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.