Finally!

We didn't take as many pictures as we thought. Oops. So, I tried to make the few as interesting as possible. There's only 5 pages to my wee book.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Very Thankful

Make a Smilebox postcard

It's Christmas time pretty baby!

We took the boys to see Santa in a private setting. They were able to talk to him and really tell him what they wanted for X-mas. Kale is really into Santa/Christmas this year, so it's a lot of fun. When he tells us what he would like for X-mas, we tell him that we'll be sure to tell Santa. He then comes back with "I don't wanna to tell Santa. I'm telling you." Alrighty, then.

Here he is sitting with the "middle man"...

And, this is Mack's 2nd Christmas. And, as 2nd Christmas' go, Santa might as well be

S-A-T-A-N. He wants nothing to do with him. The picture turned out perfect...

And, as for Nathan. Well, he's totally into it, too. He had so much to tell Santa, he was talking his ear off. Santa had to tell him "wrap it up B!" ha. Nathan was thrilled.

In other Christmas related news, I think we broke a Christmas card record this year: 94 cards and counting (family and clients). Keith said, "what, like how many cards do you think we need?...25?" har, har, hee, hee, haw, haw...aaaaaggghhhh...wahhhh.

We are so excited about the boys presents this year. I suppose it is because of Kale's heightened interest and participation, but Keith made sure he got everything he specifically asked for. I'm a little concerned that Christmas morning is going to resemble a Showcase Showdown on the Price Is Right. And, you'll enjoy aaalllll this... in yooouuur new bedroom!... if the price is right? Cue audience yelling prices and booing disapprovals. I've always wanted to spin The Big Wheel!

NY

We had so much fun. We missed the boys. Can't wait to do it again. More pics coming soon.

Gobble, Gobble

Make a Smilebox greeting

Weekend Do-over, please!

After a crap-filled weekend (no pun intended) battling a stomach bug that passed from Kale, to Mack, to me and lightly grazing Keith...our Sunday was the closest day to normalcy. Man, that was a horrible 72 hours. Kale had projectile vomit Thursday night, while watching Toy Story, after mildly complaining that his tummy hurt that evening. Friday night, as Keith is unbuckling Mack from his car seat, Mack spews chunks all over himself and his carseat. ***Awaiting a Babies R Us coupon b/c I'd rather retire it. No matter how much Lysol and bleach you use on the straps and buckles- NOTHING removes that smell. And, we already know that from a lovely incident involving Keith and half a gallon of Jack one eventful night with his best friend. Oh, you remember...

Later that night, it's my turn. I just knew it. Sure enough. 3 a.m., I bolt outta bed plugging my mouth. Dude, I haven't thrown up voluntarily/sober since like...Jr. High. I did not like the anticipation, it just made it worse. Thankfully, Keith didn't get the full brunt of the ugliness. Amen, because he helped to take care of all of us. Dutifully cleaning vomit from the floor and carseat. Thanks, babe, you're a soldier.

Happier times...

Lollipops...a cure all.

doesn't he look like he just heard the funniest thing? It was Kale's asleep and

doesn't know I took his last Halloween lollipop.

Kale has been wanting a gumball machine for like 3 years now...all he had
to do was vomit all over the living room for his parents to feel sorry for him and buy one.

and, this guy? Same ol, same ol for him. Bully sticks and trying to steal

the kids stuffed animals.

Ha, ha, ha...who's the dork, now? **Normally, we wouldn't do this
to our dog, but he's recovering from ringworm and has bald patches.
No. I'm serious. This is so we can take him to a park and
people won't run the other way. Pitiful.

Ka-buns Unplugged

Magic 8 Ball : Our garage being converted into rehearsal space...HIGHLY LIKELY

"Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon, but we told him it's chest, not sex. He sings "Your chest is on fire". I don't know how long before he sings the right word. Bad?

the chorus cont'd...

On Call

I never posted about our experience at the Kings of Leon concert a couple of weeks ago. We had a good time as they were great to see live. Verizon Wireless Theater is a sucky place to see a band. It's a small venue, which should mean the performance will be intimate, but it's quite the opposite. Soon after walking into the place, there's a Verizon Wireless booth with phones and accessories. You know, in case, before the concert, you really wanted to see what the new Blackberry could do. Lame. And, some long haired pony-tail wearing guy won't give ya a little bit more rum when the damn thing tastes like nothing but watered down ice and Coke for $9 b/c the liquor is metered. Lame...(and no tip, jackass). Finding out that we got really good seats and the people around us were not drunk, college aged assclowns, but realizing after song #2 that there would be no standing or moving to the music in our aisle. So, we moved a couple of rows back where no one was sitting and stood the rest of the concert to dance and enjoy the music, like we were the only ones there. And, that's how concerts should really be anyway.

KD Sr. took some time off last week to recooperate from the crazy month he had before. The week was spent nursing Kale's cold and potty training Rocco. Tuesday morning we left to go get coffee and ended up at the Galleria hunting down Woody and Buzz from the movie "The Toy Story" at The Disney Store. Random. On Thursday, we went to the Butterfly Museum. Kale had his big bug book in tow and was excited about the museum. As I was unbuckling him from his car seat, I started increasing the anticipation by naming all the bugs we were going to see "a tarantula, a giant beetle, a centipede, madagascar cockroaches"...etc. So, I ask him "Kale, what bug do you want to see?" Wide eyed, he looks at me and says "a mosquito!". Son, skeeter citings are free.

Rocco is in the midst of puppy training. Luckily, he is a good student. Already, at 8 weeks, he has more manners than Mack. Poor guy got a painful lesson today, though. He relentlessly tries to play with Tatum and a couple of times a day Tatum will entertain him for about 10 min. After that, she's like "put a movie in kid and leave me the hell alone". Well, he doesn't really know what that means. We're not sure how it happened, but after the 234,500th pounce, Tatum let him have it. And, this isn't the first time, but she really bit him hard. Now he has a little cut under his eye and scrape on his eyebrow. We felt bad for the poor guy. Not to worry, he's whining because he can't sleep in the same crate with her. Boys can't get enough of bitches.

7 weeks

We're already taking some heat for this guy, but that's expected. And, it's okay, we're up to the challenge. We considered many dogs the past 6 months before ultimately choosing this guy. From Basset Hounds to German Shepherds. It's tough being misunderstood. We're used to being the underdogs, afterall, we are Aggies.

Halloweenies

The kids trick-or-treated, you know actually going door to door, for the first time last night. And, now...we will never have another Halloween without this ritual taking place. They loved it. They were relentless. Banging on those doors, ringing those doorbells and peeking through the shades until a living person with sweet goodies came out. We were all supposed to be superheroes, because I like themes. But, Keith and I felt like such complete idiots dressed up as Wolverine and Wonder Woman that I did a last minute dash to Target on Thursday. Bless that store.

Usually I put a lot of umph into the kids costumes... not this year. Kale wanted to be Iron Man and Mack was Batman (the same costume from Kale's 1st Halloween). I went as a zombie French Maid and Keith was a psychotic Dr. (Dr. Youngblood). I didn't know how to really pull that look off, so I bought a multi-use make-up kit and threw everything on. I was proud.

...and, oh yeah, Keith bought a dog.

Meet Rocco.

Calm, Cool, and Collected

I've got time to post! Whoa! Yea! So, let's see...

We voted this morning and it was sweet relief. It was almost as if we'd been working on a long assignment and finally got to turn it in for a grade. We are totally getting drunk tonight! lol. You have until Oct. 31 to vote early. I never posted anything about Sarah Palin and well, I assumed it was McCain's way of throwing in the towel b/c hell, what'd he have to lose? It gave his campaign the boost it needed. Palin supporters were so proud to have someone ruffling the Democrats feathers. Uh, yeah, people were getting worked up because the woman was a complete idiot. Her nomination was laughable, but I couldn't believe how many folks drank that kool-aid. I bought a bumper sticker that read "Sarah Palin: because John McCain thinks you're an idiot". I never put it on my car because I value my paint job, this is a red state folks. Frankly, I think the Vice President (potential President) should be smarter than the majority of America, but who cares what I think. At least the rest of America has a brain, Texas. All of that "I'm just a regular gal, not a politician" bullshit...go sell crazy somewhere else biatch, we're all stocked up here! Tina Fey was a god-send. I hope this is the last we'll ever see of Sarah Palin, but something tells me we won't be so lucky.

***

We recently spent the anniversary of my Grandfather's passing fishing in Port Lavaca. My Grandfather often brought us out there for fishing expeditions. They are great memories. We all miss him dearly, but as time passes, the tears don't fall as quickly as they use to. Of course, I cry. I cry hard hunched over from the hole in my heart. Asking for anything back. Anytime. I'll even take the visits in the hospital to relive. Even knowing the outcome, I'll start all over again just to be there with him to hold his hands and pray for help and to talk to him. I am thankful everyday that Kale and I spoke to him that day. I can't say I've found my way to complete healing, but I know if I continue to do the work, I'll get closer and closer. I'm still deciphering the how's and why's and trying to build a new working faith.

We went to the library (a different library than our usual one b/c it sustained damage from the hurricane and has yet to re-open) one evening last week. And, after we picked out some new reading material for Kale, I went to the other side to look for myself. I often check the new arrivals. Since it was the week leading up to the anniversary, I was kind of in a funk and dealing with all those raw feelings again. Sitting on the shelf was a small book called "Stories from the Edge- A Theology of Grief". I'm only half way through it right now, but it really is clarifying some things for me and has turned into be exactly what I needed. Someone put that book there for me right there, right then. When I woke up Sunday morning, I laid in bed thinking about what I wanted to say at the cemetery. I thought of the a verse my Grandfather always said, but couldn't remember how it went. We got packed up and headed out to Victoria. On the way there, I read a couple of more chapters. And, within my reading, was the exact passage I was trying to remember earlier that day

Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven

and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything

you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

Matt. 18:18-20

When I found it, I immediately cried because I felt close to my Grandfather. I felt a sense of peace about where my Grandfather went. He always reiterated this sense of calmness to me and it came across in that passage as soon as I read it. I could write more and more of his love for the Lord, but I'm certain he is with his ultimate creator and I wouldn't wish anything less for him.

School is 5 days a week, WTF?

School days are tiring. Really, I'm so thankful he only goes two days a week. I don't think I could handle anymore, right now. There are so many things to remember (i.e. paperwork, deadlines, book orders, food/fundraiser orders, fundraiser sponsorships, volunteering...argh...I know I've written about it before). I forgot to pack Kale a drink in his lunch box. I was trying to get out extra early this a.m. to drive-thru Starbucks for a Horizon Vanilla milk or a McDonald's for apple juice. No such luck. Luckily, his teacher keeps extras on hand and told me not to worry about it. Plus, as we pulled up to school, I saw a Mom lathering her child in Off repellant and remembered he needed some. I looked for it in two places this morning, but couldn't find it, and then I got distracted by something else.

It could've been when I was heaving Mack into his carseat and realized he'd pooped. Why do they do that? And, when you're running late, no less! I changed his diaper right there in the garage on the dining table, which is in the garage, because we're having new floors installed...which also means we haven't had satellite T.V., DVR recorded programs, or a couch to sit on since Monday morning. The horror! (***I promise to thoroughly disinfect that table when we move it back in :-) BTW, Thanksgiving is at our house...ha, j/k.)

So, off to school he went, where he would inevidably die of thirst and be eaten alive by blood sucking insects, but at least he was on time. Way to go, Mom!

After I drop him off, Mack and I take off to the grocery store to pick up some juice boxes, because the next school day will be here before you know it. I get some fruit, cheese, some snacks, 2 different kinds of beer and Blue Bell Rocky Road. Then, we rush home because either Keith or I need to be home for the guys to finish the floor. Get home and find out floors cannot be finished today because the leveling solution didn't dry enough AND I forgot to buy juice. MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!!!!!! Get back into car to pick up Kale from school. Curse all the idiots on the road. Sit in carpool line. Mack gets restless and starts to fuss. Keith reaches in bag to pull out something for Mack to snack on while we wait, leans over and says "you know you had a juice box in the backpack, right?" Don't even, man.

On top of that, one of the bottles in the 6-pack that I bought, was completely empty. I know! What are the odds? The bottom was completely cracked open, so I guess it leaked onto the shelf at the store. We went back and exchanged it.

Yet, I know I have no real complaints. I'll slap myself. Even though school has come with a lot of requirements, I have met a lot of people and had a great time at a birthday party with Kale this weekend. Screw you carwash girl, I didn't want to be your friend anyway!

Fall-ing behind

I apologize for not posting for so long. I'm sure there were things to write about, but I just never took the time. There was a hurricane, KD jr. started school, and things have just been a whole lotta hectic. What I should post about tonight is the economy. But, that'll make my head hurt and we're busy lifting the mattress to hide our stash anyway. So...

The hurricane was worse than expected and caught a lot of people off guard. I suppose it's because we often experience false alarms. The devastation in Galveston and nearby cities was unbelievable. Houston completely shut down and gas was hard to come by. It was really a strange situation the first few days after the storm. We had gathered the necessary supplies (for the most part), were only out of electricity for 12 hours, and didn't sustain any damage on our home...Thank God. And yet, there are a lot of people still without power and some without a home and I can't imagine how hard that must be. We have nothing to complain about and everything to be grateful for. Here's to hoping that doesn't happen for another 25 years.

KD jr. starting school has been great, but totally a lot of work. We've already started two fundraisers and a book fair. Phew! It's like a whirlwind of paperwork, deadlines, sign ups, volunteering, donating, lunch making and show and tell gathering. My goodness...and this is just the beginning! My daily planner needs a daily planner.

Also on the frontier is new music! Yea!! Currently, thanks to Keith, we are bangin' our heads to Kate Nash, Santogold- L.E.S. Artistes, Kings of Leon and Adele. Now we just need that great weather to come back.

HOT! HOT! HOT!

Here's something to keep you warm on those chilly Fall nights (nights that I am anxiously awaiting). Ahhhh...a brisk wind with a little bite as you make your way to your parked car wearing a cute sweater, killer jeans and some bitchin' new high heeled boots (ankle or calf). I love the Fall!!!

The ongoing theme of all my autumns is love. It's something about the cold that makes you want to cuddle with the one you love.

My husband hasn't written a song for me in a long time. Oh, I don't know...with work, a wife and kids...I just don't understand why he doesn't have the time. Kidding. I casually mentioned this to him a couple of weeks ago while he was playing his guitar, jokingly, of course. And then the other day, while we were on the phone, he said that the new single from Kings of Leon "Sex on Fire" is his dedicated song to me. (Gush) So, here it is. Brace yourselves, it's mucho caliente...just like us. The band is coming to Houston in October. We may need to be doused with a fire extinguisher when they play this song.

Autumn Leaves

We saw a man getting beaten up at the corner of an intersection in Southeast Houston this morning...it was 9:03 a.m. Luckily, Kale couldn't see. The guy getting beaten up seemed to be drunk and could barely stand, much less fight back. The guy doing the beating up was, for the most part, uncoordinated as well and got just a few punches in, but tore the guy's shirt and kicked him in his rear unsteadily. Afterwards, the aggressor walked off and crossed the street. And, all of us bystanders just sat there in shock. Like, what the hell is going on? I imagine (and hope) if one of them pulled a gun or really was getting the best of the other guy, someone would've called the police, but it seemed like a drunken girl fight. It just happened so fast and even while you're watching it, you're trying to process what exactly you're seeing. Is this for real? Meanwhile, the other dude leaned up against a wall, caught his breath, gathered his thoughts, then walked off in the other direction. Our light turned green and we drove off. Weird. Can you imagine if that's how your day started? I can only hope the day got better for them.

Another weird story. We were at a school playground last weekend in Sugar Land, when we see several cop cars and emergency vehicles speed past. Soon after the cops return and block off the parking lot where our truck is parked. We stop to see what's happening. Then, we see Life Flight circling above our heads. Yup, Life Flight landed a few hundred feet away from us, right behind our truck. Kale was yelling and pointing "That's mah truck...that's mah truck!" beckoning us to DO SOMETHING. All the trees swayed and leaned in one direction. Dust, leaves, and debris flew all around. It was a sight to see. But, it was also sad to know that someone was in need of such desperate help. After the patient was loaded, we sat silently while the helicopter lifted into the air and said a prayer. For we know the feeling of desperation all too well.

It's so easy to be consumed in your own haves and have nots, but in the realm of life, it's not important. What matters most is that you love and allow yourself to be loved and to be happy. My Grandfather was the definition of love in its' purest form. Unconditional. Unrelenting. Inspirational. I still feel like it wasn't his time. Like something went terribly wrong and I'm stuck here re-reading the directions over and over again. I can let go. But, I don't want to. My Grandfather would often stop me in my tracks, when I looked like my mind was elsewhere, and say "You know, I feel like God is really going to bless us. I can just feel it. You watch." and I would say "Yeah, you know...I think you're right, Popo". And, I do.

Shifting gears

Phew, I finally have a chance to update the ol' bloggy blog. We went to the library on Monday and I found myself a couple of good reads. I am trying to squeeze reading those into my crazy days and then wouldn't ya know, my subscription to Glamour starts. I got one of them in the mail yesterday. It's official. Free time: None found. When I opened our mailbox and saw the magazine, I was thrilled. Keith was standing at the end of the driveway looking down towards the mailbox. And there I was, motioning to him with my arms, in sheer delight. "Look! I'm a girl, again!!", I said. He responded with something along the lines of 'yeah...the last time I checked'. Dirty bird. The magazine is nothing spectacular, but I've been getting Better Homes and Gardens and Parents. And, nothing is wrong with that either...if you're taking Centrum Silver and drive a mini-van (no offense!).

In fact, one of my dreams is to be able to flip through a Better Homes and Gardens and point at one home and say that's the one. That's the home of my dreams (which is in every issue) and then it magically appears for me to live in. Those BHG homes make my eyes roll back into my head. All clean and crisp and 'California coastal' decorated. Keith and I would study these homes in our "offices" separately and then storm out with the magazine opened, yelling in an accusatory tone. "Look at this! Just fucking look at this!" throwing the mag in front of the unsuspecting partner who was blissfully lapping up freshly melted ice cream. "What, What?". Looks down at pictures. "Omg! What kind of shit is that? That's effing ridiculous. Who does that? Argh!!!!! It just makes me sick, really.........I absolutely love it". Please toss that magazine into the oven.

So, now that we're not being tortured by BHG and Parents, because, really, how much more can I read about the harmful effects of vaccines (and be scared shitless) or how to keep the romance alive with your husband. (Duh. It's called alcohol and low budget porn...I kid, I kid!) Now, with this new subscription to this new magazine with new articles I'll get the body I've always wanted (woohoo. it's in the magazine people, all I have to do is open it and I am gonna look so good...immediately), I'll know how to handle anything naked and I'll know the 8 things my man craves in bed (I had no idea there were 7 more...clear my schedule). I'm gonna be the best me in the whole world. Or, maybe I'll just find a different way to pluck my nose hairs. Either way, my inner college girl appreciates it.

***

It's that time of year again. The time where I want to get focused. I want to have a plan. I want to have a timeline and work towards something. As if raising children and running a life isn't enough busy work for me. Somebody slap me. I do it every year, maybe one of these years it will stick. I feel like I should be socking away at something. This is me. I want something to be proud of for myself. I want to create, invent, restore, invest, learn, digest...but not be stressed. and, oh yeah, be able to remain a stay-at-home Mom. I know. I'm outta my mind.

Like, what if, God forbid, something happened to Keith, I would need to find a job to provide for my family. And, what about when the kids are in school and I'm at home? It'd be nice to make some money and be fulfilled with a career that makes me happy...but still be able to be in the carpool lane to pick up my kiddos, because I want that, too.

I called UH today to see if my transcripts are on file. Yup, they still are. I submitted an application, again...all I need to do is send in the application money. I did this the exact same thing 2 years ago. I get this far and then I let it set in. And when it comes down to it, I think I like the fact that, in an instant, I could change my whole world and do something challenging. I want to prove to myself that I could do it. But, am I willing to give up my current lifestyle for it? In short, no. I know the payoff would be great...yet, why mess up a good thing? I guess I'm chickening out. I like my free time with the kids and Keith, is that wrong? And maybe that means I'm saying no to a career, too. I don't know if I'm okay with that yet, either. Well, if I feel the same way in two years, I can always pay the application fee then.

Maybe, I'll get a puppy...now you can really slap me.

Stuffed Animals

Howdy ho! We got up and out the door extra early this morning to meet up with my Aunt and her kids at my Grandmother's house for a garage sale she was having. Who knew Thursdays were big traffic days for garage sale hoppers, but apparently so. I have come to the conclusion that trying to get yourself and two kids ready to be somewhere is the equivalent to planning a wedding for 200+ guests in 3 days. It can kick my ass. I guess I'm just ill-prepared. If only I would follow my Grandmother's advice and start gettting ready the minute one foot hits the floor. When my Grandmother is in town, and let's say we have to be somewhere at 10 a.m. collectively, she'll instruct me to give her the boys clothes and she'll dress them. At 7:08 a.m. Maybe she's fuckin' right.

I think I have the time, and then, it's like 'holy shit, holy shit, holy shit'. And, really, my boys were being totally cooperative this morning, so I don't know what I'm complaining about. Well... it would be great if they just read books quietly in a corner while I got everything ready, but that's never going to happen. They are usually swinging golf clubs around or taking buckets of toys and sprinkling them around the house after I just picked up for the 28th time that morning. Aaaahh! It's just so many things to remember and let's face it, women take awhile to get ready, poor boys. I feel like there's a huge egg-timer in the house (tick tock tick tock tick tock...work faster biatch) and I better be in the car with tires rolling between 9:30-10 a.m. or I will have HELL to pay...meaning Mack will be at my feet demanding to put down for a nap. No movie or show will cure his pain.

I have been mentioning the little science museum in Spring Branch now for quite some time. It's been around so long, my parents even took school field trips there. And, I always loved to go. I would make my Mom take me on the weekends. So, you know me. Squeeze as much into an outing as I can for fun's (fuck's) sake. After the morning garage sale rush, I corraled the seven of us to head over there. Keith was not sure what kind of adventure he was in for and he thought I may have made the whole museum idea up in my "not so accurate" memory. Lisa got a big kick out of the trip down memory lane. As did I. It was pretty much just as I remembered and really enjoyed sharing that with my boys. I think they'll appreciate it more in a couple of years, but I think we'll have to do a lot more explaining. We came to the conclusion that this was a much better option than the zoo because it's in the A/C, you get to be a lot closer to the animals and it's free. Too bad all the animals are were shot dead and stuffed.

Future Field-tripper

I could be wrong, but I dont' think the taxidermist really caught the essence of this fox.

Things got a little hairy at this exhibit. The boys asked why the tiger was biting the deer. Lisa and I told them that's what they eat...just like we eat meat. Lisa saw this taking an ugly turn, so she started in with, "tigers are carnivores, honey. And...carnivores eat meat in order to survive..." The boys in unison let out a "awwwww" and then that's when Keith jumped in and said "They're playing." We said, "yeeaaah, they're playing". Good one. Phew!

Kale with the big polar bear I had told him and Keith about.

Oh, look, a lion and an antelope having a grand ole time! They're best buds.

Notice the boys trying to deal with the horror of the alligator eating the fish. Poor fishie.

Hanging Tough

Eduardo? Who? Well, at least we didn't get our arses kicked. Nobody needs all the hassles that natural disasters bring. We hastily let the boys play in the backyard yesterday in anticipation of our day trapped inside. We still had to find ways to keep the boys entertained while inside. Kale painted and Mack learned how to climb his Little People's Garage. Totally dangerous. Not only did he stand on it, but tried to do a celebratory dance while on top just to show off. Is there a Flickr photo pool for crazy kids that do this?

We've spent our summer celebrating birthdays, having water balloon fights, playing on the slip-n-slide, having friends over for grill outs, and playing with our friends and family. All in all, it's been fun, but dude, we need to slow down. I feel like our weekdays are our time to relax, which I guess is about right.

KAD jr. is going through a growth spurt an emotional/mental spurt. I've heard the stage of 3 years to 4 years old resembles that of a teenager. Good Lord. He's just voicing his opinion all the time. No to this. No to that. I want this. I don't want this. I don't like it. I don't want to. I can do it! I can't do it. I wanna go here. I don't wanna go there. It's as if his whole world around him just became multiple choice. Who taught him how to talk? Shame on you.

But, then there's the relentless kissing he showers us with (although, he's started doing the soap opera kiss of tilting his head left to right. Where'd he learn that?) and the hard 'running into your body' hug, and his endless pursuit of "What will make my parents laugh" game that he's brilliant at...so, we're gonna keep'em, all the while suffocating him with our unconditional love.

MAD is becoming...um...how do I say...like a bull in a china shop. Seriously. He hits, he yells and he bites when any flesh gets near his mouth (not hard...yet). But, on the other hand he's also become hilarious, entertaining and so fun to be around. It is never a dull moment with this character. And, frankly he is at the time in every child's life that they become absolutely delicious. Oh! We can't stop kissing him, smothering him, tickling him, pinching those chunky thighs and did I say kissing him already? He's got our slobber all over him everyday. He's going to get sick of it. But, his brother lived through it and so shall he. What a wretched existence.

Random Goodness

The Pioneer Woman's post today was so sweet and tender that it made me yearn for that moment again. Oh, how I love the time in the hospital with a brand new baby. The peacefulness of holding your little baby...brushing their cheek with your finger so softly as they nurse and are comforted by the touch and warmth of your body, their Momma.

I could have so many more babies because of those precious moments after I give birth. It's so easy in the hospital. Life doesn't get in the way. It's just you and your little one. The miracle of life that you grew in your body. It is, by far, heaven on earth. And, if you haven't had a baby yet, boy, are you in for a treat. Please invite me to relish in your good fortune.

I remember my heart swelling 10x's when they brought Kale into our room back from the nursery, as it was filled with our family. I was so ready to present him to our loved ones, that I literally floated out of my hospital bed with pride and joy.

And, with Mack, I was an anxious lioness pacing back and forth in my hospital room when they'd take my baby from me. I felt with Keith tending to Kale at home in the evenings I had to be more vigilant. The nurses came in to get him the first evening for a bath. I heard him cry (my room was right next to the nursery) and I got up from my bed and headed to the door to listen. Tears streamed down my face and I just wanted him back so badly. So, I sat on the sofa and waited. Finally, the nurse brought him back in and told me that he definitely didn't like that and he sure let them know (I should've known then).

I just wanted my babies close to me. To lay in bed with them, nustled next to me nursing and both of us peacefully drifting off to sleep because that is where we felt safest. I agree with the Pioneer Woman in wanting to re-create that moment...I'd pay for it, too.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Here's something worth mulling over...

Last week, as I was flipping channels, I came across a Senate hearing that was addressing our energy crisis. It caught my attention because the speaker was T. Boone Pickens, founder of BP Capital, LP. Mr. Pickens was presenting his plan for switching our dependency on foreign oil to a renewable source of energy (i.e. wind and energy). Mr. Pickens does a good job explaining our current situation. I recommend visiting his site PickensPlan and viewing his explanatory videos.

It goes without saying that Mr. Pickens has a monetary interest in this plan. I'm sure he's tired of paying these outrageous prices for barrels of oil (and he owns land in the wind and solar corridor...and he probably has the only blue print for a super efficient wind turbine that churns out double the energy in half the time and makes Girl Scout Thin Mints while doing it). If he keeps paying out all this money for oil, how are all of his great grandchildren going to burn up their trust money on BMW's and coke???? Mr. Pickens advises that if we replace a portion of our natural gas dependency with wind and solar energy then we can use the excess to fuel our vehicles and lower our need for the millions and millions of barrels we burn through day after day. Nobody is recommending that we completely forego using oil and gas for energy, that's impossible. Just less.

There's no easy fix. But, I think most sensible people realize that we need some kind of change. I don't know what the answer is. Drilling here in the US and Alaska is an option, but until the government can get a big enough piece of the pie in tax revenue, that idea is far off from ever coming to fruition. All I know is...we're fucked. My plans for the future?...buy land in the wind and solar corridor, heavily purchase wind turbine production company stocks, try to marry off one of your kids into the Pickens family, learn how to ride a skateboard everywhere and/or build a car that runs on dirty diapers or dog turds.

Busy Bee's

How 'bout this record breaking heat? It's always record breaking. Tell me something I don't know Frank Billingsley! Yeah, it's hot. So hot, I burnt the shit outta my hand on my own vehicle...I couldn't find a tree. Ouch. We always park far, but I will circle the parking lots to find a tree to park my car under. It takes me forever to park in the summertime. Keith thinks I'm crazy sometimes. But, have you ever gotten into a blanket being warmed in an oven to oh say, 1000 degrees, buckled into it and expected to be a happy camper? Well, that's why I do it. I try to keep the carseats from scalding my youngins, those buckles and the seat, in general, can get pretty darn hot. It's Houston and when they grow up they can choose to live elsewhere. (but, I hope they know that we will be moving wherever they go. I'll live in Dubai, I don't givah f#ck)


I remember piling into my Aunt's Dodge Ram with my 3 little cousins sweating our moles off. I'd look around at the 3 little girls and confirm that yes, we were all burnin' up and about 10 degrees from having heat strokes, even though the a/c was blowing full force. Little beads of sweat forming across all of our lips. But, off we were to run errands, shop or whatever was on the agenda for that hot summer day. We always had fun. Our days often began or ended with running down the cement, burning the soles of our feet, to the neighborhood swimming pool. I know my Aunt sacrificed a lot to show us a good time and for us to have fun-filled summers. I talked to the youngest of those 3 girls the other day and she asked how my boys were doing. I said oh, they're doing great...just driving their Mom crazy, but at least their having a good time doing it...and I also know why your Mom would sometimes smack you with wooden spoons. We chuckled and she said "man, that's wrong!". I told her I was kidding b/c I don't do that, but I can see why Moms might be driven bat-shit...especially with a house full of wild and crazy kids (some of which were not her own) and in this HEAT!


We had a rock'em, sock'em week. I took the boys to see the Bee Movie on Wed morning with their cousins J&J and Aunt H. I couldn't tell you what the movie is about. I barely know that it's about bee's...thankfully that was in the title. Mack had all my attention. Phew, he keeps me busy. So so so so so so so busy. Twenty minutes into the movie I can tell by the constant flip-flopping in his seat that someone has to pee. Me, Kale and Mack leave to the potty. (Sidenote: I thought I was on the last leg of my crimson tide. So, I utilized the lower absorbency feminine product).


As were strolling across the lobby to the restrooms I feel a sudden, let's say...whooshing sensation. I quickly grab Mack in a football hold and make a beeline for a stall with Kale lagging behind. I strap Mack into diaper changing station and hold Kale up to pee. Then, it's my turn to survey the damage. I soon realize that I was totally wrong about my menstruation shutting down production. Oh, looks like we've got some late arrivers...make room guys, she's in for a show!! Am now in restroom with a destroyed pre-schooler witnessing a scene out of Trauma: Life in the ER and an even angrier toddler bolted into a horizontal contraption unable to witness the montrocity. Luckily, I had an extra plug on hand, but panties are a complete loss, so I tossed them. Would've liked to go to lunch with Aunt H and kids, just not commando.

On Thursday we went to the mall to meet up with Oliver, Jaime and Lennon. The boys played and played in the indoor playground and then went for a round on the carousel. I got a workout in, too, chasing Mack around and around and around the playground. Mack's energy is relentless and his physical ability is surprising for us and a lot of other people witnessing his prowess. He is fearless and knows no boundaries. Good and bad. Good for him at facing challenges later in life. Bad for me and Keith who have to be on constant guard and never have a moments rest. A couple of little girls were patiently following Mack as he crossed a plank. After they all had crossed, one of the little girls turned around and asked "Is he Chinese?". I was caught off guard. Do I explain that no, he's not Chinese, but his father is of Asian descent, he's actually half Filipino? And, then I thought that was too much for a 4 year old. So, I said no.

On Friday, we met up with Jackson, Lisa and Emerson at the Noah's Ark pool. Kale had so much fun again. I noticed that visiting all these places this year as opposed to last year (when Kale was 2) I'm so less nervous. I mean I still try and watch him like a hawk, but with lil' bit, that sometimes get a little difficult. Luckily, I can usually trust Kale to handle himself most of the time. It's so nice and he's having so much more fun because of it. Later that evening, we went to dinner with friends from Austin. Dinner was great, except the last 30 minutes when Mack chose to flex his baby muscle and told us to "wrap. it. up. B!". You would've thought that we were secretly removing his toenails one by one in his highchair. We took our little party to the park nearby and lo and behold, he was perfectly fine. Tracie said "hey, at least he's not a handful AND ugly". She's right.

Turn it up!

There's always one album that embodies summertime every year for us and right now, it's The Ting Tings. If I get a speeding ticket this year, it'll be because of this album. Buy it, roll down your windows and turn it up. It's perfection!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Update

Where'd the weekend go? I always feel like it's over before it begins. Friday night, my Mom put the kids to bed and we went to see The Dark Knight. My thoughts? Good movie, definitely recommend it...but, not mind-blowing for me. I think I enjoyed Batman Begins more, it was a little darker and seedier. Heath Ledger's performance was exceptional. IMO they could've picked a sexier female lead...Maggie Gyllenhaal, although fabulous and talented in her own right, doesn't fit the bombshell mold. I was also distracted by the professional woman sitting next to me, still dressed in her business suit, sneakily wiping her greasy fingers on her seat next to her leg. She thought she was being discreet. Yeah, no. Every time, after shoveling a wheelbarrow load of popcorn into her mouth, she'd slowly bring her right arm down to lie next to her thigh for a minute. And, then back up again to grab her soda. Napkins, anyone? No thanks, I'll just wipe my hands on the seat. Oh, here's a booger, too.

After the movie, we drove around in search of a place still serving sushi. Miyako's has last call at 11:45 p.m. SCORE! I don't think I need to find another place...ever. We talked about the boys, our parents, our form of parenting, our mental state of being and our future. We went home and before we went to sleep, KD said "Man, I can't wait to see the boys in the morning.". "I know, me either." I said. Then Kale came into the room at 6:40 a.m. and we changed our minds "Why are you up already???? Can you stay in your bed a little longer?". Fine.

I was reading a quote by Tiger Woods in Golf Digest yesterday (yes, I read Golf Digest. And usually more than Keith b/c he doesn't have the time. I'll say "Did you read...?" and he's all "No, Lord, where do you find the time to read that? I make time, baby. Let's just say I'm pretty regular.) Everyone always told him, after he had his little girl, that it just keeps getting better and better. I know I've heard it and I've also said it. And, boy does it! I think that will be my staple advice for anyone having kids. Everyday we wake up eager to see these little guys- see what they're gonna do or say that makes us laugh. They are constantly growing and learning and just plain amazing us.

***

On Saturday, Kale had a girl over for a play-date. Well, it was a casual dinner with friends from KD's job, who happen to have a 4 year old girl. Kale wanted his shirt off, so Lily decided that she, too, wanted to be shirtless. Her mother said it was fine, but hoped that Lily would come to her own conclusion that this wouldn't be socially acceptable as a 12 yr old girl.

They laughed, screamed, chased each other, smothered each other with a blanket, played restaurant and at the end of the night when they couldn't play anymore, they curled up on the couch to watch Curious George sharing a blanket, all on their own. I tried to secretly take a picture, but wasn't sneaky enough. So sweet...so sweet at 3 yrs old.

***

On Saturday morning, we went to Mister Car Wash to get the oil changed and a car wash. I started talking to another Mom with a 18 month old boy. I had Mack and was letting him tear into the can car fresheners while we talked "shop". Keith and Kale were busy watching the cars get cleaned up. These conversations always start up the same, it's like dating, but instead of a love connection, you're making a Mom-connection. The questions are the same...how old is he/she?, is that you're first?, are you going to have any more?, is he/she still on the bottle?, talk a lot?, good/finicky eater?, come here often?, do you live around here? etc, etc, etc.

Our conversation soon turned to who our boys resembled (mom or dad). She asked "Can you tell he's half-asian?" "No, I wouldn't assume that at first glance. I wouldn't really know. It's like you can't put your finger on it." I said. I told her that I don't really see "color" in my kids, they're just my kids. I don't see them one way or the other. She told me that his father was Vietnamese and she was Hispanic. Okay. Cool! "My husband is Filipino and I'm Hispanic, too." I told her. Cool! We confirmed that we did indeed love our mixed babies. Keith and Kale came looking for me and Mack. I introduced them and told her it was nice meeting her. I told Mack to tell her son goodbye and thank you, afterall Mack did eat like 4 of his banana slices. Mack grunted and did a forward hand slice.

We paused and felt like we didn't want to leave things like that. I mean, we shared a moment. So, we decided to exchange numbers. She asked for my number first. So I shouldn't be the one to call her, right? And, how long do I wait to call, if I do make the first call? I don't want to seem desperate or a weirdo. And, what should the first outing be? Somewhere public for sure, but not too distracting to where we can't get to know each other and see if this has potential of going anywhere. I mean, I'm not looking for a BFF. Making friends used to not be so difficult. What if she doesn't call?...I hope she calls.

Let the Games Begin

Are the Olympics over, yet? No? They haven't even started?! Omg. I'm already sick of the coverage. And, if we have to hear about the Lopez family from Sugar Land going to the Olympics one more time- I think I'll just have to pull out my eyelashes one by one. Yes, I'm happy for them. Yes, I think this is a dream come true for thousands of athletes. But, does it have to beaten over my head every time I turn around? Mind you, all this coming from a person who forged notes of an asthma condition in Jr. High to sit out of all softball, tennis, basketball or any physical activities that required me throwing/hitting/catching a ball. (turns out I love to "play" (I use that word in the loosest sense) tennis).

In high school I immediately signed up for Dance. Ha. "Dance" meant sitting around the gym with my friends, talking about boys, painting our nails and listening to our favorite music. Every once in awhile we'd throw in a pas de bourree and hey, look, we all got A's. At one point, the highlight of my senior year was bringing in the latest Adam Sandler CD "They're All Gonna Laugh at You" to listen to during our class. Oh, that's a classic...still brings a little tear to my eye when I hear "you see that shampoo bottle?, now stick it up my a$$...". And, one time during class we walked over to watch the guys practicing their routine for the "Best Mayde Man" contest. There was a really cute Filipino boy in the competition, with boyish charm and a rapist wit. I wonder what he's doing now? Probably married with a couple of kids. :-)

Summer Fun

My blogging has come to a slow crawl. It must be the heat. It's summertime, which means we're out longer in the evenings and well, we just don't feel like coming in yet. I feel like I don't have anything to write because my brain is mush. I'm beat, man and July has flown by. My Grandmother is visiting us this week, so she's catching up on the kiddos and they're constantly making her laugh. Everything they do is AMAZING according to Great Grandparents, even when they hit their mothers/siblings/pets with a golf club, hmmm...our little Aries.

We've been keeping busy with bbqs, birthdays, and watching the boys play in some form of water at all times. Here's to more of the same for the rest of the month. Yippee!

*Jacob and Joshua's new toy. Kale and Mack loved it.

Totally!

**I found this on MSN's homepage today and it couldn't be more precise. Read on! And then try it yourself here.

Kale- Taurus

Young Taurus Children born under the sign of the bull are calm and pleasant, consistent and practical. Being cuddly and affectionate, Taurus children enjoy physical contact. Endowed with a gentle nature, they can nevertheless be extremely stubborn.
Taurus is ruled by Venus - the planet of love and beauty - and Taurus can be seen as the most sensuous of the signs. The little ones are sensitive to colors and sounds and to a harmonious environment; they care about what they eat and wear and appreciate the finer things in life from early childhood on.
Taurus children won't be bullied into anything they don't want to do. If they feel forced they turn stubborn and won't give in to anything and anybody and will always hold their ground. Most Taurus children are likely to have a naturally beautiful singing voice and a very melodic way of speaking. They should be encouraged to take part in any musical activity offered, be it singing in a choir or learning to play an instrument.
Collections and possessions are rather important to Taurus children and they love toys and things they can collect. They even like to take on little chores for money and save what they earn. They can become little money makers at a very early age.
Taurus children are extremely loving and sensitive. Physical signs of affection are especially important, and they enjoy receiving huge bear hugs from an early age. Taurus' are strong, and they will learn to make the best huggers in the world.
In general, your child is loving, generous, tender, sensitive, and for the most part, well behaved. Just make sure you don't push him too hard or force him into anything he doesn't want to do. He will process things on his own time.

Mack- Aries

Young Aries children have energy in abundance, are usually strong, active, and enthusiastic. You better be physically in great shape to keep up with the little Ram. They seem to never get tired and after a day full of physical activity, the Aries child keeps going while you might gasp for air.
Being curious and adventurous, little Arians want to know everything, explore, and investigate. Without fear they venture into new territory all the time, be it a high tree, a playground, or a year abroad. They love challenges, so offering them opportunities to compete either in sports or at play or in school keeps them from being bored too quickly.
Aries children need a lot of watching, especially when they are very young, as they can also be quite stubborn and won't accept a "No" easily. Resisting control, they need to know who is in charge, as they are very determined to do everything their very own way.
Although young Arians can be quite sweet and affectionate one minute, they can be challenging and angry the next. They need a lot of reassurance, attention, and need to know they are loved. Being ruled by Mars, it is no wonder that they can display a hot temper but they can forget it as quickly as it came.
As natural born leaders, Aries children will take the lead in their group, be it at school, or college, or in their circle of friends. However, it can be difficult for them to lose and as difficult to learn how to share and that they cannot win every game.
Young Arians are a delight to be around, and they will certainly never bore you! Your favorite moments will be when you can jump into their fantasyland with them and get swept away by their courageous lead into the unknown. They have an untamed spirit that is always ready for adventure!

My Mack-nugget

Mack is fast approaching the 15 month mark, which is the same age Kale was when we became pregnato with this little firecracker. And, I can see why people get the urge to do it all over again when they hit this age, just like we did. I said I can see why. I, on the other hand, am not willing to go forth with that plan this time. Why? Well, Mack was a demanding baby and continues to be a demanding toddler. But, these last couple of weeks, he has been such the charmer. OMG! So funny, cuddly, loving, playful and all around happy, happy, happy.


I don't want to say things started to turn around when Kale went to school those 4 days. But, we noticed he became a little more flexible and tolerant. We always felt his demanding nature was in relation to him being a little insecure. Since he was #2, he didn't get all the attention nor was he waited on every minute of the day. He had to take a backseat quite a bit and being a child made up of our personalities...that just wasn't acceptable for him. At best, I suppose Mack was just misunderstood. But, hey, we asked for it. We did in fact give him the initials MAD...so he's just fulfilling his destiny.

Mack has become a wonderful little boy with a contagious smile and unwavering determination. He lights up every room he walks into and strangers are just drawn to him to say "hi", ask how old he is or gush over how gosh darn cute he is. It's like walking around with a little celebrity. God has really blessed us with two beautiful boys, each with their own distinct personality.

Destin-ation Unknown

Originally uploaded by dooce

If you listen closely you can hear me putting my Wonder Woman outfit away...why?...because we made it! What you ask? Keith's 8-day departure is what and we lived to tell!! It was an arduous and relentless trip for him, but he came back with a brain full of skillz to pay da billz. And, as for us...we kept busy, which is not hard for me to do. I mean, have you been around a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old boy?!?! We even squeezed in an Astros game (Me, Kale, Justin and Nathan...sorry KD). It's nice to have KD home. While he was gone, both of my hands had a tight grip on this life of ours here at home...now, I can let go a little and put one hand in his. It's so nice to see your smile KD, oh how I missed it!

*Update: We totally got drunk (on wine, does that count? No? I didn't think so.) and watched The Bachelorette last night. It was a doozie! Oh, DeAnna...he was a weirdo, but now look what you have left! They need to incorporate a "DEAL" option, like Solitaire, so she can start over. She had slim pickins' IMO. Maybe it can stay interesting...

***

As soon as Keith got back we both shared a big sigh of relief and our thoughts met when we confirmed that, yeah...we could use a vacation. Don't tell Kale, but school is already cramping our style.
Our hopes of a 2nd annual Labor Day trip to Destin, FL is looming in the near future. Because for the love of everything holy, pictures like this one (above), haunt me when I lay my head on my pillow. But, now we have to figure in his school. Bah. Kale may just go to his first day of school reaking of day old sunblock, a backpack full of sand and parents in desperate need of a nap. I hope they won't hold it against him.

Reading Rainbow

The rampage is over. My visitor has arrived and now I'm just tired. I have no fight left. I have a good book though and it takes most of my free time. I love good reads. The book is "A Dirty Job" by Christopher Moore. I found it at Half Price Books. The same place that Kale's world was complete when he got a blue gumball from the gumball machine.

Kale looked at my book and the cover has a baby "Death" in a bassinet type stroller. Not really kid material. He said "oh, a baby pirate". Yup, a baby pirate. "I can read!" he says. "Okay, here I'll read...I say "You killed her," Charlie screamed as he stormed by the racks of CDs toward the man in mint. He drew the sword as he ran, or tried to, hoping to bring it out in a single fluid movement from the cane sheath and across the throat of Rachel's killer..."... he lost interest and turned back towards Oswald on Noggin. I don't blame him. Hey, they say "Read to your child 15 minutes a day" they don't say what to read.

It's late and I'm off to read my baby pirate book.

Medical Intervention Needed: A Pre-Menstrual Post #1

Hold onto your britches 'cause I am on a roll. Hot damn!

It's that time of the month again (well, almost time) and my hormones literally take control of my whole being. If I had my choice, I'd be able to walk around during these days with a large ICEE always within arms reach to dump on top of people's heads. Yes, that puts a smile on my face. See? I go from happy, happy, happy to fuck you, fuck you and fuck you very much. It all depends on when you catch me.

You'd think I'd learn from my experience of posting on other popular blogs (open wide and insert foot) that that I'd mind my own business and let other mentally well-balanced people express their opinion. Nope. A blog that I read on occasion, one of which makes me laugh and am a fan of (I swear), posted a story that I felt was wonderfully written, but elementary. Granted I could NEVER write a story that well, I felt slighted because he is a professional blogger, soon to be published author and well, I expected more dammit. And now here comes the wave (it's a small wave, almost miniscule) of regret from opening my big mouth. I could save myself so much heartache (in all facets of my life) if I just learned how to SHUT THE FUCK UP. Here's my post:

I think you're a great writer. A big imagination. I see the humor...really I do. But, in real life, I don't think the clerk would give a fuck...cause not a big deal. The set-up was entertaining though. Posted by: Michelle June 21, 2008

Email: nunya@hotmail.com

I know. But, c'mon. It's far fetched and plays out like a poorly written Mad TV skit. Do you think that really happened? I doubt it. I'm not trying to police this post, but I'm at a heightened bullshit alertness right now (Homeland Security should work on an advisory system for that) and there should be a disclaimer if shit is made up. That way I don't feel the need to call BULLSHIT on a story. Am I sorry? Highly questionable at this point. And if he did do that...then he's a dickhead.

And, yes, I already emailed the teacher. What?

Here he is. In all his glory. My little school boy. Well, it's a short summer fun day camp (4 days in all), but it's the first. As you know, he starts in the Fall (Tues/Thurs), but for a whole school year. I signed him up for this summer thing so he'd get a small introduction before August. Hopefully it'll leave him wanting more and will be excited about school. So far, so good.

On Wednesday, he didn't jump outta bed and ask to go to school, nor did he mention it before we did. I, of course, was one phone call away from yanking him out. He doesn't like it. My baby prefers his time at home. He'll have plenty of "school" time in the future. In fact, I'll cancel the Fall, too, I want him home with me. Then the evening came and he saw me preparing his lunch for Thursday. He lit up. I vant peenutbuttahsamwich, chips, cheese and gwapes. And then he wanted it. Right then. I convinced him it was for tomorrow and he cooperatively put it into the fridge for safekeeping.

He bust out of his room on Thursday and declared he was weddy fuh skool. We took him in, watched him say hello to the teachers, put his backpack up, waved goodbye and then asked for a kiss. Please. Can we get a kiss? Hello? (speaking through the crack of the door jam b/c other kids were arriving) We're your parents. Can you please stop what you're doing and briefly tell us goodbye. Okay...we're leaving. Bye. O...kay...bye. We're really leaving...is he going to be okay? He's not looking at us. He's still not looking at us. (Outside of class peering into window) Look! There he is. Omg, he's doing so good. Oh. Uh oh. He sees us. Hi. We'll be back. What? What did he say? I can't read his lips. Oh, okay, bye. Love you. See you later. We'll be back. Waving. Waving. Where'd he go? Oh. There he is playing in the sandbox. Aaahhhh. My baby's all growns up.

**This is him as soon as he walked in after school on Thurs. Exhausted.**

He only has two more days of school left next week. And, this is how I see it playing out. He will either totally forget about it or he'll hound us for the rest of the summer until August. I wanna go to skool. I weddy fuh skool. Weah's my lunch? I wanna take mah lunch. I wanna go to skool. I weddy fuh skool. Mommy, I need mah lunch! Jesus! When does school start?

***

KD Sr. left this afternoon for work. On a plane. For a week. Boo. Really? A whole week? Why not a work week, you know, 5 days? I can do 5 days with my eyes closed. Ah. Frick. Oh well. Here we are. Luckily, we've got the weekend pretty much planned, so we'll just keep churnin' and burnin' until it's time to pick up my baby's daddy. We've got the library on tap for tomorrow. I'm going to do some research and find a couple of good reads to fill up my evenings after the kiddos retire. There is absolutely nothing on TV at night. Well, except for The Bachelorette, but that's only Monday night. And, that's me and KD's mindless "brain-sucking" reality show. I told him that we can watch it together over the phone with a glass of wine. But, he's not too keen on the idea since he has a roomie and stuff. M:Well, maybe your roomie watches it, too? K: I'm not watching it. M: Well, it's DVR'd anyway, so I'll just wait to watch it when you get back. K: No. Please don't wait. You can watch it.

KD, when you get back, I'll wait until Monday night and we'll watch this week's and next week's episodes back to back. Aaaaa...nd the "Deanna Tells All" episode that's DVR'd already, but you said you'd pass on. You can thank me later. Sweet dreams my love. I miss you already.

Sleepless in Houston

Our highly anticipated evening out and hotel stay has come and gone. It had all the elements of time well spent: friends, laughs, drinks, dancing, loud music and lewd gestures. Coupled with the an evening together sans bedtime routines or waking to a pre-schooler demanding juice, this evening had high expectations. And, for the most part, lived up to its' demands. Shortly after going to bed, although comfortable, we slept lightly. Usually I can crash and a tornado ripping off the roof won't wake me...well, I don't really know about that because that's never happened, but what I'm saying is I'm a deep sleeper. Yet, I woke up several times.

Why? We were so tired, or so we thought. We were content and nothing was wrong, but something wasn't right. I suppose it was the natural feeling of leaving our little nest unprotected and worried about our babies. The dark, quiet room was missing the sweet sounds of deep breaths on the monitor. And, as our grandiose night was coming to an end, we anticipated the morning even more. As the daylight sneakily peeked in the room through a miniscule crack, it was all I needed to put the spring in my step. I awoke with a hurriedness, because surely it was 10:30 a.m. or shockingly it could even be 11:00 a.m.!! OMG, we slept in too late. I turn over. The clock reads 7:04 a.m. The same time. Of course.

But, we laid in bed and watched the news and I cried with Matt Lauer as he bid farewell to Tim Russert. We laid there until who knows when. Glorious. On our way to check out, I said to Keith, so this is what it would feel like without kids. Just us. We could do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. Eat here, eat there, go there, or go here. Do this or do that. And, we both quickly decided- no thanks. And, I know if we didn't have kids, we wouldn't know any different, so there wouldn't be that emptiness. But, when you know, you can never go back and be content. And, that's not totally new information. We quickly bought some breakfast tacos and headed home to feed our little birds.

Our Father's Day started with lunch at Jason's Deli

And, then touring more model homes. Highly addictive. I bet the food in this kitchen even tastes better.

And, I bet little boys (who'll remain nameless) have better tempers in houses like that.

After dinner at Luby's, we then we came home and baked cookies with Nay-Nay.

Happy Fodder's Day

I took the boys to Picture People, a GREAT place, a week ago for their Father's Day gift. We gave Keith his framed 11x13 today and he loved it!! He couldn't believe we had this done without him knowing. Luckily, all the times Kale ran around the house saying "I wanna gib Daddy his picture" I just played it off like he was talkin' crazy again, who knows what he's talkin' about...sshhh.

I went into Picture People with the notion that I would not be buying a whole lot. I think we've put enough money towards professional photography in the past year--ahem. Well, the boys really helped out with that. Trying to get a 13 month old to sit on the floor instead of running through the curtains and coming out on the other side is like effing impossible.

The highschool girl only got a dozen or so shots and only one of them was good enough to buy. If you haven't been to Picture People, it's a fairly painless process. Afterwards, you wait for the pictures to develop and they come out with a few pre-framed, to show you what is available and you know...up sell you. But, essentially you sit in front of a HUGE flat screen and view the pictures. Everyone is waiting around and can see everyone else's pictures.

I sit down in front of the screen. The photographer and I are out of breath and laughing because it was a maniacal. A little about the photo shoot: Kale started out with a nice smile and then all of sudden started smiling like Renee Zellwegger. I don't know what he was doing. The photographer and I were cracking up and that just made him do it more. Mack wouldn't sit for the pictures. Near the end, we asked Kale to hug Mack. Well, it turned into holding Mack in a headlock to get him to stay.

The pictures slideshow starts. I begin a small cackle. By the middle, I'm hunched over like a hyena. And, by the end, the clerk comes over to see what the fuss is about. I can't even sit up straight or talk sensibly. I am laughing and crying uncontrollably, my stomach hurts. She says "Are you okay?" I barely manage to say I'm fine...it's... just... these... pictures... are...aaagh...hilarious...probably the best ones we've ever had done...oooohhh myyyy Gaaawd...I'll take #4. Let's just say, that's probably not the preferred customer reaction. She quickly got my order and I skidaddled with tears still seeping from my eyes.

I've been wanting to share this story so bad, but haven't been able to, until today. Ahhhh. Relief.

Take a look for yourself.