Thinking back

I've been noticing things lately, about my kids, my husband and I, and our parents. Not major things, just habits, routines, mannerisms, and just in general how we all are. I think it started when I realized just how much like my mom, my daughter really is. So often now, I can look at one and see the other. I started looking at myself, and some things that I either like or don't like, I see some of them in my parents. For instance, a friend pointed out to me, way back when, that I tend to be.."jittery". I don't like just sitting or standing, I fidget with my hands, or a blade of grass, or my wedding ring. I never really noticed that until it was pointed out. I have, however, noticed it in my mom several times, and it's always sorta bugged me. I've also always been a bit on the easy going side, too much in fact, until something really bugs me, than I get riled up about it, but still don't really deal with it...just like my dad. And then there is Caleb's sarcasm and smart comments, along with a lack of self control....yep..that would be me. I swear I can read that kids mind sometimes because I'm thinking the same things. On the other side of the family, I see a lot of Chad's dad in him. He's laid back, doesn't like to deal with conflict, and in general, real easy to get a long with. Everyone I know likes my father in law, he's just easy to like. Chad, also has his mom's knack for losing things in odd places. It's kind of amusing when a deadline isn't involved. Anytime Chad can't find things, I start checking places like the freezer or under chairs or the top of the closet. You never know where something was put, or where it'll be found, but it's normally not where it logically should be. And, I've also noticed that same trait in Chad's sisters. None of these things are really genetic, so to say, but they seem that way. They are just little things that are picked up as we live life with people. I wish some other habits in people I know, that I'd like to pick up, were that easy to learn.

A really fun waiter

I went out to eat with my parents yesterday for lunch and we had, probably, one of the funnest waiters I've ever had. Now, I admit, most people probably wouldn't have liked him, in fact, I'm willing to bet he has to sorta gage his customers as to what he can get away with, but me, I had a good ol' time with him. It started with him giving the almost customary suggestions of a margarita or mixed drink when he took our drink order, and, when we refused, he, in a "messing with you" way asked why and the fun started. Every time he came by, it seemed some thing "harassing" needed be said, (harassing in a good way not a bad). It was great!! Such a nice change of pace.

Digital 3D

Coolest thing ever!! I admit, I'm a bit behind in things and had never seen a movie in the new digital 3D until today, and it was "wicked sick"..(as they say). We went to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and the first 15 minutes or so you wear these glasses and everything is right there in front of your face, (you take them off and everything is blurred). I even put my hand out a couple of times just to see the perspective. It really does look like you can reach right out and touch a wall...or Harry himself. I wanna watch every movie like that....I wonder if they've thought about doing the next Movie with Matthew McConaughey in digital 3D.....?

Learning to ride her bike

Ashlyn learned to ride her bike this weekend...without training wheels. I'm surprised at how easy and quick it was for her to learn. Her dad and brother took her in the back yard, took the training wheels off, and gave her the basics. The rest of the day, she spent trying to get the hang of it, but she had a hard time keeping the momentum up in the grass so she'd stop a lot. Once she got to where she was balancing the bike pretty well, she moved to the drive way and that was all there was too it. Before I knew it, she was riding around like a pro and proud as punch of herself. Now, as soon as her homework is done, she wants to go ride her bike. She's growing up way too fast..


Pictures

Overwelmed

Wow!! I wasn't prepared for this. I knew Caleb was starting middle school, and knew there would be a learning curve for it, but this is getting crazy. There are so many teachers, and classes...and more homework, (still not a lot, but more than he's used to having). Every teacher has different rules, and procedures, and things they expect. I remember when I started a new level at school, and it didn't seem like that big of a deal, but with Caleb going through it, it sorta does, and he's doing ok with it, but is overwhelmed with it too. It just seems like a lot to keep up with. I'm used to knowing everything that's going on and every assignment he has, but this year it seems I have no idea, even though it's all written down in a "planner". I really don't know what he's doing or if it's all getting done. Add to that helping Ashlyn keep up with stuff and learn what she needs to. She's always been a little behind, and it takes her awhile to figure things out, but this year, she gets actual grades, (not just "developed" or "needs improvement"). This year it's pass or fail, and that's a bit scary with her. It's just overwhelming everything that has to be done all at once. This is definitely going to be a growing year.

Happy birthday Caleb

Yesterday, my son turned the big 11 years old, (I can't believe teenager hood is only 2 years away...yikes). Caleb had opted to have some friends over a couple of weeks ago, before school started, instead of having a party on his actual birthday, so today was just spent having some family fun. I asked him earlier in the week what he'd like to do on his birthday, since it was on a Saturday, and he said he wanted to go bowling. What a good idea. We never go bowling. He wanted to try it though since he and Ashlyn love it so much on the Wii, so, off we went. It was a lot of fun and the kids did really good, (the bumpers helped too..of course). Afterward, we went to the bike shop to get Caleb his birthday present...a new trail bike for him to ride the trails with his dad. After several hours of looking and trying them, one was found...finally ;). It was a long day, and we were all tired, but I think the boy had a good day.

I uploaded the pictures to Facebook instead of posting them here, here's a link

Caleb's birthday pics

I'm told it's a public link and you don't have to have a Facebook account to view it, if you can't see them let me know and I'll post them here.

Just me

There aren't many pictures of myself that I actually like, but the other day, I took one with my phone to send to a friend and I was surprised to see that I did like it so here it is...

Wow...it's been forever.

I can't believe it's been since June that I've been on here, I guess Facebook has really taken over, (and summer hasn't helped either). Let's see, how about an update...

Honestly, a whole lot hasn't been going on with the kids being home all summer. I have managed to be out of town several of the weekends though. One weekend was spent in Austin for a PTA conference..that is always fun, taxing, but fun. The very next weekend I got to spend at a friends house with 5 of my closest high school girlfriends. We stay up till all hours of the morning, eat as much as we can of a huge chocolate cake from The Cheesecake factory, and in general do whatever we feel like doing, (which might include singing and dancing to Mama Mia and sword fighting in The Container Store). It's the bestest. I can't even begin to describe the fun and much needed recharging that weekend gives me, and I can't believe we've pulled it off 2 years in a row. And, recently, I spent another weekend in the Austin are dog training, (you guys knew that had to be in there somewhere didn't you?). I went down Saturday, by myself, did the desnaking thing, had a late lunch with everyone and then got to lay around, watch a movie, and do some shopping as I saw fit. On Sunday morning we had a training day and did some much needed water work. I don't know that I actually taught the black dog anything, but I'm hoping some stuff got reinforced for her. Afterward, we tarped some duck cages for the Master National coming up, ate another late lunch, and I had to head back home. Again, it was a great weekend with good company. The weekends all went by fast, and seemed to keep me pretty busy through out the summer. Chad and the kids got a lot of good daddy kid time in, which is always a good thing, and now we are trying to settle into a "school schedule" and get back into it. I'm hoping that settles in soon and I can think clearly again, (I'm a bit butt kicked by the change in times we're all having to get up in the morning).

So, that's that, I'll try and get on here more often and I'll to catch up with every one's blogs soon.

My funeral

I don't know what made me think of this today, but I was laying on the bed this morning, while Chad and Caleb were getting ready and it just popped in my mind. I started thinking about what I wanted, or didn't want, at my funeral. As I thought, I came to the conclusion that, for the most part, I didn't care how my funeral went. To me, a funeral is for the people that are still alive, so i think they should pretty much be able to do what helps them say "goodbye" the way they need to. I do have a couple of request though. The first is that I would prefer that no one sings Amazing Grace at my funeral, because it's just too....typical. Think about it, how often have you been to a funeral that they didn't sing Amazing Grace at? It's become one of those things that everyone just does because it's what you're supposed to do. I want my funeral to be for the people there, not something that's just done because it's what you do. Of course, if my friends and family decide they have a very sudden attachment to the song, and it will help, they can sing it, but really, I would prefer it wasn't. The second request would be that someone that knew me presided over the funeral. Having some pastor that never met me, or a random funeral director do it, isn't very personal. Surly I have a relative or friend out there that could do a better job of helping the people I leave behind say goodbye than someone that is just doing their job. So, there you have it, my 2 request for my funeral. The rest is up to the people doing the planning.

The foot thong

I saw this thing at Walmart and just had to laugh at the name..."The Foot Thong"


I couldn't help but take a picture of it just to show the world. I honestly don't know exactly what it's for, (I'm guessing a flip flop sock or something), so I can't tell you what it's purpose is really, I can just tell you I laughed for a good 10 minutes walking around the store about it. So, I thought I would share it with the blogging world. If you do happen to know what they are for though, please let me know...I am curious.