Bragging

Thought I would share cute things from each of the grandkids.

Rylee who is now 18 months old - went missing the other night. Mommy (Nyki) decided she was too quiet so she went to check on her and to go ahead and put her to bed because it was that time. She picked up her favorite stuffed animal and started looking for her blanket, she didn't find it in the living room where it was earlier. So she goes ahead and goes to Rylee's room and finds Rylee in bed covered with her blanket sound asleep. TOO SWEET! Hopefully she will always be that easy to get to bed - since she will have a new brother or sister this summer.

Trace who is now 2 years and 2 months - was leaned up against his Mommy (Britt) who is now 6 months pregnant and moved forward and turned to mommy and said. Andrew (baby in womb) is knock knocking on me. Which Andrew was kicking his big brother. Britt told him it was to say HELLO.

AC who is now on the down hill side of 3 racing towards grown came out of his room and told his mom (Britt) that nothing is wrong with Trace he's just in there screaming like a GIRL. Now some people may think this makes him sound sexist but he actually picked up that bit of a saying from me his GRANDMOTHER, when they squeal around the house I asked "Why are you screaming like a girl?" I'm thinking I need to find a new saying! Before I get him beat up by the girls in school.

Everytime I talk to the girls I'm reminded about how fast the little ones are growing and how WONDERFULLY SIMPLE life is for them. There's nothing greater than looking at life through a childs eyes!

To Baggly Go Where NO Man has Gone Before!

Well at least to Baggly go where No man from this family has ever gone before! Randy is home - a day late. He was supposed to be in Friday night at 11:30 p.m. but due to mechanical problems with his plane from Detroit to Cincinnati he missed his flight to Tampa. So he actually got in Saturday around 1 p.m. - his luggage well that was a different story. He was told that they would be here when he got in. They weren't - after much tracking they were located at airport code FRA - that for those of us who didn't know is Frankfort Germany. They are finally in Tampa - having seen a country that their owners would love to see. Maybe some day we can go also!

This week has already been CRAZY! I woke up on Sunday morning at 2:30 with a MIGRAINE to top all Migraines - no matter what I did I would only have a small time frame of release. I was afraid that I would live through it more than I was afraid that I would die from it! I felt better Monday morning so I came to work by 10 I was dying again - but had a 3 o'clock conference call so I tried to brave it out. I sent Randy an email to come get me prior to the actual end of the call and went home at 4. After taking 2 Tylenol sinuses, 2 Aleve and 2 Excedrin Tension within 30 minutes of each other it finally subsided enough for me to "Sleep" it off. Hopefully not to return.

The rest of my week consists of having to get billing done 2 weeks early this month - 2 more conference calls and everything else that is in a normal week. YUCK!!!!!!!!! But hey I can handle it my hubbies’ home and my world is righted again!

Fa ra ra ra ra - ra ra ra ra

'Tis the season to be .............

A. Stressed? I'm getting the feeling that lots of people are beginning to stress already from my family, to my friends, to my company (who just layed off a bunch of people) and even strangers I meet on the street.

B. Pushy? Obviously that is the way everyone in the stores and on the road are feeling because every place I've been someone has been obnoxiously pushy

C. Lonely? I guess that one is understandable especially for people who have lost loved ones this year or are living so far away from family.

D. Jolly? I think thankfulness should lead to Jolly-ness. We need to remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Not the GIFTS we are getting or giving.

Fa ra ra ra ra -ra ra ra ra.

Okay having had my speal about the season and been able to sing my favorite Christmas Carol from my favorite Christmas movie. I will get onto the whole blog update.

I have decided that Randy is not to be out of town the same week my boss Dave is on vacation - I cannot handle having no one to talk to during the day & during the evenings! I called and talked to my mom for almost 2 hours the other night which was nice. (Even though I must learn that is a long time when you haven't eaten supper and I need to switch ears every once in awhile or my right ear begins to actually ache and turns really red!) I also talked to Nyki & Shawn the same night.

I must also learn to take sleeping pills or something when Randy is gone 'cause I don't sleep very good without him and when I am sleeping I keep having nightmares. Like Tuesday night I kept dreaming that something was wrong and I couldn't get a hold of Shawn or Tasha - So Shawn got a phone call at 6:30 their time just to touch base with him, luckily he's used to my freaking out and was very patient about it.

Well that's kind of been my week. The weekend should be kind of crazy - I have AC & Trace tomorrow night, so mommy can watch daddy at his Softball Tournie. The boys normally go with them but they have stuffy noses and coughs and it's suppose to get cold (NOT LIKE TEXAS COLD) but cold for Tampa so they will hang with me and go to get Grandpa from the Airport if the parents aren't back in time. Randy is due in around 11:45 tomorrow night. Saturday night we will have the boys (and possible Julie's if her dad isn't feeling better) while parents have Christmas parties. We may bake cookies......hmmmmm. Send them home on Sugar & maybe some Mountain Dew! Then Sunday afternoon we have Ethan's birthday party so by Sunday night we will be exhausted!

GIVE ME A BREAK (or 4)

He said;

Well the scapula (shoulder blade) is the 2nd hardest bone in the human body with the hardest being the skull. As I tell you this I am demonstrating how well I can type utilizing only my left hand. As a lot of you that read our blog knows, I, Randy, partake in a type of extreme sports. My son-in-law, my best friend and I ride Cross Country (XC) bicycles. Most of you would know this as mountain biking, but in Florida we have no mountains so we ride fast among the trees and roots in swamps. It’s a blast, not a lot different from whatever gives you the rush that makes your life fun.

Around Mothers Day, Twila posted about my broken clavicle (collar bone). In short, I was riding and the front end locked up, I flew over the handle bars, landing on my left shoulder. Well, we blamed the low-end bike I had, Twila let me purchase a new Jamis Dakar XC Comp. (jamisbikes.com), man what a great machine. It helped, but in the owner’s manual was a warning.
Suspension can increase control and comfort by allowing the wheels to better follow the terrain. This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster; but you must not confuse the enhanced capabilities of the bicycle with your own capabilities as a rider. Increasing your skill will take time and practice. Proceed carefully until you have learned to handle the full capabilities of your bike.
Well as you can guess, I may not have learned to handle the full capabilities of my bike.
.

Wednesday morning I was riding by myself, which was probably not the best idea. The trails were fast and little bumpy, which would make for a great ride. Flatwoods, the name of the trail, is home to wild animals as stated before. We have seen deer, gators, armadillos, dogs, snakes, turkeys and wild pigs. It is their home so we are careful to respect it, I had already seen a wild sow with her 5 piglets but I didn’t heed the warning, I just kept flying along the trail. Well, I was on Squiggy and towards the end there is a hard right. Just before the right I encountered an area where the pigs had been rooting around. My front wheel went into a hole and I flew over the handle bars (yes I was wearing a helmet which I might add must be replaced now). I landed on my head and my right shoulder blade. It hurt but being a guy I figured if I just laid there for a few it would lighten up and I could finish the ride. Well after about 5 minutes it didn’t so I decided to leave. I walked to the paved trail and thought about riding out on the smoother surface but I couldn’t stand to lift my right arm. So I walked 2 miles to the car. It being the middle of the week nobody was there so I had to load my bike myself. The bike only weighs 2 pounds so it wasn’t bad. I drove home and painfully took off my Texas jersey (Twila would have killed me if I had cut it). I then cut off my under amour, its skin tight material that wicks moisture from the body (it’s cheap compared to the jersey). I showered still thinking the pain would pass, and then I headed to Twila’s office to get her for a trip to the emergency room. Britt (daughter that that goes with above mentioned son-in-law) called because I was suppose to meet her and the boys for lunch, well I canceled and when she asked what was wrong I said nothing. Yes later I got in trouble, but I figured it was better to tell Twila first.

While driving with my left hand Twila called, so I figured it was best if told her about the spill. We went to St. Joseph’s ER and saw a PA. It was kind of funny, after the X-ray she almost ran into the room to check my breathing. We asked what was going on and she told us my scapula was broken 4 times, she used the term shattered, not something I wanted to hear.

So I broke my collar bone in May and my shoulder blade in November. Many have said I should sell my bicycle and act my age of 45. Those are for the most part the ones that act their age. They have “safe” hobbies. The others, people that understand what makes me get up at 6:00 on a Saturday morning to ride through trees, down trails where I will see wildlife, and get the cardio exercise that is “fun”, ask when I can ride again. No it’s not safe and I may turn more toward road biking where I would be riding on a paved trail with no cars, but be sure, somewhere in 6 to 10 weeks I’ll be on 2 wheels again enjoying life.


She Said:



Okay - let me say that if I was his mother his bike would be 4-SALE! But since I am not the boss of him! I will say "Randy will not be riding his bike the day before a national holiday ever again not to mention alone!"

Actually - I know that this is something that he loves to do so I will be supporting him (or nursing him back to health) in everyway that I can.
, ,

Things I've learned Recently

1: Andrew Ryan Crosby will be born sometime in late March early April. AC & Trace no longer say a BABY is in mommy's tummy - but say Andrew (Drew Ryan is how Trace say's it) is in there. AC walks up to where his mommy was sitting yesterday and leaned close to her belly and said "Andrew can you hear me". I laughed - it was so sweet.

2: Sarcasm is wasted on a 3 year old. AC was getting in his carseat yesterday and the top buckle part was twisted so he started whining and kicking - I said "Wow AC throwing a fit to get something done works everytime" He looks up with me and said in an awe filled voice "REALLY". So I got to explain to him I was trying to be sarcastic - when will I learn to just say "AC throwing a fit won't make it easier but asking for help would".

3. Nyki is due July 4th - I think it would be cool to have an independance day baby - but then again your birthday would be lost in all the "Holiday" stuff so......... Besides baby will come when baby is ready so. I'm still thinking a boy on this front - but hey I was wrong with the other one so..........

4. Nyki & Rylee were looking at this blog and Nyki was showing Rylee pictures of the boys and she got really excited and started kissing the boys. So a few miles (actually a whole bunch of miles) apart won't keep my grandbabies from knowing each other! - Weird thing is that I was looking at pictures on the computer with the boys and they kept talking about Rylee at about the same time.

5. I've learned that my baby turning 22 makes me feel REALLY REALLLY REALLY old! Also makes me wonder how the years went by so fast!

6. Ethan & Seth came to visit for a while Saturday while Mommy & Daddy went out for Mommy's birthday. Ethan blows me away with his ability to read. He was playing on the computer which is really fun to watch him drive in a Wacky Race. Seth is just too durn cute for his own good - when he's in trouble he puckers up his mouth (maybe I can get a picture of it sometime) and bats his eyes and I have to look away because I can't help but smile it is the cutest picture of "WHO ME?" I have ever seen.

7. I don't know if it's the holiday's or what but I have been feeling the miles between TEXAS & FLORIDA for a couple of weeks now - I've talked to the ones in Texas more often so maybe it's that but boy I wish the states were close enough for weekend visits every once in awhile!

Worried about the WRONG One!

Okay I have decided that I have been concerned about the wrong kid's career choice. Instead of being concerned about Shawn becoming a police officer - I should be concerned about Tasha becoming a Teacher!!! Another school shooting this week - this time it was the Principal & 2 APs. My brother-in-law is an AP all I can say is BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

Thanksgiving is around the corner and we haven't made any plans yet. In fact we haven't even really thought about it. Randy's oldest brother was suppose to be here - but with GAS prices etc......they are not coming. But whatever is decided we will have a THANKFUL holiday I'm sure.

Tomorrow Tomorrow that's when we should know what Brittney is having. A Boy A Girl it doesn't really matter just as long as their healthy (I'm still hoping for a GIRL - RC is still NOT).

Nyki is doing fine - please join me in praying that God gives her the strength to quit smoking - I know that a lot of RYLEE's breathing problems were not related to the smoking but some of them were, and we don't want to repeat with THIS baby!

Eric & Julie opted not to find out what they're having at the Sono - so we will be SURPRISED in April when the Doctor says "It's a ????" But we do know the important part - it's healthy all chambers of the heart are pumping etc....... Praise God for that.

We don't get to go camping with the Church this weekend - we have a wedding WOW what a wedding. I'm more interested in finding out how it will work than I am stressing over it. We have a small stage "alter" area. Drums & piano do not get removed from it for weddings so it's even smaller. The Couple getting married have 8 attendants on each side, 3 preachers, a pianoist, oboist, celloist, 2 columnes with Flower arraingements, 2 candleabras and a kneeling bench. (Not to mention the full choir up in the balcony). Should be VERY VERY interesting!

Well besides work and recooperating from JH not much going on around our house.

Judgement House, Bike Ride, Bragging et all......

I’ve been sabotaged! I wrote a LONG posting and then went to post it and the system refused to work!!!!! So it’s GONE! So I will do my best to recreate what I told you (but warning I’m not feeling as WITTY as I was so it is just NOT going to be the same!)

RC rode his bike across the State (Good thing he doesn’t live in TEXAS!!!) this weekend. He and 3 others from FBC Lutz went with a group from Idlewild Baptist they started on the other coast and rode 60 Miles on Friday, 80 Miles on Saturday, and finished up in Tarpon Springs after riding another 60 miles on Sunday. He really seemed to enjoy it! (For some reason I don’t think I saw him SIT down at all Sunday night….hmmmm I wonder if there was a reason for that?) I love that he enjoyed it and then still (knowing he was exhausted) came to Judgement House to see his wife for a couple of minutes and take the boys home to spend time with them!

Judgement House – Wow what a blessing that was to be one of the Co-Directors, each of us, Randy, Herb, Linda and I have different areas of strength and God lined us up in each of them as ONLY HE CAN DO! Satan was working overtime to keep things from happening but he was NOT VICTORIOUS! He had silly little fights build in just about every room, he had Room Leaders quit on us and have to be replaced, he had World Series & Football games distract our Security team and some of the cast members to the point it almost created a stumbling block in getting everyone thru. He even had a Hurricane threat cause our numbers to be down the first weekend – but GOD was the WINNER no doubt. We had more people come thru than ever before – like over 1280 people. He added to His kingdom by at least 58 new family members and brought even more than that back to his arms! It was an amazing thing to be a part of! We’ve already started looking at and planning for next year!

Will be posting Trick or Treat Pictures of the grandkids soon!

Momma’s bragging rights – Tasha said that Shawn is 3rd in his police academy classes. Praise God! I also thank God for giving him a wife that supports his dreams and helps them to materialize! Overall I’m feeling VERY BLESSED indeed with my family!

My parents have been married 47 years TODAY!!!!! That's a BIG accomplishment in this day and AGE!!!! in 3 years we will have BIG PARTY 50 GOLDEN YEARS!

With examples like this and Randy's parents having been married for around 45 years when his Dad was called home to heaven, explains why it's been easier on Randy and I to stay married than on some of our friends who were taught by their parents examples that if the going gets rough you can always Bail instead of trying to make things better! THANKS parents and PRAISE be to God for the examples we were given therefore able to give to our kids! The TORCH is being passed thru the generations!

Birthday and GREAT NEWS

Guess what it is my Aunt Sue & Aunt Bertha's Birthdays. (Oh yeah MINE ALSO!) Crazy crazy - seems like I was just 43 yesterday - hehehe. It seems really freaky that I'm 44 - wow 44 that's not nearly as old as it used to be. Yesterday my brother-in-law Greg had his 46 so I don't feel so terribly old. Love you bubba!

Judgement House went well this past weekend even with Hurricane Wilma breathing down our necks. All Glory to God! I believe each night we have had 100 plus go thru but I know of at least 5 new souls added to the kingdom - so again Praise be to GOD!

Well I found out last week that by next Christmas I will have 2 new grandbabies not just one. No Brittney is NOT having twins - Nyki is also expecting! I'm so excited I can hardly contain my joy. 5 that's right 5 by the end of the Summer 2006.

Then after Shawn and Tasha get out of school we will add even more.............Shawn is doing great in Police Academy - a 4.0 average after 3 tests so KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SHAWN. I haven't heard much from Tasha other than she loves her job and is very busy with it, so since I haven't heard horror stories from School I assume all is going good. Have I mentioned how much I admire her for being able to juggle School, home, husband, and work without letting anything fall!

Randy and I were extremely busy with Judgement House last weekend and this weekend will be the last weekend of it so hopefully it will be great also. Please pray for us for strength and the softening of hearts to hear the message.

LOVE LANGUAGES

TJ and I are taking "5 Love Languages" again, we've taken the course twice and listened to the book on tape once. If you haven't read or taken the small group, do it! It's amazing how much you will discover about yourself. No I'm not getting paid by the author. There is a test to take, real easy you just pick one of 2 answers. Both TJ and I scored high on "quality time", it's my highest and her highest is "acts of service". The coolest part is we love spending time together, so it seems to be right. TJ is a doer, she loves to help others, that's the "acts of service" part. Not really my cup of tea, but since I know it's high for her, I try to do stuff for her. It's important to keep your mates love tank full. Try it, it might just make "physical touch" even better!!!

5 languages are (not in order) Gifts; Quality Time; Words of Affirmation; Physical Touch and Act of Service. You really should take the test you might be surprised. TJ thought one of her high ones were Gifts and it scored way low. (We have a book we would be glad to lend you if you would like to read all about it.)

Enough of that, I'm good, no major complaints, didn't even fall off of my bicycle last week.

It is Well It is Well with my SOUL

Randy is home - came in 2 days prior than I really expected him, which was AWESOME! He even got into town in time to go RIDING with RC. Brittney and I got some stuff for Trace's B-day party Tuesday night (Didn't have it over the weekend cause we didn't think Grandpa would be here).

Brittney may be further along that at first thought she goes to have a Sonogram on Monday 10/10 to find out exactly how far along she is. She goes to the cardiologist on Tuesday 10/11 for a Echo (not sure how but it is different than the EKG I kept calling it) to find out why she is having shortness of breath that leads to heart pumping fast etc........ But I have a peace where this is concerned so - again I'm still feeling Well with my soul.

Nyki and family are in their new house. Rylee is even sleeping in a toddler bed - what a big girl!

Shawn starts school tomorrow 10/4 and is working a new job so that he has time for school. I hope this time goes by fast and easy for him and Tasha - he will be going to school 40 hours a week and working 40 hours a week so........................... Sleep and family time may have to sacrifice a little.

Well I don't really have much to say - but thought I'd say what I did have to say before going home for the day.

Giddy UP Grandpa 

Happy Birthday and Goodbye!

Today is Randy's 45 Birthday!

Happy Birthday and have a nice trip. That is basically my conversation with him this morning. He is off to Vegas which would normally be an AWESOME place or at least interesting place to spend your birthday, However, he will spend approximately the whole day in airports - so that's a yucky place to spend your Birthday. Tomorrow thru Sunday will be spent setting up for a show and then Monday the show kicks off - so he won't have a lot of fun while he's there (which is only fair since I'm still here!)

I heard this quote the other day -

"A friendship that can cease has never been real."-Saint Jerome

I'm not sure I totally agree with it but it fits with what else I wanted to blog so..................
I have had 2 friends that have been friends since I was 1st Grade or younger. Leslie who has been there with me-for me since I was like 3 - we will go months without talking to each other and then we will for one reason or another catch up on each others lives, kids, grandkids and extended family but I don't think it has ever been more than 3 to 6 months that goes by without our talking. She brightens my life. Stephanie who has been my friend since 1st grade I hadn't talked to in about 12 years - well guess who I talked to a couple of weeks ago. (Okay Okay it's not a hard guess- but your right it was Stephanie). We spent a little over an hour on the phone and got caught up as well as you can with each others lives. So I guess since these friendships have never ceased they must be REAL!

I've also had friends that we were close as long as our lives moved in the same direction be it work, church, or school and I believe that God gives us those friends for a reason but friends like my Julie, Leslie, and Stephanie are the ones that are Special REWARDS from God - not sure what I did for them and I am thankful for it, but they must have done something in their life that God wants them to be punished for but I'm Glad he picked me as their punishment!

Well that's it for today.

I'm Going to the Chapel

Well I guess I should say I went to the Chapel and We got married, 26 years ago TODAY.

So I'm going to go down and give milestones of our last 26 years.

1979 - Highschool sweathearts marry in Amarillo, Texas
1980 - Had daughter - Victoria Nykole Hubbard.
Twila graduated with Honors from HS.
1982 - Had daughter - Brittney Dyan Hubbard
1983 - Had Son - Shawn Ryan Hubbard
1986 - Randy had back surgery, forcing a career change
1988 - Randy graduated from TSTI in May,
Randy's father passed away in September.
1989 - We moved to Allen Texas
1998 - Randy, Twila, Brittney, and Shawn moved to Tampa Florida,
Nyki graduated from Allen High School
Nyki marries Jeremy Lee Skogen.
2000 - Brittney graduated from Gather High School - Tampa FL
2001 - Brittney marries Ronald Albert Crosby II (RC)
2002 - Become a Grandparents - Ronald Albert Crosby III (AC) is born
Shawn graduates from Gather High School - Tampa FL
2003 - New Grandson - Trace Randall Crosby is born
2004 - New Granddaughter - Rylee Nykole Skogen is born
Shawn marries NaTasha Juhl Godwin and moves back to Amarillo
2005 - Here we are Celebrating 26 wonderfully blessed years.

I was told by a physcologist once that these milestones (happy or sad) were HUGE stress times for anyone. What I don't think the good doctor realized was the little steps along the way that God gives you to build strength for each and everyone of these BIG steps. Like friends that are always there, family that loves you, wonderful times of laughing and crying together. Celebrating as friends families grow - crying as their family has members that pass on.

I know that this is over used but I have to say.

Thanks for the Memories!!!!

Double My Chances

Okay I found out over the weekend that I now have twice the chance of having a little girl for Rylee to play with when she's in Florida. Julie and Eric are due a few days before Brittney. I have to be totally honest and say that they both hope Rylee is the only girl for a while (weird I would think I would want what I don't already have but hey......- maybe it's the whole Boys are easier thing)

I wanted to share with y'all a poem I recently read this may not be worded right but close enough.

When a mother has a girl
She has a daughter for life
When a mother has a boy
He's her son until he takes a wife.

This is God's plan - A man shall leave his family and cling unto his wife. I have to say that I cannot think of anyone I would have preferred to give up my boy for than Tasha! (Now I can think of a bazillion places closer I would prefer them to live - but I know they are exactly where God wants them.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and other GREAT NEWS

Today is my son's sister-in-law Meagan's Sweet 16 birthday! May it be her bestest birthday ever!

Shawn and Tasha have been going thru some changes and it has been a wonderful experience to watch how God is guiding them straight down towards his plan for their life. Tasha is starting college again - and was told this week she got a job her heart has been longing for and that she was going to make about a $1 more an hour than she was expecting. Shawn passed his test and seems to be headed right into the Police Academy in October. (Momma's heart is worried but our GOD is bigger than the Buggie Man and he has control over Shawn!) Now join me in praying for a job for Shawn that will allow him to go to school and support his family.

Nyki and Jeremy were facing a crossroads in their life and through prayer has been directed to go the road on the left! Jeremy is now working out of town but at least he's working with a group that has WORK now and in the future. Nyki is babysitting in her house a new little baby & his big brother who is in school - which allows her to stay home with Rylee. I kept praying God would move them this direction but it looks like he has bigger plans for them that what this Mom could come up with.

RC and Brittney (hmmmmmmmm at the risk of stealing her thunder) have recently found out that God had bigger plans for their family than they had. Translation is their family is going to get bigger - she is expecting - looks like early April time frame. (I keep telling them it is going to be twin Girls - Twins scare her - Girls scare him) I'm praying for a healthy baby and a no-complications pregnancy for Britt - oh yeah and a car that will carry 3 carseats! We really are excited - but hey who couldn't be when God is giving you a new little blessing.

Randy and I are doing okay - my funk that I've had for a few months seems to have finally gone over the hill and I have a lot more GOOD days than bad - Praise God! Poor Randy has had a bumpy ride the last 3 or 4 months. Speaking of riding - he's back at it, on a new bike and doing well I guess as good as expected with having to have laid off for 6+ weeks and the rain prevents them from getting to go out as ofter as they would like.

Love all of you! Remember comments let me know that you are reading this!

You know your from Amarillo Texas when......

Rainfall is measured in hundredths of inches
An inch of rain causes streets to flood but it takes a foot of snow to close schools
People are happy if a picnic gets rained out
You've seen rain, sleet, snow and thunder all in the same storm
You consider plutonium to be good thing
You prefer to haul drinking water rather than drink tap water
You tell people you live in the tan brick house with a tan roof and attached two-car garage, and then realize that describes every house within a 2-mile radius
You can see a million stars at night from your patio
You've never seen smog
You know the soil temperature on any given day but can't recall what you had for breakfast
You've had to pull over and remove tumbleweeds from the grill of your car
You've canceled many golf games because of rain
Vacation means a weekend trip to Santa Fe
You can lose your purse and a total stranger will returns it
You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Amarillo.

See how our Rylee is growing. She looks just like her mommy did at that age. 

Hmmm What's Happening?

Well I decided that instead of being bored at work (don't tell my boss - he'll find something for me to do) and complaining that no one has updated their blog for me to read - that maybe I should update my blog.

Now the problem NOTHING really exciting has happened to tell y'all about. Saw the boys very little - like Thursday night for a couple of hours and then after church on Sunday for a couple of minutes, so nothing cute to report in that area. Talked to Nyki on the phone and unfortunately I had to hop off and grab something to eat before I got sick so didn't get any really cute things about Rylee. Randy stayed home yesterday for us to get FIOS so I should be able to write and post what's NOT happening in my life faster.

Sunday met Julie & Ethan for lunch - Eric was home with Seth having the croop (sp?). Julie came over and took a quick nap while Ethan and I watched a corny show on Disney and had Light Saber fights. Randy took a quick nap to get ready for us to go to a Sunday School Party Sunday night but by the time it was time to go I had such a bad headache we didn't go - then when I got up at 2 to take more Migraine medicine I kicked the couch and have a broke/jammed something my toe that is nice and purple.

Well I've bored you enough - write people so I have something to READ!!!!

LOOK OUT WORLD HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!

And they SURVIVED!!!!!

Brittney became very close to some Pre-teen girls at our church when she was teaching them in a bible study. I've gotten to know them as Brittney's super cool mom!!!! Brittney et girls planned a shopping spree - and invited super cool along. Now you must picture 5 pre-teen/early teen girls shopping at the mall for 4 hours on Sunday the first couple of hours included 3 teen boys, a teen girl & a college girl - you picturing it? Well let me say it was an experience that was a both awesome - scarry and FUN! (For some reason unknown to me Randy opted out of this shopping spree - and for the same unknown reason Julie volunteered to walk into it with eyes wide opened!!!!)

Basic Highlights:

1. Watching the girls try on prom dresses (Parents watch out in a few years you are in trouble!) - Pictures to be posted - less Renee who had to leave early!
   
2. Seeing the different personalities manifest theirselves in such different ways. i.e.
   
   Courtney - loves being with people PERIOD - doesn't matter what your doing People and Peachie O's are her passion! (C - Hey girl you crack me up. You are awesome! But I'm still not sure "Who you think you are")
   
   Allie - loves people and is very aware of everyones feelings and if they're having fun and does everything in her power to make sure they are! Cool Strawberry Shortcake Phone Cover for this girl! (A - Call me anytime Peanut Butter & Jelly want to go shopping - or Peanut Butter and anyone - I like playing dress up with you)
   
   Renee - even having to leave early I discovered she's outgoing in a safe environment - Ryan may disagree with me but she didn't seem to be a pesty little sister even during the time spent with a few of the older youth! (R - Ooops I told you - you could have my eggroll and I ate it - I owe you an eggroll!)
   
   Tayler - quiet shy - worries about hurting peoples feelings to a self sacrificing way - (T -I still think you should have gotten the sweatshirt if you wanted it! You must learn to say Stranger Danger louder in order to be safe!)
   
   Sarah - Sarah is outgoing - a blast probably the one most like I was at that age. No Beth that does not mean you should ground her for life now. (I still think that the skirt needed a few more inches added to it! I'm glad you didn't buy it :)
   
3. Making sure Tayler & Sarah knew how to cry "Stranger Danger" "Your not my Daddy" while we were in the bathroom since they didn't want to go with us. Sarah actually would have been okay - now Tayler you must learn to SPEAK LOUDLY!!!!!
4. Being considered as COOL - Tayler was talking about "Grandma jewelry" then it dawned on her I was a Grandma and she apologized but it made me feel great that she didn't think of me as "OLD" you know!!
5. Not having enough time to work the whole mall was a downside
6. I loved having Girls who knew what they liked and disliked in a store and were strong enough to say I'm not interested in going into Ambercromby (sp?) I don't like their messages! (I personnally was stunned over the jeans with wholes in the knee's grease splattered on them and holes up by the pocket that were on sale for $80.00.......hello does someone actually buy those?)
7. Food courts make the best food selections for a group of 12 to be happy and for the most part the kids made healthy choices - lots of chicken at our table.

Okay I'm sure Brittney will add her own comments but I did have fun and WE DID SURVIVE!

Why Blog?

The question has been asked, Why Blog? First let’s see what Dictionary.com defines Blog as.

4 entries found for blog.
Main Entry: blog Definition: to author an online diary or chronology of thoughts Etymology: 1999-2004; abbr. of Weblog

Source: Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.6)Copyright © 2003-2005 Lexico Publishing Group, LLC


Main Entry: blog Part of Speech: noun Definition: an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log Example: Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author. Etymology: shortened form of Weblog

Source: Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.6)Copyright © 2003-2005 Lexico Publishing Group, LLC


Main Entry: weblog Part of Speech: noun Definition: a personal Web site that provides updated headlines and news articles of other sites that are of interest to the user, also may include journal entries, commentaries and recommendations compiled by the user; also written web log, Weblog; also called blog

Source: Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.6)Copyright © 2003-2005 Lexico Publishing Group, LLC
blog
n : a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies [syn: web log]
Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University



I personally like the 2nd one,

“An online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log”

This allows family, friends and even those who just find it interesting to keep up with things in your life, church, or family. Twila keeps up with a church group from Tallahassee, FL. They had an interesting bicycle trip recently. The pastor also relates stories about mission trips. Twila has found on more than one occasion that God has spoken to her through someone elses posting and since she has to work and cannot attend the women's Bible Studies (that all seem to be scheduled during normal business hours) it is a way to have a quick word shared with fellow believers at work.

On a personal note, I recently found it a great place to vent my fears of getting back on my bicycle after falling and breaking my collar bone. I received support from family that otherwise wouldn’t have know about my fears.

Others have found it a place to write their novels, not every writer gets published, but it’s a way they can write and be able to have strangers read their stories and comment on them.

My brother uses it to keep others updated on his move from Southern California to Oregon, while most won’t care anything about this, it’s nice for the family and I’m sure there are those out there who have experience the same or are looking to move in the future. Maybe his experience will help them.

I guess what I’m saying is that I find the time spent blogging worth it for me and my family. It’s not for everyone, so enjoy what is for you!

I Want to Ride My Bicycle, Bicycle

Well Randy is back on the bike. He has missed it - and yet was worried about getting back on the trail that he could get hurt again. RC, Eric & Randy went out again this past Saturday - due to our wonderful Rain fall this year the off-road trail was closed so they road the paved. Boy did he come back exhilirated! So we are back in the mode of eating, breathing, sleeping, talking bikes. (I know there are worse things that he could be obsessed with - like gambling, women, drinking........so I'm thankful for the passion that I have to compete with.)

Here's a quote from Lance Armstrong, a fellow Texan I might add! One that I think was kind of funny considering the injury Randy just bounced back from....

"It's more secure, but it's not final. We have to be safe and know there's still tough days to come," Armstrong said after finishing a solid seventh in Sunday's 15th stage. "You never know, you go to a village and take a turn too fast and break your collarbone ... Tour de France over. So you have to be realistic. We have a week to go and a lot of things can get in the way."

Enough said!

It's Official I'm OLD

I remember when I was a kid and my Aunt Bertha used to have to leave from visiting early so she could "rest" before bed. "Rest" before bed was one of the weirdest things I ever heard of @ that time. Now I guess I have reached the "Old" stage because I now have to rest before bed in order to sleep. We had the boys Sunday evening while Britt & RC went to biblestudy (the boys usually go with them but AC had had a rough day - he got up whining and it went down hill from there) anyway they didn't get there until after 9 to pick them up and it was after 11 before I was unwound enough to actually sleep. Normally I don't get that wound up with the boys here but I had a headache and they were already "fighting" with each other for our attention so it was a kind of long evening. Trace was extremely accident prone (which was a change from lunch because at lunch AC bumped his head like 3 times) and AC had a dry unproductive cough so it was kind of a rough evening. But it was also fun - when else can I play Rescue Hero's, Fireman, victim that needs to be rescued by two of the cutest fireman, and a dead person all in one 30 minute period?

The weekend wasn't a real restful one which has made the last couple of days harder - Friday night was WOW which means late night getting home - then Saturday Brittney called for her and the boys to come hang out due to the Tornado warnings from hurricane Dennis, which trying to answer the phone I stumped my toe - which means I answered the phone with a scream not "Hello" poor Brittney (I do think her hearing is returning!) Then they came over and hung out for the day. AC spent the night and then we went to see Ethan be baptized by his father (which was a learning experience in it's self - any sound men that are reading this should note - turn off microphones after a child is baptized - Ethan told Eric as they were leaving the baptistery "Wow I'm glad that is over" - everyone cracked up!) then we went to lunch with Laney's et all. Then Randy and I got home less than 2 hours before Britt dropped the boys off so basically all weekend was GO GO GO NOISE NOISE NOISE. But last night Randy had practice with the worship band for Sunday and I stayed home by myself so I have begun to recover but when your old it takes a couple of nights!!!!!!!

Things I Learned this Weekend

1. Little boys with big imaginations are a hoot to watch
2. When you go to Worship service in a "I don't want to be here" mood you get very little from the worship.
3. Little boys who don't want their brothers in their face can bite noses faster than anyone can react! (AC learned not to get in his brother's face - hopefully)
4. Children respond best to quiet discipline than to raised voices - especially if other people are around.
5. Mountain Dew doesn't wire Trace too much - right Grandpa?
6. A movie with no curse words in it can still be GREAT (The Pacifier)
7. When you don't feel good, you over react to things

Okay I've shared my wisdom from this weekend! Love you guys.

A Short WEEK

I'm really glad that this week has been only 3 days long at work! (Then again if it had been a normal week it might not have been so crazy).

Let's start with my complaint - hey why is that only on Randy's posting does anyone commment? Oh I get it I'm boring - or maybe I just leave people speechless. Anyhow no comments mean that no one is reading this (or to my way of thinking) and if no one is reading why should I post??????

Last weekend was AWESOME! Friday night was VBS graduation and then the boys spent the night with us after meeting them at Cracker Barrell for supper (I can only say that the last two times I've gone to CB I have been disappointed in the service). Trace went to sleep on the way home so we put him straight to bed (long week for them! VBS wears everyone out!). AC was wound tight so finally about 11:30 I got him to bed to sleep. Trace woke up at 1:30 and I assume because he'd fallen asleep and didn't realize he was at our house he FREAKED!!! He was up (I guess I should say we were up - him and I) until 4:30. Finally about 4:30 he went to sleep in the living room and I went to take some medicine for the headache I had developed. I dropped the container that we keep all our medicine in - waking up Grandpa. Who cleaned up the mess for me (wonderful man he is!) but then he walked into the kitchen talking to me and Trace woke up again so he took him to bed with him and the little snot snuggled and went right back to sleep for/with Grandpa. (Next time I'm putting him in bed with GP 3 hours earlier).

Saturday was a fun day with the boys and an early evening for me but not Grandpa he stayed up watching the race until 2 a.m. (silly silly man!) Had church on Sunday - invited Steve, Vicky, Jeff, Emily, Stephen and baby Trae over for supper - fixed Enchilada's for them had a GREAT visit and enjoyed getting to know Trae (first time I had gotten my hands on him for some spoiling!)

Monday we met Eric, Julie, Ethan, Seth, RC, Britt, AC & Trace in Lutz for the 4th of July parade - ran into a bunch of people from our church - and from Seminole Heights. GREAT day! Left the parade went our seperate ways from the Laney's - went home to eat lunch while they went to the SHBC's picnic. We let Trace take a nap - tried to get AC too but he wasn't tired. Then we went to Steve & Vicky's for a "Meeting Trae" picnic - I was glad I got to see him the night before because the poor kid was passed around between probably 30 people within a couple of hours. Then we headed home where we had Brisket with the Laney & Crosby adults and Trace (Laney boys had already eaten and since they didn't sit down to eat - no way was AC going to give up play time for something as boring as eating.) Off to the fireworks to meet up with the Austins & Barnards for the fireworks. Got to hold baby Trae through most of it (watch for pictures to post soon!) He was a trooper about the noise - the loud ones that made the other kids jump didn't bother him at all - but the ones that made noise for a long time made him stiffen (not really wake up just tense). Finally the day was over and I was exhausted!!!!!!

Tuesday was a holiday for my company and Randy took a vacation day - we mowed the grass in the morning and watched TV all day long......I didn't even leave the house until between 6:30 and 7:00 and that was only to ride with Randy to go pickup the Pizza. Was a GREAT day of relaxing!

Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!!!! and Hope the weekend coming up is even better!

From Randy

Hmmm, I'm not much into this writing stuff, but I figure it's nice to hear from me once in a while.

As you might remember, I broke my collar bone the day before Mother's Day, if you don't know it, IT HURTS!!!! Well, it's getting close to time for me to get back on my bike (that's bicycle, motorcycles are too dangerous) and ride again. I did't think this would be a problem, but the closer it gets, the more I remember the pain and I have to admit, I'm a little scared. I know we tell our kids to get up, dust off and get back on, but I'm no kid anymore. Don't worry, I'll go back out and I'll even race again, but it's a lot tougher than I thought.

BTW, if you need a place to send all the extra money you have, I need (or maybe that's want) a new bike.

Learning from the Young

Things I have learned (by an 18 year recent Highschool Graduate)

that a tough skin is necessary, but a compassionate heart is invaluable
that crying is good for you
that crying for others is really good for you
that kids know more than we give them credit for
that chandelier earrings can make someone feel beautiful
that a made bed is worth the effort
that i don't need very much and there is a difference in want and need
that everyone should keep a journal
that everyone should take pictures, even if there are others taking pictures at the same event, it is always cool to see something through someone else's eyes
that falling in love isn't as important as being loved
that water is good for you
that running relieves stress
that you should know what is going on in the world around you
that everyone should read the comics
that big trucks are meant to have country music coming out of their speakers
that everyone should know how to throw a punch
that everyone should know how to take a punch
that a blessed thing is a simple mindset
that i don't have to look good to other people
that riding in the rain with top down is good for the soul, but not the interior

I found this on another blog - some of these really hit home - Like maybe I should learn to take a punch because the other person needed the opportunity to throw one. Let me try to explain my thinking here (hang on to your hats - it might be a rough ride!) When someone says something negative to me I have NEVER been able to just shake it off in the same way I have never been able to embrace a compliment.

i.e. a Guy at work commented on my new hair cut (one that I might add I HATE and was already stressed because I had worked really hard to let it grow out and the chick (can't call her a lady) was to trim it and shape it into another style but she just started cutting it SHORT) anyway instead of just ignoring it I was ticked when he said something then after he left I cried even but his words go through my head everyday when I'm trying to make my hair look less butchered!

So as I said earlier maybe I should learn to take a punch (and for those of you out there that don't know I mean that verbally - you get physical with me or one that I love your going down because I do know how to throw a punch - and hey I'm from Texas I know how to shoot a gun if need be :) so be warned)

My lesson from this little blurb was I need to learn to not take things so personally - like planning a breakfast and then being disappointed when people don't want to come and being down right hurt when you find out they actually had breakfast with someone else. Never did it cross my mind that they didn't want to get up as early as they would have had to for my breakfast plans, instead I read it as they didn't want to spend time with me and then cried myself into a Migraine because of it so when we did have time together I didn't feel like enjoying it.

So my goal for the next few months is to learn to take a punch through prayer and turning it over to God to filter and then learning whatever lesson (truths) that He wants me to learn from it and move on.

Rylee's 1st Birthday - Trip to Texas

Well I'm back from Texas - where I fell in LOVE. Head over Heals in Love. It's okay cause so did Randy! We had already lost our hearts to our grandchildren on the days they were born but as we get to know each of the kid's personalities we just fall more and more in love with them.

We got to Texas Thursday evening and got to Nyki's around 11:30 - after working all day I was SO ready for bed (which I might add Rylee & Jeremy had already crashed). Nyki was excited to see us and ready to TALK so around 1 I finally said enough and we went to bed. Jeremy had to work the next morning so when he fired up his truck (which needs a new muffler) at 4:30 it woke me I realized I had a HORRIBLE headache (just one of the 3 I had while there) and went in search of medicine - I had to wake Nyki to find it and she told me where it was - then I went to crash with her so I could snuggle (something we have done since she was first born whenever we could) somehow I started talking and and couldn't shut up. Then Rylee woke up around 7:30 and Nyki went and got her - it was so cool to listen to their morning ritual via the monitor. Nyki walks into the room and says "Good Morning Sunshine" and Rylee as plain as day says "I love You" as I layed in bed and cried it was the sweetest thing I've ever heard, of course mommy said "I love you" back. Then they came to snuggle with me. We went to wake Grandpa up and that is where I discovered that I'm her favorite! (After YEARS of playing second to GRANDPA - it was really nice to be Number 1!) We let mommy finally get some sleep - then we went to pick up "Grandmary" AC's name for Grandma Mary (Randy's mom which I might add looks better than she has in YEARS) and drove to Uncle Joel's (somehow I thought he lived like in Texas also but I'm sure we drove far enough that it had to be Kansas!) it was actually a little over 2 hours. Joel's house is AWESOME. We really enjoyed our time with them, then it was back to Nyki's to meet Nanny, Pawpaw, Zane & Steve. They got there just an hour or so before Justin, Alisha, & boys and Shawn & Tasha. It was great getting to see everyone but like always happens when we are all together you don't really get to "TALK" to anyone it's just mass noise. We had a great time! Saturday was wild with the preparation and the birthday party. After the party we took Rylee to give mommy & daddy some peace and quiet. We went to Aunt Janice's and went swimming had SO much fun - Lil' Justin learned to dog paddle to get where he wants to go alll around the pool. Grandmary, Janice, Nanny, Pawpaw and Zane probably didn't have as much fun since they didn't have suits to swim but the rest of us played and played until it cooled down so much we had to get out (besides Rylee was almost asleep in Nanny's arms - a shout out to Mom & Zane for getting her dried and dressed when she had had enough of the water). Sunday morning Nanny and gang watched Josh so Alisha & Justin & Lil' Justin could play on the jet ski. While Randy, Nyki, Rylee, Shawn, Tasha & I went to church at McKinney Fellowship (let me say if you ever get a chance to attend a service there grab it!) Then we all met back at Nyki's for lunch then the Austin Jennings group hit the road so needless to say I didn't get much time with them but it was good to see them. Shawn & Tasha didn't leave for another 3 hours and they still beat them to Amarillo. Thanks to multiple flats - poor people. Monday Randy & Jeremy worked and Nyki and I hung out for the majority of the day with Rylee who played with all her new birthday toys then we went to exchange some duplicate items and went to Rylee's doctors appointment where she got 2 shots and had blood taken from the end of her finger. Tramatic for me if not for her! Then we met the boys at the new mall in Frisco. Tuesday came WAY to soon - after packing and doing a quick tour of Allen it was time to go home (SAD DAY!) I was heart broken to say goodbye.

The boys were waiting for me at the airport which was nice - IDEAL WORLD would be if all the grandkids (and children) lived within an hour of each other. But for now I will just cherish each and every minute I get to spend with them! Randy is still in Texas in Houston working due home Saturday with more pictures from the weekend which I'll try to share.

Justin, Rylee, and Josh are getting ready for the Birthday Party 

Mommy and Rylee - Rylee is wearing a new dress from Aunt Tasha - doesn't she look like a little Milk Maid? 

Shawn and Rylee the morning of Rylee's 1st Birthday 

Grandpa takes Rylee on her first carousel ride.  

New Great Nephew. Born June 1 in Amarillo Texas. 

Sunrise in Amarillo on Monday June 13. I check the following web site to see what kind of weather the family is having in Amarillo and thought this was a COOL Picture.

http://www.kvii.com/weather/683492.html

WOW what a Weekend

Hey guys I wanted to tell y'all I'm okay!!!!!! I have had a bad week and just used my blog to voice my feelings - I did not mean to make ANYONE/EVERYONE worry. I thank each of you for the reminder that you love me - I have never doubted your love just my lovability.

I've had a really good weekend and it's only Saturday night.

Last night I went to WOW - (Women of Worship) the talk was over Fear and how fear is from Satan - we were talking about the things we are afraid of and someone behind me said "Roller Coaster" and I thought not me well unless they are going backwards or in the dark. Then I was thinking maybe the reason why I have been so tired of the roller coaster ride of life lately is that I've been riding in the dark. I have decided and made the committment to God and now in front of each of my readers to "have a light upon my path" by hiding his words in my heart.

Today we had a paint day at the church - we were painting "the ocean" scene and we got SO MUCH done even AC painted a crab and did a wonderful job with the help of his friend Emily (a 7 year old) who did touch up to make sure it was "dark" enough. Anyway the fellowship with fellow believers and the having "face painting" tiime and time again was very uplifting!

Well I need to put the boys to bed it's 10:18 here. But may I take this time to point out that my "hinting" in a previous blog worked wonders - I got pictures of Trae - Trae's nursery and Emily pregnant from my sister. I also heard from PaTeve (Poppa Steve but grandsons call him PaTeve) that he didn't have any pictures so I don't feel neglected. It also worked to get my Brother-in-Law Greg to think about getting me pictures of his grandkids. So all in all my hinting was a success (But actually I think picking up the phone and asking them to send me pictures would have been effective.) Good night one & all.

Well since AC wanted to feed Mouse (the virtual dog) about 50 bones it is now closer to 11 and I'm putting the boys to bed........maybe they will take a good nap for mommy & daddy tomorrow.

Updates

Randy went to the doctor yesterday and was told he was healing nicely. The doctor was impressed with his mobility of his lift arm - he still cannot lift any weight with that arm but he can now move the arm above his head. Luckily for me he can still hug and hold with his right arm!

Well life is still chugging on and I'm trying to as Mary Oakley once told me on a rollar coaster - "keep my eyes on the track" and with my eyes on track (God) there are no surprise turns so I'm beginning to lose that SICK feeling and may even reach a point soon that I say WOW what a ride.

My sister has a 1 week old new grandson - would post pictures but Aunt Twila does not have any yet. (If that was too subtle try this SEND PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!) Stephen & Emily had a son June 1 - Stephen Franklin Austin III known as Trae - last I heard Momma & baby were doing fine. Mom & Shawn tell me he is too cute - dark black hair (lots of it) but will refrain to judge until I see for myself so (SEND PICTURES). LaZane already had 2 grandsons and the last time I saw them they were also too cute but (SEND PICTURES) since I don't get pictures and they don't blog I don't know 1st hand (SEND PICTURES). I should be getting to see the two older ones Lil' Justin & Josh (SEND PICTU'RES) at Rylee's birthday party. Can you believe our little granddaughter will be a year old on the 18th (YOU CAN BELIEVE IT BECAUSE I POST/SEND PICTURES).

That's it for now folks.

It's Me and My thoughts

First let me say the thoughts published here may not be the thoughts I have tomorrow or had yesterday but today these are my thoughts - they do not reflect anything more than the moment so PLEASE DO NOT READ ANYTHING INTO THEM! Life sucks! There I've said it - everytime things seem to be going in an upwards motion I discover that I was on a rollar coaster attached to the chain pulling me up just so it can top the hill and plunge me lower than I was before. I don't know what God is trying to tell me prior to letting me get off this crazy ride but I'm to the stage that I'm not having fun anymore - I'm feeling really sick over it. I know if I hang on and ride longer I will get past this stage because I've been here so many times before but right now I feel really alone on this ride. Maybe that is what God is trying to teach me is to hang onto the ride (HIM) with all my might and he will keep me on track - maybe I'm just trying to test the sides of the track and make my own way too much and he's showing me that if I stay in the middle and hold on it's smoother. All I know is that since Randy's accident I haven't been able to get rid of the feeling that there is a REALLY DARK CLOUD hanging over my head. I have noticed more grey hair, I've been gaining weight (probably because I have been eating - you think?) but I just know I am at the bottom of a really low plunge on my roller coaster and am not even sure I want to climb again knowing that there will be another plunge.

I've been counting my blessing and there are SO many of them so I'm not sure why I have the "funk" going but I do and would appreciate all prayers to help me get out of them. Let me describe my "funk" you know the saying - "I was sad because I have no shoes until I met a Man with no feet" my funk would say - well at least he couldn't stub his toe! Now you know what kind of funk I'm talking about. And my dear sweet husband is really the greatest!!!!!! He loves me no matter where I am on the ride - even when I spend us into the POOR FARM - or when I've saved us a bazillion dollars. So for Randy I am very thankful (and for all the rest of my friends and family I am very thankful and ask that you just hang on while I get myself back into a "Twila Zone"). Love you all.

AC's 3rd Birthday Picture 

As American as Apple Pie! AC is 3 Trace 1 1/2. 

Eric, Trace, RC & Dennis watching the birthday fun.
Look how big TRACE is getting - where's the baby?
I only see a little boy!

AC eating cake @ Kyla's 2nd birthday party. He likes the icing the best! 

AC watching Kyla open presents - Not tall enough to see so Grandma to the rescue 

Twila's Personality Profile

Your #1 Match: ESFP

The Performer You are a natural performer and happiest when you're entertaining others.A great friend, you are generous, fun-loving and optimistic.You love to laugh - and you like almost all people equally.You accept life as it is, and you do your best to make each day fantastic. You would make a good actor, designer, or counselor.

What's" Your Personality Type?

Randy in Pain. Vicodin is on it's way. 

Randy after Vicodin 

The color in this picture has not been altered in anyway. Broken bones on the inside seem to bruise on the outside. 

Doctor says bone will never be aligned again! Could do surgery but Doc says will create more problems than will solve. Cartledge will join the two bones (slightly stacked) and he will have a knot. 

Mother's Day Weekend

Well I guess you can say this Mother's day is one I will NEVER forget!

As some of you know (and the rest are fixing to find out!) Randy has taken up an extreme sport. Offroad Biking - if you have ever seen a BMX race - it is kind of like that with a more narrow path, trees in the way out in the open be prepared for anything type ride. (It is not for ME!!!!) Randy rides with Eric & RC almost every saturday morning.

This past saturday Brittney and I attended a Prayer Breakfast for Mother & Daughters while the boys were riding. We had been there less than an hour when my phone rang - it was Randy's cell phone. (knowing where we were - I knew it wasn't good if Randy was calling) So I answered with "WHAT" he said "I broke my collar bone" I said okay we are on our way. Britt & I told the ladies at our table and got up to leave (by the time we were gathering up the boys from the nursery it dawned on me I hadn't asked where he was and where I was to meet him). I called got details and we met him at St. Joseph's Emergency room. I have to say as far as emergency room visits go it was the best experience we have ever had. They gave him a pain shot and he reacted to it, so they gave him a shot to counter the reaction, took x-rays and secured his arm down to prevent any movement of shoulder area, a couple of prescriptions and sent us on our way with instructions to see a Orthapedic this week. He cannot drive - ride a bike - operate any heavy machinery until he is released from the Ortho, he is also in pain (more so than I have ever known him to be in and that includes his back & foot surgeries.) So please pray for us!!

I'll post some pictures when I get home tonight. In one I will try to highlight where you can see the bone misaligned.

Another week

Another week has gone by and things have settled down somewhat. I'm kind of bummed this week for a number of reasons but I at least no longer feel like I'm going to spin right off the earth so that is good! I think the number one reason I'm down is I haven't had a Grandbaby fix in a week - we haven't had time with the boys all week - doesn't that make you sad for me?

I helped Julie with a wedding last week which was pretty fun - I love doing that! So I only had during supper with her boys and Britt & RC swung by for less than an hour Saturday before I left which isn't much time. I was sick on Sunday and didn't get to go to church so they didn't come to "Yous house" to play. AC did fall yesterday and called to tell me it hurt real bad and I was able to comfort him over the phone - it was kind of sad!

Well Randy went on a job interview (not that he's looking but a friend had a friend that was interested in talking to him.) It started at 5:45 and ended at 9:45, which is the longest I have ever heard of an interview going. We have prayed about it and God's will is our goal. He would like the job - but miss the travel from his old job, but we are looking for God's will.

It is now 8 days until we go camping - I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!! Britt, RC, AC, Trace, Julie, Eric, Seth, Ethan, Randy, and I have never done something like this before but I think it will be fun! I'm hoping for the relaxing part also.

Not much more to say - but I love each of you and pray God will bless you in all you do!

Hell Week

Isn't that the name of the week college students are pledging to sorority or fraternity. If so - HELLO I am NOT a college student nor am I interested in joining a sorority or fraternity - so what is up with the WEEK?

Let's start with my boss is on vacation - which in itself is usually a good thing, but this week our corporate office has decided that it is the week (first one I might add all year) that they need EVERYTHING from Tampa. Believe me I work for a micro-manager I do not know everything about our office, but Corp. had me on the phone (conference nationwide) asking answers about questions that they asked Dave a month ago - but it is the first time I have heard these questions and they do not like "ummm I really don't know - I can call Dave on Vacation and ask" as an answer. So about the third time I answered that, Chris Dave's bosses boss said "Twila - what do you know. " I was so angry - thinking I really need a new job!

Today I get in and have a ton of things to do and one of my technicians are in the office looking for some material (that I know is in) and he cannot find it so after almost 2 hours of searching for it to no advail. He leaves mad to call back almost 30 minutes later to tell me he has it in his truck all along - believe me I would be in JAIL right now if he was in the office and DAN would be NO MORE!!!!! (Actually it was only 1 out of the 10 things he was looking for but still I wanted to scream!)

Seth had his birthday party last night - he's 3 now (well will be on Saturday 4/30) he had a Bob the Builder birthday party - my friend is so creative she made the "dirt" dessert in the back of a dump truck - Seth et all thought it was GREAT!!!!!!!! Only draw back is Seth didn't feel so good - sinus infection is what the doctor is treating him for - after being sick (YAKKING) he was running around like a banshee so the party went on.

Randy is home and so my world is beginning to spin right again! We did a wedding this weekend - Donna & Andrew's (Donna is the girl that coordinated Brittney's wedding for Julie & I) Randy & Brittney stepped right in and helped me and everything went off GREAT (well everything I was to have control over - Coordinators do not "run" the decorating of a car - please note this disclaimer!). I so enjoy doing the coordinator job.......hmmmm maybe this could be an answer to my wanting a new job.

Crazy Thoughts

I haven't posted in awhile because I'm not sure what to say. So I've decided just to write some random thoughts that have been running around in my head.

1. What is wrong with this world. Why can't our children be safe? 2 young girls in the last month or so have been taken from their house (where a child should be safe!) and molested and murdered. This morning the news is talking about another girl that they do not believe is in danger but hasn't been seen by her mother for over a week. HELLO why are we just now hearing about this - can we not look for 2 girls at the same time? All I know is I'm afraid for my grandchildren and all the little ones growing up - Parents know who your inviting into your house - Children have lots of friends but they only have you as a parent - don't try to be their friends be THEIR PARENT even if they are angry with you it's your job to try to keep them SAFE!

2. Randy is traveling again and I always feel out of control when he's gone, not that I control him but that my world is NOT RIGHT when he's not home. It's like I'm not complete - hey does that mean he complete's me? Actually that would be a yes - "And the Two become One" kind of thing. Anyway he's only been gone for 18 hours and I already am more than ready for him to come home! Hurry home to me BABY.

3. Time - why do we spend so much time doing what we don't want to do and so little time enjoying life. I know part of it is we have to work to have money for living and fun doesn't come cheap. I say this because since the camping trip very little of my time has been spent just appreciating life and the miracles God does. What my time does go to is Work, cleaning, laundry, and stuff not important stuff just stuff. What I would like to spend my time on is Studying God's word, spending time getting to know my children - not just what's happening but what they think about stuff (Blogging has helped in that area but it still could be better). I find myself when on the phone with Nyki thinking quit telling me about Dixie & your in-laws tell me more about you and Jeremy and Rylee - not that I don't want to hear about the others at all just sometimes when we hang up I know more about what others have been doing than I do about Nyki, but you know THEY are who is weighing on her heart and I love her and want to hear about her and her concerns so I should be hearing about the others. Does that make sense? I catch myself on the precious time I have with Brittney staring at the TV not talking to her or visiting with her we talk more while we are online playing games than we do sitting in the same room. I just need to quit. I've been heard to say recently - "Don't tell me something is wrong if I can't fix it because it drives me crazy!" I've changed my mind tell me - I can pray and my inability to leave it with God is not your fault but mine - I just want to know what is on your heart so tell me anything and everything you want!

Okay see why I haven't written I have nothing to say yet everything to say - see why my sleep habits have gone down hill my mind goes like the above ALL THE TIME and doesn't seem to want to stop and let me sleep.