about being sick........

I am down to a swig of nyquil in the morning and one in the afternoon....several at night.....waiting on Daddy to bring his special cough syrup!......although some of Gina's Tequila rose would probably work!Sure slept good last Thursday night!

Christmas

We had a great Christmas. It was quiet and fun. It amazes me that Coy and I still wake up earlier than the girls on Christmas Day. We built a fire, started the cinnamon rolls, then the girls finally got up. Grace got her pogo stick and I'm surprised we have n't had to go to the emergency room yet. I think it's harder than she thought it would be to jump on it. JoGail is thoroughly pleased since she got her Barbie Island Princess movie and Barbie doll. We vowed to never put JoGail's presents in a box again. It takes too long for her to figure out how to open the box!
Mama, Daddy and Mike ( hoepfully Missy and her boys) are coming down on Friday. TAC is supposed to be comin gup from Louisiana. And we will have get together here on Sat. Maybe Larry and Jann will make it too.

I'm siiiccckkkk

I think I have the flu. I have no voice and aches all over and am running a fever. I hope it is over soon. It's no fun being off and feeling yucky!!!

JoGail came in and asked me a while ago if we could pretend today was Christmas Eve and Santa could come tonight......no, that's not how it works......you have to wait! Her letter to Santa was in the paper yesterday. Apparently she wants a Dallas Cowboys shirt.......where has she been the last eight years????That's not happening in this house!

Grace placed first in dictionary skills and third in Spelling. She's working on the scripps spelling bee list now. She's been improving at basketball. Her first game is Jan 5. I'm not sure of the time. Of course coaching most of soccer team to play basketball is hilarious because you have to translates everything into 'soccer' terms. Who would have thought? She is a very talented athlete, though. I'm sure she gets most of that from Coy.

Coy has enjoyed being off with the girls by himself. They played all kinds of games and ran all sorts of errands. The girls are figuring out that he always wins the games......

We are almost to break!

We are almost to Christmas break! Yahoo! Getting harder and harder to get the kids to bed. Grace had her UIL competition yesterday. Haven't heard how she did. She particpated in spelling and dictionary skills.

Daddy's surgery went well. He has already lost the numbness and tingling in his arms and can turn his head quite a ways. Now the incision has to heal. Mike and Missy turn 28 (can onyone believe that?) today. We've about finished all the Christmas shopping... I think....no, I hope so....lots of wrapping to do now!


Cold (upper 30's) and rainy and windy here. Makes me want heated car seats (I got spoiled to that in Amarillo last weekend).

In case you decide to come visit house cleaning has stopped until I get out for Christmas break! Be prepared!

Soccer ends...for now

Soccer ended this morning about 10:30. Grace's team made it to the quarterfinals and got beat 1-0. It was hard loss, but the girls played great. It's hard to play soccer games several time sin a weekend. At least it wasn't raining today. Yeterday was cool, wet and windy. THAT was NO fun!

Basketball starts tomorrow evening with their first practice. It's going to be interesting to see how the soccer girls switch to basketball. (I think there are three or four from soccer playing on the basketball team.)Coy and the soccer coach, Brance are the coaches. I don't know if they have a name yet.....any suggestions out there?

JoGail is in full swing for Christmas. She wants it all! Her class is singing at the Christmas on the square in Eustace next Sat night.

Beki's husband, David is doing better. He had a quadruple bypass surgery Friday. All reports indicate that it was successful and that he is feeling a little better. My dad undergoes a surgery this coming Friday. I will fly up Thursday night and be able to help hospital sit with him. Please keep them all in your prayers!

Laurie

Thanksgiving plans

We are headed to Lubbock this morning to spend Thanksgiving with Coy's family. The girls are so excited they can hardy wait. They love spending time with Aunt Judy and Aunt JoLynn. It'll be a long trip but well worth it. (more than an hour in a car with JoGail is a long trip)

We have so much to be thankful for. THe first thing that comes to mind if family and friends. We know we have people we can count on and trust. They say most people only get one trued firend per lifetime. Well, we must be truly blessed because we have so many.

I went and had blood work done last week. My blood sugar is doing well. He did the full meal deal and my cholesterol was a little high. So now I get to take lipitor. People in my office were amazed that I was on it so young. It didn't surprise me. Afterall, I have been on high blood pressure meds for almost 15 years now. There's something about that family history...they were also amazed I don't eat many fried foods....that reason is simple, when I fry food I burn food.....I only eat it when someone else freis it and that's not very often. I even have a hard time eating McDonald's french fries.

Speaking of food, JoGail and I made these last night to take to Lubbock. It didn't make as many as aI would have liked, but we sure enjoy them! They are fun to amke and I bet Toot and Rebecca could make them!



Snowballs
1 8 oz block cream cheese
1 8 oz can crushed pineapple drained
coconut to roll the balls in

Mix together and then refrigerate 30-45 mins. Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in coconut.

Soccer Season is over, sort of....

Grace had her last game this morning. They won 12-0. They took her out of the goal box 7 minutes into the first half. She promptly scored a beautiful goal.It was fun to watch the girls just have fun. Now we have more practices to get ready for TOC.

Coy and Brance (soccer coach) signed up to coach a basketball team. The four soccer players from Eustace are going to play. It should be fun. None have played before.

JoGail went with me to Wal-Mart this afternoon. It was not a quiet trip. She is all curious about Native Americans and Indians and can't understand that they are the same group of people. (That was a 20 minute discussion). Then she couldn't believe there were some still alive. This is all because the girls and Coy have been watching the movie "Texas Across the River" the past few days.

It occurred to me this afternoon that Thanksgiving is a little over a week away!
AGH!!!We are either going to Lubbock to get with Coy's family or meeting at Coy's niece's house. We don't know which yet.

Congratulations go out to Eustace's girls and boys cross country teams! They placed 7th and 9th places respectively at the state meet this morning. Those kids have ran many miles!

Coy's birthday is Thursday (he has board meeting) and Grace's is next Monday. She' has a party planned for Sat. If we have enough people we are planning on playing capture the flag at the school playground.

Keep in touch!!

Soccer Sisters and such

JoGail's last soccer game for this season was this afternoon. The team played really well and won (for those NOT keeping score).....even the goalie was able to score a goal! Here's the thing about keeping score...technically in her age division you aren't supposed to keep score..but everyone does anyway....Grace has two more games for the season and then TOC the first weekend in December. we are hoping for beautiful, not cold and windy, weather that weekend. Grace's Coach Brance and Coy are going to try and coach a basketball team for some of those girls, too. It'll be the first try at that with EASA.

I just tried posting a picture again but it didn't work..Somebody help me!

Typical JoGail conversation....talking about a spelling test....we asked her how she did. She said ok but she never heard the e on the end of the word those...we tried explaining that it was a silent e, but she just said that she never heard it coming!
Such a sweetie! She's over visiting with the neighbors.....gotta keep up with all that's going on!

We're surviving....

We're surviving. Last Friday was especially rough for JoGail as she earned one too many silly color changes and didn't gto go on her class field trip. I think it was harder on me than her, actually.

Spent all day Sat and most of Sunday at Mesquite for the Spook Out tournament. Grace's team placed third. The defense rocked and was untouchable Sunday. Honestly, I don't normally brag about about just one part of the team, but they did. Grace had several totally awesome stops. Probably her best game to date. The one team they lost to was alot older and bigger. And they only lost 2-1 (or two minus one as JoGail would read it).Next up for soccer is a few more games and then TOC (which is always tough). JoGail's last game is Sat at 1:30.

JoGail is watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. She doesn't understand why Grace is not interested in watching it with her.

TOC here we come.......again

Yahoo! Grace's team qualified to TOC (Tournament of Champions-where only league champions get to play) in December! They are undefeated this season which is pretty amazing since they just moved up to under 12. They battled it out with their rivals Skyhawks...and won 4-0. Everyone kind of took a beating....then they played again on Sunday and those not bruised from Sat's game got bruised then....(even Grace got some road rash on her knee pretty good....reminds me of when I used to attempt to jump hurdles....)We're glad they have the week off to heal! After the week off we have the Spook Out tournament and are anticipating going against some good teams.

JoGail's team got beat, but Coy said they played well. The other team was good and really physical. I didn't get to see it because Grace's game was at the same time. She's still tumbling and getting really close to mastering her round off flip flop. (we've been working on it about 8 months now) She and I made caramel apples for the neighbors Sat night. She loves cooking with me.

Coy's still happy...the Packers won again....and the Bears got beat.....

I am excited--I had a cold last week and actually got over it without getting a sinus infection! Sounds goofy, but it makes me happy. Also makes me wonder if I have been a diabetic all along. The more I read the more I realize the many ramifications of high blood sugar. Work seems to be lining out, but then it never really does....still waiting on commissioner's rules to come out. That could change everything again............i love my job...i love my job....i love my job...

She SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday Grace finally got out of the goal box and scored a goal!WAHOO!!! She rarely gets out of the goal box, so this a major thing! She recevied her coveted 5th grade GOLD card today and was very excited about that as well. She seems to be doing better..she is learning that regardless of her age we will still ask her what she did every day in pretty much every class.....the Lady Destroyers are still undefeated and face their arch rivals the Skyhawks this coming Saturday. If they win that game they will get the TOC bid....which means soccer until almost Christmas...

JoGail is still workingon those math facts. We are up to the three's.....it is just such a struggle for her...but I am confident SHE WILL learn them or die trying.....Soccer siters won 4-0 last Saturday. Their next game is at 9:00 Sat morning, so no football game for her Friday night.Coy's coaching them and really enjoying it. The 7 year old girls kind of remind him what it's all about--having fun and looking good while they do it!

District football play starts this Friday night...we're hoping for an interesting district race....volleyball is trudging on and cross country's district race is coming up soon as well.....

I am trying my hardest to adjust to all the new rules/regs that go along ith the new federral definiiton of learning disability. It's enough to drive one crazy...but I'm already there so I didn't have far to go.

Mom and dad were down this past weekend and saw Grace score. Ben and John came with them and the kids hd such a good time playing together.
MawMaw and Toot came over Sat night, so of course we HAD to watch the LSYU game.....

Well, well, well

Grace decided to wear a shirt over the shirt she had to wear.....so not only do I pick her clothes tomorrow but she has to wear a bow in her hair!Look for pictures....she's madder than a hornet but hey it was her decision not tell me the truth....

Soccer

Well both girls had games yesterday. Grace won 6-0 and JoGail won, for those not keeping score since you don't do that in her division, 3-0. They are both having a good time. Grace played a really good team today and they won 4-1. SHe had a couple of really good stops. Next week Grace plays the Ambush-another Mabank team. They have to beat them to get the TOC bid. Then the next week they play the Skyhawks--that rival team from Mabank-- and they have to beat then too. I think Grammy and PawPaw are coming in for next week's games. Grace is acting like a normal pre-teen, so I get to pick her clothes out next week.....she's going to learn not to make mama mad.

Legal Update

Attended the legal update presented by Jim Walsh today. Learned some new information, reheard some old information. Had a fun time with all the gang from Mabank (seriously). It's a riot when we all get together. Missed our LSSP Sandra, though. She tends to give us reality checks pretty often. She's the matriarch of the gang, too. (Guess that's why she gives us reality checks) :)

Just had to threaten Grace with wearing her homecoming mum all day tomorrow. Got waht I wanted. Didn't think she wanted to weat that ALL day long tomorrow...Course I would never threaten JoGail with that.
Grace go ther glasses today and they look good....I tried up load again, but all I got was text......help! IT used to work....

Things are going well. Finally got the ac in the van fixed-$800 gone....the compressor burned up. (Yes, Alex was right)

Iam feeling so much better. I can tell when the blood sugar dips down, but have more difficult time telling when it goes up.

Grace started intramural soccer this week. She finds out what team she is on next week. I doubt she and her regular teammates will beon the same team. They usually try to mix them up. Her daddy told her she can play any position BUT goalie. She sure loves her reading and science teachers.

JoGail is stil JoGail-my sunshine. Had a conference with her teacher this morning. Evidently she put lipstick on sometime between the car and the classroom. She swore to her teacher that her mom put it on.....yeah right

Bedtime-write more later

GO PACK GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!Make it three in a row!

Soccer, week 2

Well, we won again 5-1 and had something interesting tried on us. It was an offsides trap-like an extreme trap. The entire defense team never stepped over the midline. Therefore, whenever anyone on our team stepped across the line we were offsides....and it was theie ball at the midline. (At elast that was how it was explained to me, who was so confused.....they didn't start thisuntil they weer beind 3-0, but still....the only way to beat this is for whoever has the ball to driblle through everyone and NEVER pass the ball. A couple of our girls finally figured this out, but..............I would imagine we will go ove this at practice next week. It was wierd......for all you non soccer people, offsides usually menas that the ball was passed to a player deeper than the last opponent (excep the goalie). That conceept alone is hard for the kids to understand much less this new one...One of our coaches said it was a trap thing, so I'll try to update you as I learn more. Naturally due to the other team getting the ball at the midpoint so often, our defense got plenty of work at this game. The lone score happened because everyone just kind of crumbled.....Normally i would have been a sure stop-before it even got to Grace. Defense was wore out.....nobody went home wiht anybody else--they were too tired.
Next week they bothhave games at 10:30-so Coy will coach JG's team and I will go to Terrell for Grace's game.

Mom and Dad had the Nara Visa Cowboy Gathering this weekend. Haven't heard from them, so I guess that means they are having a good time. They put alot of time into planning the event and getting it ready every year.

I had a couple of good days this week as far as monitoring the blood sugar. i can sure tell the difference when I control it. A couple of times it has gone too low, so I have to watch that. Went out to eat for the first time today and that's the hardest part!

SPent most of Friday trying to figure out who can'/can't take TAKS M. What a mess. Takes too much brain ppower to try and figure TEA/USDOE out.

I'm ok

To start with, I am ok. Last Thursday they ran some routine bloodwork, since I was stillhaving trouble with the hives. Friday they called me because my blood sugar was over 400. They put me on meds then I went back in this afternoon to see if the meds or what could be causing it. And I walked away with a diagnosis of diabetes. Even on the glucophage for 3 days, my blood sugar was 271. (Normal is 80-130) I guess you could say we are still in shock. I'm going to have to read up on thi and figure it out. I know I need to eat more, on a more regular basis. But that is so hard for my mind to wrap around because if I'm not hungry I don't want to eat! However, i know that is key to long term treatment. My finger pads already hurt from testing so often. I'm kind of in a fog. Coy, as usual, has been great and has been reading up on it even more than I have. I'm going to have to find diabetic recipes....I don't think many o fmine are! !!!! HELP!

Grace starts intramural soccer next week.....one more thing to add to the crazy schedule! Jogail is still working on those math facts....some days are better than others!

Soccer, week one

Grace's team played their first game of this season yesterday and won 3-0. I think there was only one shot fired at her, so the defense did a great job. Her foot didn't bother her at all and it didn't bleed through. This was also her first game with her mouthpiece. She's definately having to get used to it. It was really hot.

JoGail's first game is in another two weeks. She has improved so much. She got to stay with Haley and watch ha;ey's brother's soccer game so she was excited. Coy, Grace and I decided that was the quietest ride home we have had in a while.



Coy's happy since the Packers are winning. Sure makes it easier on us when they win.

I have been resting this weekend. Someday I will have to catch up on housework and laundry, but I need the rest right now.

Gotta go run Grace to a classmate's back to school party.....

new good recipe

Tried this recipe tonight and it was awesome!The girls liked it and it was quick and easy. (Toot you could do this one.)


Easy chicken

1 package chicken tenders
1 package dried Italian dressing (I think ranch would also work)
3/4 c bread crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter

Mix dressing and bread crumbs
Coat chicken
Line in 13/9/2 pan
Drizzle butter over
Bake at 350 for 45 mins or until juices run clear

types of baths Laurie has had recently....

corn starch
baking soda
corn meal
oatmeal.....

none stopped the itching!

Update

Here's an update....

Little brother Mike (OK, he's like 26 or something actually) made it safe to Scotland to study there. That's sort of relief...At least I know he's landed somewhere.

Grace's foot is sooo much better. She is at her first soccer practice tonight, so we'll see how that goes. She's also sporting a new mouthpiece to protect that beautiful face...Her team plays BIG girls now and we'll be travelling most of the season. This is a TOC (Tournament of Champions) season, so there's league games and non league games. To get a bid to TOC they have to be the league champion. It'll be tough, but I think they can do it. They are in the 12 and under division. She's hitting the books and discovering there's not quite as much free time to read in 5th grade. She loves going to different teachers. She swears they (principals) busted up her class from last year and spread them to the four winds. She taught me about the 'land bridge' I thought she was making it up until Grammy confirmed what she was talking about.


JoGail needs prayer. She's having a difficult time learning those math facts. And she can't play soccer if we don't get better. She's going to have to make her mind up to learn them. She absolutely loves her teacher and would go to the moon for her.
Coy is coaching her soccer team and all the players go to school in Eustace and most are teacher's kids. She had Grandbuddie's day Monday at school. She invited the ladies in Coy's office that she hangs out with after school when he's busy. She interviewed them and I believe they made some sort of quilt square.

Coy's glasses are working great. He's getting used to them. They help him alot of football games, he's noticed. Eustace has gotten off to a great start for football this year.

I am on day 12 of the hives. I woke up this morning and had new breakthroughs, so the allergist in Tyler put me on prednisone. It seems to have helped. The itching hasn't been too bad today. I have had them everywhere on my body, from head to foot.The ones on the bottom of my feet hurt the worst. I literally do not remember Friday, Saturday, and most of Sunday and Monday. He drew blood today to check for thyroid (I think) and for a hidden infection. All I can say is it's been miserable! Coy's done great with the girls and helping with the house. You know when we married, I kind of thought that since he was 10 year solder than me that I would be taking care of him in his sickness, not the other way around. He's done well.
I'm proud of him. I will try to do a better job of posting.



Laurie

t-shirt request

Someone at work found a t-shirt this summer somewhere that said......I ride the short bus......I would love to have one if anyone runs across one.......for those not in education or spec ed, the spec ed bus is ALWAYS the short one....

Thursday Night

Clouds are circling and moving in. Nice to have a little break from the heat. Busy, busy day at work. Even busier tomorrow, as this is the first day back for teachers. Next week is shaping up to be lots of meetings, too. Did have one meeting this morning that I had to have before school starts to stay in timeline. 2 more on Monday, then that can be struck off the never ending list.

Coy has to work tomorrow! This is their first Friday to work since the end of May. He's not looking forward to it. Eustace has its first football scrimmage this Sat. Then the 25th, get this...Coy offer red to have Grace soccer team get together here at the house. Yes, you read that right...here at our house....So I will be dusting and what not next week. We are cooking hamburgers because that's all we can afford to feed to ten 10 year old girls. We are thinking about getting a volleyball net and setting that up. Plus we figure we have more than enough room for a softball game if need be.

According to the Eustace ISd website, then girls have 11 more days before school starts.....getting a little better about getting up early. Still grouchy and non communicative, though.

Sausage roll

Had this at the staff breakfast this morning. It is really really good!

1 package pillsbury french bread
1 pound cooked and drained sausage
grated mozzerella cheese (generous amount)

Roll bread out. layer sausage and cheese. Roll up jelly roll style. Bake. Slice and serve.


JoGail had tumbling today. She was one of four in the class. She is exhausted. This was also their first day to practive getting up on time. I'm certain she will sleep well tonight!

Catching you up

Grace and I wen to the eye doctor yesterday. She has to have reading glasses. Kind of ironic since she asked Coy the other day if she could call him four eyes. H is response was, "Can you say computerless?" Needless to say she hasn't called him that. Jordan B has been over and spent the night. They did a great job of including JoGail. Taylor came over this afternoon and I think they have had a good time. I made tilapia for lunch nd Jordan B actually liked it! She's a pretty picky eater.

JoGail has been walking around the house in Grace black dress shoes that have a
heel. It's wonder she hasn't sprained her ankle yet.

Coy has been getting used to his glasses a little. He looks good in them. He didn't realize how much he wasn't seeing in focus.

I don't have to wear glasses-I can keep wearing the otc kind. I go back in 3years---haha.

NOt much else happening-trying to catch up laundry and house chores since I am back at work. Friday was Coy's last Friday off. He spent most of it mowing.

Super Sour Cake

I made this the oher night and Coy and the girls love it. It really is sour....
I used kool aid as the unsweetened soft drink mix.


Super Sour Cake



Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:2 hr 10 min
Makes:15 servings




7 Ratings : 6 Reviews
Read Reviews
Rate/Review Recipe


Cake
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 packages (0.14 oz each) strawberry or lemon-lime-flavored unsweetened soft drink mix
1/2 cup frozen lemonade or limeade concentrate, thawed
Super Sour Frosting
1 package (0.13 oz or 0.14 oz) lemon-lime or strawberry-flavored unsweetened soft drink mix
4 to 5 tablespoons frozen lemonade or limeade concentrate, thawed
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
Sour gummi candies, if desired


1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, eggs and 2 packages drink mix with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. (Batter will be lumpy.) Pour into pan.
2. Bake 27 to 33 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes.
3. Pierce top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking. Drizzle 1/2 cup lemonade concentrate evenly over top of cake. Cool completely, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
4. In medium bowl, stir 1 package drink mix into 2 tablespoons lemonade concentrate until dissolved. Beat in powdered sugar and butter on low speed. Gradually beat in enough of the remaining 2 to 3 tablespoons lemonade concentrate, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make frosting smooth and spreadable. Spread frosting over top of cake. Cut into serving pieces. Decorate with sour candies. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

What a weekend

I had a great time Amarillo this past weekend. I flew out for a family get together to celebrate my parents 39th wedding anniversary. Got to see my baby brother from Afghanistan, too. We all went out to eat at a neat place Sat night. My grandmothers (dad's mom) even flew out!The food was awesome and of course the cake Missy got was too good to believe. It was sooo good!

Work is going well. I feel like I am getting back into the swing of things. Going to miss some people who transferred to other jobs and what not. That's ok,I know their new email addresses! :)

Getting up on time has been hard, nearly re-overslept. You know, when you wake up, go back to sleep, etc. I just tell myself that I am a big girl and can get up on time!
Coy got a call this evening that his glasses are in.....look for a picture and new poll soon --to wear or not to wear!

Happy BIrthday PawPaw

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear PawPaw
Happy birthday to you



Been trying to call and haven't got an answer yet
JoGail says happy birthday PawPaw I love you!

A little music from my sister

RihannaUmbrella (Video Mix)

Back to work

Today wasn't so bad afterall. It was wonderful to see everyone and get a feel for what the school year will bring. Basically I am going to hit the ground running. It won't be bad, though. As I have often told people, I love the peoole in my department. I can count on them and enjoy working with them. We added a new person and I think she will fit right in. I've always said I don;t like surprises, but I think I may see a bright side to surprises-I don't have time to worry about things! I will be working with alot of new people at the campus level.

I fly out to Amarillo to see my baby brother and the rest of my family for the weekend. Today is mom and dad's anniversary and Mike flew in from Afghanistan. I am catching the last flight out this evening. It will do me good to see everyone. I'm not sure if Beki is coming up or not. If she does, all five kids will be together. Missy somehow hurt her knee at the airport last night. She and Dad ended up in the emergency room most of the night. They told her she blew out her knee. She is in a leg brace and on crutches. She sees an orthopedic doctor next Tuesday. Having to depend on others is not easy for her.

So, Coy will have the girls all weekend. I fly back in Sunday night-late again. Next week willbe a long, but good week. I think he said he will take one more Friday off, then get in the groove of things in Eustace.

If you get the chance, go to www.cedarcreekpilot.com and read the story about one of her soccer coaches-Bruce Tower. Shen she started on the destroyers he was the main coach, but the illness forced him to let others take the reigns. It's an interesting article. He is a neat man. Sign ups for the fall season should be soon.

Trying to think of a good poll question---email or post a comment for sugggestions.

Last Day

Well, today's my last official day of summer break.....start back at 8:00 tomorrow morning. I am looking forward to seeing everyone but am very nervous about all the changes that lay ahead for me next year. Sometimes I think I react better when I don't see the changes coming and just have to change, right then! The best part of my job is the people I work with. I could not ask for better! It's also hard for me to think about all the sitting in meetings I will be doing in the coming days and weeks. As most of you know, that's difficult for me to do. But somehow I always manage.

Grace is recovering from having her warts taken off her foot. She actually put some weight on it yesterday. I still can't believe how much she is growing up and turning into a lady. It is very hard to believe she will be a fifth grader. Before long she'll be in junior high and every activity available. Grace will have three teachers this year and will rotate to some, but not all of her classes. We'll learn her teacher's names at meet the teacher night.

JoGail is excited about being in second grade-she 's also excited because this is her last year at the primary school. Her classroom will be in one of the new ones that has come about because of the renovations. We won't know who her teacher is until meet the teacher night.

Soccer starts up for both at the end of this month. Coy wants to coach JG's team again, so we are trying to find girls her age in Eustace. That way he can practice right after school. JG will be U8 again this fall. Grace will be on the Lady Destroyers U 12 team again. They will have a chance to represent the league at the Tournament of Champions this December, depending on their record and the point system.

I laid around all day yesterday so today I have a few chores to accomplish before my break is over. We are meeting Coy for lunch. That means Grace will have to emerge from her cocoon before lunch...oh no!

the ring

Took Grace to finish up shopping for school clothes and of course that was an adventure the one pair of shorts she TOTALLY wanted was $50.00........no she didn't get them! JoGail is going to have to give her shopping tips.....like look at the price first!!!!!!!!!And they must be on sale! Grace did pick out a fashion ring at Cato's.....it's silver with a braided pattern in the middle....she asked for it, so I got it. I almost fell over when I realized that was what she wanted.

JoGail went with Coy to Tyler to get him some dress shoes.....bet that was an interesting shopping trip....He came home with what he went after, so it was at least successful.

Grace went over to Jordan B's. She got back from her grandparents in Kentucky. Both have grown so tall! Jordan is even skinnier than Grace! Jordan's little brother Addison is almost one and starting to walk and the little girl baby is due just about any day. They don't have a name picked out yet.

I'm anxious to see everyone from work, but I don't know that I am ready to begin working. I have some definite goals of things to work on this year and hope I can stay focused on them. Change is going to be all around me this year at work. Hopefully I can come home and unwind.

Tomorrow is wash day and finish the weeding day. I'm making lemon pepper talipia for lunch. Never tried it at home before. Everyone says it is easy. We'll see. made Paula Deen's red velvet cake this afternoon and Coy and JoGail said it turned out great. Grace wasn't a big fan of it. (She loves vanilla way more than chocolate, so it didn't surprise me.)

What a day!

The girls had the movie and lunch date with Karen from Coy's office . She thinks she's their grandmother and vice versa. She ended up taking them all the way to Tyler. JG said she talked all the way back because Ms. Karen gave her lots of sugar!

Oh JoGail, oh JoGail! She told her daddy last night the she wants to be a tattoo girl when she grows up. her daddy told her absolutely not! She wants to be the one drawing and putting the tattoos on..................we'll see

Watching her on the computer last night was interesting. She can do a recipe search on foodnetwork.com and read recipes If she finds one she doesn't think would be good, she says . yuck ! She can't sit still long enough to read a chapter book but she can read recipes! Wonder if there are any cookbooks on AR???????????

Gave up on the yard man ever coming to pull weeds, yeah right, like Coy would agree to that, so the girls and I weeded this evening. Of course I'll pay for it in the next few days, but it looks soooo much better!

WAHOO! I hear kudos are in order for Alex. Let me know how the awards meal goes!

Fort Worth Zoo

JoGail up close to the alligator exhibit. Look how tiny her head is in comparison to the alligator!
Outside the elephant exhibit. Doesn't Grace look thrilled to have her picture made?
There's still ap hone for JoGail to talk on at the Ft Worth Zoo!

The zoo was really great.....except fro all the strollers everywhere. Of course we went on half price day, and so did EVERYONE else, apparently. There were lots of animals and lots of walking. Grace's favorite was the snow tiger and we're not sure what was JG's favorite. Afterwards walking most of the morning and through midafternoon, we treated ourselves to Hoffbruar steak house. It was wonderful! I had a grilled piece of chicken (I know we were at a steakhouse...) the was soaked in Dr Pepper and then grilled with pepper jack cheese and sauteed mushrooms on top. It was so good!

Tomorrow I'm taking the van in to the dodge house to get it checked out........just to see how much work needs to be done on it! Cross your fingers!

I managed being outside ok. I sneezed ALOT and of course doped up before we went and about half way through. IT is so frustrating to think I have to go to all that trouble just to send the day outside with the girls and Coy. Guess it's just part of my life....

It was a good day!

Ode to the Scapbook Queen

Cleaning out my purse, I found several things--4 chasticks, a pencil, much much more and this poem. I didn't write it, but I think it fits Melissa well.....to a tee...

She is the queen of die cuts
The Empress of the crop
She rules with themes and gel pens
Making all her pages pop

Her treasure chests are filled
With brads, beads, and vellum
When family stops by
"Come See!" is what she tells them.

Ode to the Scarpbook Queen

Ode to the Scarpbook Queen

Well, we took some pictures of the family this morning for the football program. It's rare for me to be in the picture, and I so despise it. Coy and the girls look really good. I do too, just not as picture perfect as I would like.

The Bulldog painting behind us is awesome. It's unbelievable how like like it actually looks on the wall in the high school.

I'm headed back to the doctor this afternoon. More of the same old, except it seems to be in my lungs again. I'm taking breathing treatments like crazy right now. And with us going to the zoo on Wed (I'll be outside again all day), it just seems better to go ahead and get the meds.

JoGail and I wated Rory to win as the next foodnetwork star.....maybe next time!

It came in the mail.....

Well, I got the letter...You know, the letter that tells me when to report back to work. . ..so I guess I'll go back. I have about two more weeks left. I am sort of ready to go back, just not quite ready.........there's going to be so many changes at work this year with IDEA changes. I'll do my best to roll with the punches.

Coy got up early o go buy the Harry Potter book. By the way, his glasses are sort of Harry Potter style. Grace can hardly wait until he finishes the book. JoGail and I have found a game to play together--Mad Caps. She keeps wanting to lay it again and the rial period is over, so I have to try find it to buy. It was fun. It's like a souped up version of bejeweled, except you get them to be in a diagonal row.

It's very cloudy here today.

MawMaw got to go home yesterday evening. We should have test results back Tuesday. Monday she has to go back in to get more testing done. Thanks to Toot (my aunt) for always taking her to her appointments, etc.

Beki shouldg get to go home today sometime. During the surgery they were ale to blast some of the kidney stones.

Deanna-will Thursday work to go see Jess?

Credit where credit is due......

Girls at Six Flags. No sure who the character is??????????
JoGail, John, Grace and Ben at the sign outside Six Flags over Texas
A curious and happy JoGail!!!!!!
Grace at the games.........



Missy took these picts, so....she gets all the credit. There are some good ones.

Glasses

Coy has to wear glasses! Coy has to wear glasses! (Sing to the tune of nananabooboo) We've known for a while, but we actually went and picked out a pair this morning. He only has a few more Fridays off before he gets back into the 5+ day work week.

Ended up not making either recipe because I dug around in the fridg and found leftover tomatoes, onions, lettuce, etc., so we had simple tacos instead to use of some of that stuff. Turned out good-that's all that matters.

Prayer requests:

MawMaw ( my grandmother)-is having intestinal problems. She is currently in the hospital and having tests run. Hopefully they will find something and be able to either fix it or control it.

My sister Beki had kidney stones that they think are attached to the bladder wall. She is supposed to have emergency surgery sometime this afternoon.

Rained again this afternoon. Helped cool the temperature down some. I'll try to post more later as I find out more.

Mexican Lasagna or Chipolte Tamale pie?

Recipe I am going to try.

Don't know whether to cook this or chipolte tamale pie tomorrow night. VOTE at the poll!

Mexican Lasagna

Original recipe yield:4 to 6 servings
PREP TIME
25 Min
COOK TIME
20 Min
READY IN
45 Min

INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (14 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice
10 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1 cup prepared salsa
1/2 cup shredded Colby cheese
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, and stir in the taco seasoning and tomatoes. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with half the tortillas. Spoon the beef mixture into the dish, then top with the remaining tortillas. Spread salsa over the tortillas and sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.



Chipotle Tamale Pie


1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound, lean ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 chipotle chiles, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, from can chipotle in adobo
1 cup grated Cheddar
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk


Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Grease an 8-inch baking dish with the butter and set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, the onions, green peppers, and garlic and cook until the turkey is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and sprinkle the meat mixture with the cumin.
Add the beans, tomatoes, chiles and adobo sauce to the skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and cilantro.
Spread the turkey mixture in the prepared baking dish, pressing down on it with the back of a spoon to make an even, compact layer.
Combine the cornbread mix with milk and egg and bake according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread the cornbread batter over the turkey mixture and bake until the cornbread is golden-brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the tamale pie stand for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving

Did you know?

I'm watching Homemade with Sandra Lee on foodnetwork. Did you know there's a thing such as champagne extract???????

Fanily Fun

Well, Missy, Alex and the boys went to Six Flags with the girls and I. (Coy had to work to PAY for Six Flags). JG, John and I stayed most of the day while the others took a break in the afternoon. We rode pretty much any ride those two (under 48 inches) could ride. Then we all wen to Cheddar's for lunch (the spinach dip is AWESOME) and then we rested for awhile. Then we went back around 7:30 and saw Six Flags at night. Ben. John,JoGail and I watched the acrobat show Coobrila and winded up getting back at the hotel around 11:00. They (John (6) and JoGail (7)) didn't have a problem going to sleep last night.

Now we get back into the summer routine for a short while. The only things we have left on our summer 'agenda' are going to the Ft Worth Zoo (supposed to do the 25th) and trying to get up to see Leigh Ann and Trey.

Missy took pictures, so as soon as she gets a chance to get home, rest and send a few, I will post them.

Mom and Dad got back safely from their week in Colorado. That's a blessing!


Deanna do you still want to take me and the girls to go see Jess before I go back to work?

If you do let me know and we'll set a date!

Dental Shock

Well, we went to the dentist this moring for our usual 6 month cleaning for the girls. Here are the results:

Grace needs braces

JoGail has five new cavities AND if she doesn't quit sucking her thumb soon she will the owner of an expensive appliance that she will wear every night to force her to quit.

So, we are in dental shock today. Needless to say they will both be added to the dental inusrance when school starts. Good news, they are brushing well-Grace just doesn't have enough room for all her teeth to come in. JG's cavities are between her teeth and four are the size of pin heads. But they were addament that she not floss....go figure.......something about her having all her baby teeth still.

Big tv is still not fixed. They took it to the shop Friday but when I called this morning they still hadn't gotten to it. I'm tired os sitting on my bed to watch tv!

Big day at Six Flags tomo rrow...............should be interesting. I don't think I wil take my camera, maybe Miss will. I don't want to have to worry about it.

Guess what

Hey I figured out how to put a poll on my blog! That was th aonly question I could come up with.

Another Saturday

No rain today--but it did rain a half inch last evening and another half inch during the night.......Coy serviced his John Deere today...neat to see him doing it himself. He worked outside all day long! It;s been so quiet without the BIG tv. Coy and the girls let me sleep really late this morning. I must have been tired or still not completely well. I ended up going to get the week's (hopefully) groceries and then cooking a good supper. It's hard to beat shake and bake chicken around here!

Tomorrow the girls are baking for when Missy's family comes through. Grace is making her famous brownies and JoGail is making Uncle Alex her strawberry cheesecake. It's from the mix but she dumps everything and holds the mixer and everything. JoGail loves cooking. Right now she likes fro me to call her "Little Chef". She made a cheesecake and took it to MawMaw's. She's excited about "The Next Food Network Star" and seeing who will win tomorrow night. (She's picking Amy). She's pretty good about picking who will get sent home. She woke me up last night at eight and told me "Paula's Party is on! Wake up!'. I guess Coy watching it with her is just not he same as me watching it with her.

Tomorrow we are planning on going swimming at the Cain Center after lunch. Been awhile since we've been there.

For those who haven't checked this out, this is utterly hilarious........

www.the gypsyblogger.blogspot.com

It's my baby broher's blog from Afghanistan where is into security..I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. Ususally he's very opinionated, but this is good......I can see it.....just can't figure out how in the world he got out of it.......wouldn't have happened if he had walked.............

Well, they came an d took the tv to the repair shop..............Coy finally got ALL the yard mowed, then it started raining again....haha........Been really quiet around here today.....currently JG has on her Barbie dress up clothes and her black patent winter dress shoes.....my folks are supposed to return from their camping trip to Colorado I think Monday.....hopefully we'll get to go to Six Flags Tuesday with Missy, Alex, and the boys (maybe it won't rain)

Doctor appointment

Well, I went to see Dr Marple in Dallas this morning. My nose, I know this is gross, but it is a fact of life for me, doesn't look as good as it did in April. He thinks it is because of all the mold in the air from all the rain. So, I am back on the crazy fungus meds. I asked him about just treating the symptoms and not the cause and he went into the whole spill about how we are treating the inflammation in my sinuses, which is comparable to someone who has asthma. You never really know why you get asthma, he said. You just know how to treat it. Anyways, I go back in six weeks.

TV still has red and green lines all through it. Hopefully the tv repair people can come out tomorrow and fix that.

Went and saw Harry Potter. We enjoyed it, although Coy said they cut out alot of details from the books.JG and I were actually crying as we saw this one. Hard to explain. It was good though. Definitely not the witch and spell type movies and books everyone thought it was about. There's alot more to it and I can honestly say my ten year old understands that.

Going on to bed. Took forever for me to fall asleep last night. I read three whole entire magazines and refused to get up!

We're BACK!

We returned this afternoon from visiting my grandmother in Ragley, LA. Hard to believe four generations have taken friends down there! She cooked an awesome roast. The gravy was perfect on top of the rice. It was soooooo good. We slept later than we intended to this morning-who doesn't in a nice cool room with no hint of daylight at 10:00 in the morning??

Grace took her friend Lindsey with us. They explored in the woods (with the walkie talkies) and discovered a clubhouse. They really enjoyed seeing Miller's puppies and donkeys!

Met TAC for lunch yesterday. Hard to believe he's 38 today! Happy Birthday, TAC!

Grace said the mosquitoes down there were as big as dragon flies.....take lots off OFF with you when you go, Missy.

AR prizes arrived today. Grace got her a new laptop and JG got a gameboy advance. Hard for Coy and I to believe our ten year old has her own laptop, with built in parental controls of course! JG is tickled pink over her new gameboy. Pretty quiet around here right now.

Coy fixed his computer. WAHOO! No more trips to Tyler to simply drop off or pick up the computer.

Still haven't heard from SONY about the tv. We watch it for awhile until we all get aheadache, then we retreat to another place.

Finished my second Potluck Club book. Those books are so good! I get totally wrapped up in them. I want to try some of the recipes, too.

Sun has shone birghtly here today. Got up to over 90 degrees. Stillneed another day or so to dry out enough to begin mowing.

Tomorrow we begin packing for our trip to Ragley. Always interesting when we visit down there. Hope it doesn't rain the whole time so the girls can get out and go exploring.

Vacation Day 4- HOME

Well, we made it in last night (Thurs) around 3:30. Traveled 873 miles and had 18 hours adn 10 mins family qaulity time in the car. Overall, it was a great vacation. It fit us well.

The girls and I are headed to Lousiana to MawMaw's the first part of next week. Coy is headed back to work to get the budget finished and things ready for the next board meeting.

Friday--Best Buy called and they said they have fixed the computer. So we went to pick it up. Got home and still doesn't work. Guess Coy will be taking it back again tomorrow. Big TV is not focusing, either. (at least it started when HE was watching it, not me). So we're trying to figure that out,too. Always something.

Vacation Day Three

We traveled the TExas Independence Trail today and all I can say is WOW. It rained most of the time we were in the car. Goliad is still the most haunting place, even in the rain. After Goliad we came over to the Battleship TExas and SanJacinto monument. Grace really enjoyed the battleship. JG wasn't crazy about climbing all the stairs. We ended the night eating at Hooters and of course swimming at the hotel's indoor pool. Tomorrow we are headed home and will try to stop at the Sam Houston museum in Huntsvile.

We have managed to eat out 1

meal a day throughout the vacation. WA HOOO!

Things I tried that have worked:

putting the food stuff, pb & J, bread, pop tarts, snack bars in a tub -keeps it all nice and neat. For kelly we save the ind packets all throughout the year so I don't hav to worry about toting an ice chest.

Having one dirty clothes bag for each night. Now we're not hauling dirty clothes back and forth to the car.

Vacation Day 2

We oured teh capital. Our tour guide was a lady from East Africa. Amazed both Coy and I how many foreigners (or foreigner looking) people were at the capital. Poured down rain the rest of the time in Austin, so we didn't get to do the UT thing. We went on to San Antonio and toured the Alamo-this time actually getting in this time. Did you know there's an unwritten rule that no building can cast a shadow on the Alamo? One of the very protective DAR ladies was telling Coy adn I about some hotel that thought they could just do whatever. Needless to say, they were run off and another hotel is building there. There was supposed to be a glass covering on the sidewalk showing actual things they dug up while excavating the Alamo. We never found that, though. We did find the actual bullet (I think it may be mullet) holes, though.

JG said her favorite part of yesterday was the Alamo. She said she learned about the bullets and cannon balls. Grace liked the Alamo too. I think it's finally sinking in that the TExans lost the Alamo battle. At one point she commented that the Alamo and Goliad just really hacked the Texans off. I told her that yep, that was basically it.

Ate supper at John's Big Red Barn in San Antonio. As usual, it was good.

Something I forgot.....

Coy said the best thing about today was that I didn't fall asleep in the car on the way here !

Vacation Day 1

JoGail said her favorite thing was shopping. After getting her some clothes at the GAP, she informed her daddy it was time for some accessory shopping.........And he thought he was done with her!

Grace thought the best thing about today was riding in the car so she could read and listen to her MP3 layer without JG bothering her.

JG got a t-shirt that says "Texas cheerleaders rock!"

Believe it or not, JG is pretty good at getting things on sale......wahoo!

Grace looks at the price last, and I do mean LAST.

JG was trying on some pants and said,"oops, I'm pulling my hanes down!" haha

I live an interesting life.....I LOVE IT!

Vacation Day 1

Well, we made it to Austin. Had to stop and shop along the way. Ate ar Serrano's--that was good! JG said her favorite thing was shopping. I know Grace felt otherwise. She's at such an awkward size and age-she wants to be big, but really isn't. ooked at abercombie and Fitch stuff. She decided the shirts are a little too thin. :) Finally found some stuff for her at, of all places, JC Penney's. At least I can return them if I need to.

Tomorrow we are touring the capital, downtown, and UT. Not sure where we are headed after that.

Brownie Crackles

Made these and JG declared them the best cookies ever. Had the whole bunch baked in 25 mins thanks to my double ovens!.........got the recipe from allrecipes.com


Brownie Crackles

1 (19.8 oz) packae fudge brownie mix
1 cup all purpose flour
1 egg
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup veg oil
1 cup semisweet choc chips
powdered sugar


Put some powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Mix the rest of the ingredients together, saving the chip until last. Stir them in by hand. Drop by teaspoonful into the powdered sugar. Roll to coat. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 8-10 mins. Let cookies cool.

Texas History Lesson

Well, I have been educating Grace on Texas history this evening. We went through the Battle of GOliad, the Alamo and finally San Jacinto in the Texas Handbook online. I think she finally understands it a litle better. She had it all confused. She finally said the Capt Fannin wasn't the sharpest crayon in the box and I agree. He started the mess at Goliad. Anyway, it took a while, but I think she has it down now.

About vacation......we decided to go on a road trip....we are starting out in Rond Rock/Austin on Monday. Why, just awhile ago while eating watermelon at the kitchen bar JG discoverd a zoo in Austin......guess where she wants to go now....no telling where we will end up.

Went through all the girls clothes last night......JG didn'thave much that still fit. She's growing! Grace's pants were short, so she's getting taller.

Coy mowed what he could. We have more srop sirclesin the yard where he had to dodge standing water. He got more mowed in 2 1/2 hours that I did in 2 days. Guess he's a little master on the men green machine. He cooked hamburgers for supper, too. They were good.

Haven't heard from anyone besides Deanna about a recipe for McAlister's tea..........

Still don't feel 80%. I just wnat to lay around and do nothing. Kind of unusual for me. Did manage to bake choc chip cookies for our trip and flash freeze the blueberries. I will get them into the bags tomorrow. Tomorrow's the big housecleaning and packing day. Won't be too bad once I get motivated to get, I decide to get it done.

OH I did the girls to the show today. Grace saw Evan Almighty and loved it (remember, she's a preteen) while JoGail and I saw Ratatouile. Our movie was okay if it's alright for rats to cook in a restaurant. That fact kind disgusted the whole movie for me, but JG liked it. She said it was alot better than Surf's Up.

It's Friday Night............

Time to print your bingo cards for tonight! (National Bingo night onTV)

I know you do this, TAC, so no use denying it....................JG will will be whooping and hollering...she loves that show.


Slept most of the afternoon. Taylor's s mom took the girls swimming with her. I went to the dr this am. ou're never gonna believe what I have now-------a sinus infection! More prednisone, avelox (antibiotic that could cure a horse according to Dr. Marple), and breathing treatments. We'll see. Was nice to rest all afternoon. Coy and I are going to the BIG doctor in Dallas July 12, I think. We're wondering if my body is not making steroids any more. That maybe my body doesn't think it needs to since I have been on so much. We don't know. zOf course, I wasoutside alot last week, too. I know I do better when I stay indoors, but that's really hard with two wonderfully active kids.

I don't think I've ever seen Grace happier than when she was playingin the mud the other day. She had so much fun.

Been very cloudy all afternoon. Guess more storms will roll through this evening.

Coy cleaned the floors for me oday! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I really appreciate him doing that.


Question?????????????

Can anyone find the secret sweet tea recipe for McAlister's online? I haven't had much luck.


Coy's planning on mowin again in September. He's considering giving swimming lessons in the 'pond' in the front yard. We could probably hold a fishing tournament in the bar ditches in the front, too. No cash prizes, though.

Soccer camp is over

Well, soccer camp is over. The girls had a wonderful time. We were glad to sleep in this morning...

We always stopped at a convenience store to go potty riht before we got to the camp. JoGail went every morning, except Friday. She got out and went in the store. When I asked her if she needed to go she said no, she just wanted to get out of the car for awhile!

Kids both got webinz (little stuffed animals from Hallmark). They give you a secret code then the kids have the same animal on the internet to feed, take care of , etc. They earn money playing games and then have to manage the money. They like it so far.

I have a sinus infection, so I'm back on prednisone and antibiotics. I don't want to feel yucky on vacation.

Somehow I managed to put the same picture of here twice, oh well...

Kids are swimming this afternoon with Taylor and her mom. We all slept in this morning!

Took Grace to Beall's to see what kind of clothes she watns to wear next year. SHe didn't find anyting in there she wanted. Meanwhile, JG wanted everything. She said things were rocking in there! We'll see!

Rain, rain, rain

For those who aren't aware, it poured agian here today! We got over 2 inches in less than an hour. Fortuenately it didn't start until after soccer camp. The girls, especially JG, are having so much fun. Of course, they playe din the nud today, so they had to strip in the garage again before coming in the house.

Grace got her trip to Barnes and Noble today. She had a good time picking out books. She won the gift card for having the most AR points.

Coy's back from Austin. It was nice for us all to sit down and eat supper together tonight. Here's the new recipe we tried.

ChickenCasserole

2 cans chicken drained
1 can rotel
1 can cream mushroom
1 can cream chicken
nacho dorritos

Spray casserole dish with pam. Crush chips and put in bottom. COmbine all other ingredients and pout into pan. Bake 350 for 30 minutes.

It was good. we all liked it.

Gotta let the kids play their new 'webkinz'.

Sayings

Sat a saying today that maybe, just mabe my scrapbooking sister will make a pretty page for me to frame and set on my desk at work....................ready......drum roll please.............

I'll take work home the day I fold laundry at work...........


I love it!

Soccer Camp Day One

Well, it was raingin when we got there. And yes, we got there on time. So they started outin the gym. I did my morning walk on the upper deck going around the gym. Grace and Taylor just melted right in. They did have a hard time with some of the stretches and looked silly trying to do them.

JG was in the right group. They were doing the arm strech where you bring it across your body and push it with the other hand. Her whole group was moaning because it hurt and saying "Can we stop?" So glad i was not working with her group! Gonna be a long week for them.

When I returned to pick them up her shirt as completely wet. Evidently she poured her hermos of water all over her.

It rained about a half inch again this morning, so the one little patch I have left to mow will hav to wait. We have tumbling tonight. JG is taking a nap right now and Grcae stayed over at Taylor's.

Gott ago make thank you's for the businesses who supported the girls throughout the season.

Sunday Night

Well, its' sunday night. Kind of quiet with Coy gone. Took the girls swimming this afternoon. Got aheadache before we left the Cain Center. Think the chlorine is aggrevating me. I have suspected this before. But I am not sure what to do about it. Any ideas?

I am watching Platinum Weddings on tv. JG is NOT allowed to watch this, although I think Grace would be more likely to have the expensive tastes. This particuliar wedding's location cost $42, 500. Makes Buffalo gap look really really cheap. Her dress is $10,500 and weighs thirty pounds. I'm guessing you aren't reading this to hear my commentary on what I'm weatching on tv. So.....

Didn't quite finish mowing tonight. I feel like a TRUE BLUE East Texan.......I mowed with the headlights on...................felt like I was on a ride at Six Flags for awhile....lots of ruts from where they used to mow this with a tractor.

You do know that JG thinks Coy bought a JOhn Deere because its colors are green and gold.....

She told me today that she wants a bed that has an up and a down to it.....I'm guessing she means bunk beds??? She said she would sleep down some but mostly up.....

I've set the alarm pretty loud in the bathroom. That way I have to get up to shut it off....maybe I wil stay up! I'm praying the rain holds off until after noon.


Grace is a girl after all-just came and asked if she coul dmove furniture in her room.......guess HGTV might be in her blood afterall......should b-she's seen enough!


Stay tuned--trying a new recipe Wed night!!! It's a form of king ranch chicken.

Didn't get to post last night becuse of storms. Seems all it does around here is rain! But don't think that's a complaint! THe lakes are really full.

The parade was neat. We were running late, so we watched it fron the truck at the high school. As we walked to the square JG picked up tons of candy.....just what she needed. I saw kids with wal-mart sacks fulle rthan at Halloween. Coy and I got some fried pies from a booth on the square. Wow! They were awesome.

I mowed al little more for Coy yesterday thinking I could finish today. I don't know now! I promised the girls we would go swimming this afternoon.

Deanna, if Grace is going to drive the gocart inthe Christmas parade she needs to practice her driving skills!!!!

We have about decided to go Austin for vacation. Grace doesn't remember going to the capital. We are planning on doing that, touring UT, etc. Then we are going to the Ft Worth zoo and some other fun stuff around the here. Plus we are planning on doing some school clothes shopping. Grace wants any and everythign abercombie & Fritch.....she has VERY expensive tastes! We'll see!

Well, JoGail and I didn't bingo so we don't have to worry bout sharing with Coy and Grace. Maybe next week.

I can't believe it

**Correction on strawberry dessert---delete everything afater the cool whip in the ingredients section to the blank space. Things on my laptop tend to jump around when I accidentally hitthe mousepad on the computer

I can't believe I just printed out my bingo cards for national bingo night on abc! Hope I win somethin good!!!!JG has cards too. Coy and Grce think they are way toooo good to play...oh well, see if I share my winnings with them!

Coy was off today, so we all went to Tyler and took the computer to Best Buy.
Of course they have to keep it to work on it. (The mother board went out and when they put a new one in they messed up the ports. We should get a new computer out of this.). Of course for safety Coy backed everything up on our external hard drive and hen deleted everything off the computer. Who knows who would steal our idenit off it? Coy had therapy on his neck againl They put him in traction. He says it feels good. Hard for me to believe, though. I do know he has more range of motion in his neck since he started rehab.

My sister Beki's husband David had heart surgery today. I think they put 2 stints in. He has to spend the night in the hosipal then I thinkhe gets to go home tomorrow. Hopefully the stints will work. I think they do on most people.

Tomorrow we are planning on going to the Eustace Pioneer Days parade on the town square. Deanna, I think you have shamed Coy into going! hahahahahaha


Finally figured out today, thanks tho Cathy K, that my first grade class that I taught will be seniors this coming year! Oh my! I am still surprised they actually learned to read and do some math. Hopefully they figured out that Pocahantas did not come over on the Mayflower!

Houses

Several friends are building houses, so I thought I would tell some of the things I really like in my house.

ABSOLUTE NECESSITY: 1/2 bath off the kitchen We, as well as ou guests, use this all the time. Great for when the girls have friends over.

1. Air conditioner control that adjusts itself. No more remembering to turn the ac up or down before we leave to go somewhere.

2. Our master bath with the walk in closets (Coy has one and I have one) that have shelves built in. Plus the girls closets with 3 rods and built in shelves each.

3. My double ovens. I originnaly thought that if we ever built this was something I might or might not want. I can't live without them now!

4. Carpet in only the bedrooms and playroom. (I prefer tile or hardwood upstairs in the playroom, but there's carpet. )

5. The dark stain on the kitchen cabinets. Makes them look a little more custom.

6. The way the girls bathroom is separate. The commode/bath is separate from the getting ready area.

7. Closets that the light goes on when the door is open. It's also a dislike because the door has to be shut for the light to go off. (hard for JG to remember!)

8. The front porch. I need an old rocker to go out there. Anyone got one to let me use?????

9. The playroom over the garage and away from the bed rooms. When someone spends the night the girls stay up there and don't bother anyone! The girls go up there to watch their shows and movies and play while they do. Keeps toys out of the living room.

10. Being out in the country yet still having neighbors. Living on a cul de sac road the girls can ride their bikes and scooters on without me having to worry. As most of you know, my girls llive outside as much as inside, especially Grace.

other house favorites:

granite counter tops--althoughI would havae chsoen a different color

a finished garage-great place for stinky cleats and shin guards

tile floors-easy to clean, but if it falls on it, whatever it was is GONE, SHATTERED-not very forgiving with a seven year old in the house

the spare room we use as an office--we would put it closer to our room if we had a choice

Creamy Strawberry dessert

Missy- I bet Alex would like this !

Creamy Strawberry Dessert


1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

Mix together and pat into the bottom of a 13x9x2 pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2 small (3oz) packages strawberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 package 16 oz frozen sweetened sliced strawberries
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 carton (12 oz) cool whip berries and milk. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until partially set.

In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water Stir in strawberries and milk. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until partially set.

Fold coolwhip ino strawberry mixture. Spread strawberry mixture over crust. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

Thursday

Thursday--I figured out how to add a picture! WOOHOO!!! Thsi is JoGail at the tea party she and Hailey had.Yes, father the alarm will help me next week.....however I know for a fact it will NOT get by my BIG butt out of bed..........I also know I can hit snooze at least 6 times and get away with it since Coy will not be here......He has his supt conference in Austin.

Hailey spent last night. I went to bed at 10:30 and they were still up. They were up in the playroom pretending that puppy (Hailey uses the back up one) were babies. They had diapers adn clothes everywhere. I took some picts of them playin the eukalalie to puppy. I didn't go walking this morning. I was afraid JG and Hailey would wake up and decide to make breakfast for themselves, so I sacrificed walking for a day. :) Around 11 Hailey's mom brought Hailey's older sister, Ashley over to play with Grace. Ashley is a year behind Grace. So they were all over here this afternoon !

I tried a new recipe for supper and I think it made the best gravy I have ever made---and I didnt do a thing!

1-1 1/2 pounds skirt steak or round steak

1 can french onion soup (Yes, I am aware there are onionsn in it)

1 can cream mushroom soup

1 soup can water

Sear (brown) steaks in skillet. Put in roasting pan. Cover with soups and water. Bake 325 degress for a couple of hours.

It reminded me of the meals mom used to make whenwe were growing up.So far we've had three new recipes this week and they've all turned out good. Could it be because I actually followed them without trying to doctor them up on my own??????hum......I try to post the strawberry dessert one soon. JoGail and Coy really like it. (it has eagle brand in it so I knew it had to be good!).

Walkd this morning then mowed the front for Coy. Actually read the lawn mower book and figured out how to run the John Deere. Still had to leave some unmowed because of the water still standing. Supposed to rain again tonight, though. Took the girls and Hailey swimming this afternoon. The first thing Hailey did was go up to Grceand stick out her tongue. hhehhhaaa. Hailey haas cheerleading this afternoon then she;s coming to spend the night. That means I have to make cinnnamom roll sin the morning. Bought the studd so we can all do coke floats tonight after she gets here. Been having headahes again. I think it miht be beacuse of the chlorine at the pool. Gonna be hard to get up net week and get the girls to Tyler by 8 for soccer camp.

testing to see if this works