yes, I think I will....a great way to close out the weekend! 

25 minutes....

There are many things that you can accomplish in 25 minutes and as I sit here watching Legends of the Fall I thought I might share them here. Ok - this may be the most pointless post ever but oh well.

1. Clean the kitchen.
2. 2 10 minute solution pilates workouts and 5 minutes of cool down.
3. Unplanned Mom & Dad "time" with 5 minutes of snuggle time. (One of my faves- a highly recommended use of 25 minutes).
4. A nice run to clear the mind.
5. Family fun reading time.
6. Give yourself a nice pedicure.
7. Look through old photo albums and wish for the body of youth.
8. Write a thoughtful love letter to your mate.
9. Spend a little time with God.
10. Watch a little of a favorite old movie. (this could lead to watching the whole thing!)


That's it for now. What can you accomplish in 25 minutes?

Tired...

if I didn't KNOW better, I would think that I was pregnant.  I am that kind of tired.  The kind of tired that hits about 3:30  and makes you want to go take a nap.  I think that I have yawned for the last 20 minutes!  I need sleep!  I am just not getting enough rest.  I haven't been able to get up in the mornings....so no working out this past week...not once!  I'm hoping to get a run in this evening and one in the morning - I think it will make me feel better all day.   We shall see. 

It's been a good day - I've been able to make calls about students reciving scholarship awards (yay!) - some of those calls to friends which always makes me happy, I spent 2 1/2 hours with students, and even had time to help someone get a job today.  It's been a good day.  But I am ready for a nap.  Think I'm leaving the office early today...I still got over 8 hours in, just not sitting around until 5.  I need a power nap!

Yaaaaawwwwwnnnnnn!  Yup, it's time to call it a day.  I've got a long day of standing on my feet talking to 7th graders 8-2 - I've got to teach them about their learning styles and the joys of participating in a TRIO program.  Good times!

9.11.01 Never Forget

The morning of September 11th, 2001 I was up nursing my 2 week old daughter.  As Rick and I watched in horror he said the most scary words a military spouse can hear:  "We are going to war."  Those 5 words added dread to my crazy emotions.  I can remember being so scared, sad and shocked in those first hours.  I often think about those families that lost loved ones....I think about them more than on 9.11.  As a military spouse and spouse of a public servant, I think about  how quickly one's life can change.  I spent 17 months of my life wondering if my soldier was going to make it home alive in 2003 and cried tears of joy and relief when we welcomed his unit home. 

Monday I read a book written by a 9.11 widow ("Where You Left Me") and was touched by her story.  When I look at my children, I think about what their life would be like without their father and it scares me.  I hope that is something that we never have to face, but know that it is a very real possibility when I think about the career paths he's chosen. 

September 11th reminds me to be thankful for those men and women that our first responders and members of our armed forces, but it also reminds me about the strength that we have as a country and it makes me proud.  I am reminded to hug my children tight as I put them to bed, to remind my spouse how much he is loved, and to thank God for all that I've been given.

I will be thinking and praying for the families of those who were lost today, as well as those men and women in uniform who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  I will also continue to pray for God's continued grace in my life and for our country.

I will never forget.

Sabrina PhD?!?

I just received a letter of acceptance to the Educational Psychology PhD program!  I applied to a couple of schools...the traditional brick & mortar and an online program.  The online program is leading in the polls due to may extremely busy schedule.  There were still be 4 mandatory residencies (each 4 days each) and 4 that can be done either in person or via skype/web cam.  There are so many thoughts running through my head...holy cow!  This is a big step!  Am I really ready?  I am excited, scared, nervous, excited, terrified....

What an accomplishment this would be for me.... and my family.  Wow.  I'll have to wait for the hubby to come home tomorrow (military commitments) to push the accept button. 

Love this guy....

Missing the hubby...drill weekends are always lonely.

Isn't he cute?  There really is something about a man in uniform....

Uggghhhh!!!

Guess who is not going to be getting up at 5:00...yes you guessed it...Me.  I am just now seeing my little nieces off for the night....sometimes I wish I could just slap people.....really....just slap them.

And to think my crankiness from earlier is gone.  Thank goodness...

On another not Hunter boy lost his very first tooth today...he looks so sweet!  The tooth fairy has been here and let me just say....I want to put a tooth under my pillow!  Hunter is going to be one happy little boy!  He was so excited to go to bed tonight.  He was asleep before 7:50...he doesn't usually go until 8:32 (his negotiated bedtime - up two minutes from last year - I know when to pick my battles).

Off for a little snuggle time and then sleep for me!  Long day tomorrow!

CRANKY

Lookout world...I.AM.CRANKY.  I'm usually easy going, but I can already tell that I am just too cranky for words!!!  Hoping that I don't lose it today....let's see if I can make it! 

I'm in one of those ranting moods...am just going to fight the urge to gripe.  Today.

Here's to hoping that it gets better.

Why am I awake?

I should be in bed...why am I still up knowing that I have an EARLY morning?  The bedding is still in the dryer.  I'm hoping that hubs will have mercy on me and make the bed while I type this post.  A good wife would get up and make the bed, but I'm practicing being selfish and lazy....not really - I plan on making the bed as soon as I complete this post.  Really. 

The three day weekend was a nice one...calm and quiet.  I managed to do mostly nothing, except for my adventure in the deer woods and hanging a tree stand.  Hanging tree stands are work...I was suprprised at how much work there was to be done.  I'm excited to venture out into the world of hunting this season...not sure how I'll be with a yummy deer in my sights, but hopefully my love for deer jerky will help me get one...we shall see! I am really going to enjoy spending time with Rick more than anything and want to be a good student.  I am sure that there will be lots of hunting stories to come.

I need to hit the sack...a long day in store - early workout and late night (Jaylin has a double header).  I'm off to bed...here's to hoping I wake up when my alarm goes off the first time.

It's about to get ugly...

Rick is changing over to the evening shift - sucks for family time :(  3 -11  He won't see the kids except for the hour he gets for dinner....which means I'm going to have to be on point with the dinner schedule (he grabs the dinner break when he can get it...so dinner will need to be ready by 6 - gives me 45 minutes to get home from work and have it on the table).  I am about to enter the super organized phase of my life (for the year).
The daily schedule will be as follows:
5:00 AM - Up and out the door for "my time" - GYM
5:15 - 6:30AM Workout (Run & Weight train 5 days a week)
6:45 - 7:25AM Shower/Get Kids Off to School
7:40 - 5:00PM Work (Lunch with the hubby 4 days a week)
5:15 - 6:00 PM Figure out and Prepare Dinner/Check homework
6:30 - 8:30PM  Jaylin's Softball Practice (M&Thurs)
5:00 - 10:30 PM Jaylin's Softball games in Atoka (Tues only)
8:30 - 9:00 PM Bath time for Kids
9:00 - 10:00 PM Quiet time for me - wind down before bed.
10:30 PM  Bedtime
11:15 - 11:30 PM Wake up and make sure Rick had a good evening - touch base.

This is going to be interesting.....and I've made application for a doctorate program (Educational Psychology) -  with a Winter Trimester Start (Dec. 4  or 5) so then I'll throw in a little homework if all goes well. 

PS - my applying for the doctorate program is our little secret ;) 

Let's see how long I can keep up with this schedule!  Lord help me now!

Are you READY?

I'm ready for football! :)  My Sooners, My Jets, My SpiderPigs, and TEAM FORD - I am ready for the games to begin!

I love football...I can watch it live or on television...I do not care!  I LOVE football season!

I'm off to get ready for a gathering with FRIENDS...should be fun!

Boomer Sooner!

First Day of School

Ok..so it's been a few days since the real 1st day of school, but hey - better late than never!  :)  I love school time....I love sending my kids off to school excited for the new school year.  My kids were so excited to go...we were supposed to start school on August 11th and didn't due to the new High School not being complete.  So the morning of the 29th was welcomed by all!  So we are three days in and Hunter has had homework for two days - 1st grade is no joke!  It is the year of homework.   Jaylin started the 5th grade and today is her first day to have homework...school is definitely in session! :) 
I love school!!! :)

My babies are growing up! :(

Apparently you aren't allowed to walk 5th graders in anymore - had to take my picture from the car! :(

At least Hunter let me walk him in! :)

Jaylin's Birthday Celebration 8.28.2011

It is hard to believe that my little girl is 10!!!!  Holy cow...where did the time go? 

It was a great day...lots of fun!  Glad that I am fortunate enough to have gathering like this for my children.  I think I had two "real" birthday parties growing up...I guess that I why I get so excited to throw parties for my children...I guess I'm living vicariously through them! 

There is so much that I could say, but I think that I'll let pictures do the talking for me today.

8.26.2000* - The first of two anniversaries ;)

I married Rick on a hot summer evening in 2000...it was a wedding that was funded by the two of us (+my DQ boss).  It was a beautiful ceremony - lots of bridesmaids and groomsmen, on fantabulous singer ;) and two really cute flower girls.  The day was full of love and laughter.  It was a wonderful way to start our lives together as a married couple.  Fast forward to August 28th, 2001 - the birth of our beautiful daughter (Jaylin Marie) - a nice addition to our little family, from two to three.  Fast forward to September 11, 2001 - The day our country was attacked, Rick said at that moment "I guess I'm off to war soon" and sure enough by March of 2001 he was gone...it was the longest 17 months of my life.  Fast forward to June 4, 2005 - the birth of our sweet son (Hunter Stephen) - a nice addition to our family, from three to four.  Life was good...we were happy, in love and working together to achieve the goals that we'd set forth for our family - Rick started his job at the PD and I started working on my Master's degree...it was difficult but we managed.  Fast Forward to March of 2008 - bombshell dropped on me and it resulted in a break in our little happy home.  I never saw it coming....apparently neither did he...until the very end. The second longest 17 months of my life.   Fast Forward to August 2009 - Reconciliation - by the grace of God Rick and I were able to start working on repairing our marriage and moving forward with our lives.  Fast Foward to September 2010 - The second Anniversary date - a nice service and rededication of our love for each other.  Fast Forward to August 2011 - Happier than ever....stronger in both our faith and in our love and faith in each other.  What a blessing....so what should be our 11th wedding anniversary is our 10th (of sorts)...the reason for the astericks.   I don't care about the number (well I do a little), but the most important thing is that we have each other and are more in love than ever and dedicated to treating our marriage and relationship like a fragile flower - to be nurtured and loved ever so gently. 

So happy anniversary to me.   <3

Alarm issues...

Guess who didn't wake up in time for her morning run?!?  Yup...that would be me!  The sad thing is that I even had a back up alarm that didn't work....Rick was supposed to call me at 6:00 to make sure that I was up and about...he was out for his meal and left his cell at the police department...even if he'd had it he forgot anyway...so no call for me and no morning run.  I did spend the afternoon packing and assisting my brother move and ran with Jaylin at the end of her softball practice!  Not exactly what I'd planned, but it was something. 

So tomorrow is a run day....I'll run in the morning and try to squeeze in a little workout (shoulders/abs/legs).  I'm adjust my schedule to run four days a week and weight train 3....maybe then I'll drop some lbs. :) 

Where oh where have I been?

The past 14 days have been busy....I didn't mean to go two weeks almost without posting something!!!  So what's been going on since I've been MIA?

* Celebrated my birthday with awesome people!  I really can't say enough how much I endjoyed that       week :) 

*  Managed to squeeze in a little work with SWASAP Board meetings.

* Caught up with old friends while in OKC - even had a political experience that made me laugh....and kind of feel bad for someone who obviously has no clue.  It is a story that I'll save for a day where I have a little more patience.

* Spent a little extra time with the hubs his last day at drill - Army Reserves.

* Sent a picture to one of Rick's friends as a joke.....my boobs (covered) were included....it is an interesting story....I promise!  I don't just go around sending pictures of the girls.  Needless to say Rick thought that I was pretty clever and couldn't believe that I went along with it...he was proud of me....I promise they were covered no more than you would see in a bathing suit....but it was funny and had a point.  I'll share one day...really....I just need a little more time....I'm being called to dinner.

* Fell in love with our local garage sale page on facebook....I am so lazy and it is the best way to sell junk without sitting out in the heat all day!

* Made some really cute inviations for Jaylin's birthday party.  I'll post a pic soon.

* Hunter told me that my thighs were getting bigger - starting running again the next morning.

* Traveled home with the hubs to visit family - was happy not to have had to discuss politics.  Even had a nice trip to the beach.

*  Spent $50 at the McAlester Goodwill....Found some great bargains.

*  Spent a little time with my mom and brother - sold some awesome stuff for him on the local garage sale website.  Hoping to find a few more ways to help him out of a "situation".

*  Spent two hours trying to get a gigantic armoire inside my bedroom...only to determine that it wasn't going to fit through the door :(

*  Getting to ready to practice a giant cupcake cake for Jaylin's birthday...after I eat dinner.

I'm sure that more happened but that is all I have for now....dinner calls! 

An Entire Week of Celebration

I've been working on this post for a week...better get it out there before I forget it all!

For the first time in my entire life I celebrated my birthday for a week!  An entire week!!!  It started with a family trip to watch the Texas Rangers play, celebration with co-workers, a trip to the city for work (peers/super friends helped me celebrate there), a girls night out on Friday night, and a celebration with old friends on Saturday and Sunday.  There is so much that I could say about the week, but I'll just leave it at this:  I've never felt more loved in my entire life! :)  So far 34 has been great!  I'll end this post (because I am dead tired) with pictures to illustrate the great week that ended up being all about my birth!


****Please note...that I've saved drafts and added pics so many times that the pics are now out of order...I'm afraid if I don't post this now that I won't ever get around to doing it....so excuse the randomness!

The awesome cake from the hubs and kiddos :)

Birthday pic with the hubs :)

Crazy family portrait....on the bday :)

Gift from the hubster ;)



Pedi/Mani gift certificate - from the hubs and kids




Hunter helping me out!




Super awesome cupcake shirt from Tomyra ;)




Cupcake surprise from two of my favorite people - Jeff & Rene




Couldn't decide which one so they got me 4!  My kind of guys! ;)




Cupcake scentsy bday treat!




Lemon cupcakes for my office bday celebration.



Triple chocolate cupcakes ;)

Early bday celebration at the Rangers game :)

My babies at the Rangers game :)

Repping Andrus in our home made shirts ;)

Love this girl <3

So serious....

coolest bday card ever :)  Made me laugh!

My loves :) <3

Popcorn maker from Jaylin ;)

My new favorite cupcake - Strawberry shortcake...mmmm

Cupcake wasted....

One of the many desserts of the week!

Birthday sundae from Zio's

Bday cupcake from my Barry!  Red Velvet!!!

I love these people!!! 

My Amber ;)  Awesome lady!

My Ro! :)  So sweet and just great!!!





Some of the smartest, sexiest, sweetest women that I know - excluding myself here....I love these girls!

My friend Sondra - she missed out on the festivities but we got to catch up the next day :)

34 is off to a great start!  Bring it!

So let's just say that this was the very BEST birthday celebration ever!  I was so feeling the love...and if you didn't notice sweets/cupcakes was the theme of the birthday!  Now I just need to whip myself back into shape after eating all of that stuff!  I can also say I was able to cross something off of my bucket list...I'm so glad that I have easy going friends who are up for whatever....for the most part!

Bottom line:  I felt/feel the love! :)