Slightly Renewed

Today I was reminded why certain people have been put into my life.  When asked for a favor, they did not hesitate one bit.  A couple of these people I have not spoken to in at least six years.  I am reminded of the good within people.  That there are people out there that really do want to help.

Over the last year, I have been able to find a little inner peace. This comes from seeing people and the roles that they have in my life.  I have learned that if someone does not bring a ounce of happiness to my life, that I have little time for them.  Why continue to be with people when it is difficult, uncomfortable, or impersonal.  When someone continues to bring misery, conflict, and complications, I am choosing to stay away.  Life is too short to be miserable. 

I love it when Oprah says (yes I love her) "Believe people when the continue to show you who they are."  When they are unreliable, unresponsive, or miserable, they are showing me how much they care for me and our relationship.  When someone cares, brings laughter to my world, and is supportive, I believe them for who they are.  And today, I had five people show me who they were - my true friends, my support. 

Looking for direction

I am going to apologize for this post in advance.  I'm going to have a little pity party.  As I sit here on July 5, I can honesty say that I do not know what the next couple of months hold for me.  I have goals but I am lacking the courage, desire, will power, and ability to put them into action. 

Let's start with the obvious.  I am not working.  It is time for me to go back to work. (that is part two)I would like to say that employers are knocking down my door with job offers but that is not the truth.  I would like to find a job in health care but am having difficulties.  I don't want to do what I went to school for.  I am done with the nursing home scene.  I want to be a nurse (part two again).  Problem with the job hunt is what am I hunting for.  Something long-term?  Give up on the nursing idea?  Something short term until I get into the nursing program?  Something that I can do while I go to nursing school.

And lets talk about nursing school.  Do I try to apply for a BSN program?  Take more classes to go towards that.  Or do I just take this semester and retake a couple classes to get the "A" instead of the "B" that I have?  And reapply for the associate program? So if I sign up for classes, do I take classes during the day while the girls are at school and prevent myself from working.  Do I take night classes while I try to pursue a job during the day. 

I'm not looking for answers, just some understanding.  If you see me on the verge of tears, this is why.  I just need to know where my next step is.  I am waiting to see the way.  Until then, I will continue to apply for jobs, all kids. 

Schlitterbahn

When I was in the eighth grade, we had to sell raffle tickets to raise money for something for school.  Being the slacker that I was, I sold zero.  Not a single one.  I guess my parents felt bad for me and bought all 20.  Well the grand prize was a four pack to Schlitterbahn.  And WE WON!  Could it be that we were the only family that "sold" tickets.  It didn't matter.  We were going to Schlitterbaun. 

We picked a weekend to go and leave it to me to get sick.  I'm not talking a little head cold.  I had the good puking sick.  Sabrina and Layne were less than happy that I was puking my guts out and ruining their vacation.  I felt bad. That Saturday when we woke up, I felt so much better. I told mom and  and asked "Could we still go?  Please?!?!?!?."  She asked if I was for sure.  I lied and said yes.  I just really wanted to go.  And off we went.  My diet was mainly crackers. I had to wear a t-shirt over my swimsuit the second half of the day because I was so sunburnt.  But it was the best time.

I wanted the same thing for my girls.  Chad and I started looking into making it a long weekend for the summer.  We also wanted to go back through San Marcos where we went to school and eat at a couple of our favorite places.  We decided to stay on the property.  We were able to have 3 day passes instead of 2 for the same price.  Plus a place to stay, come back and have lunch in the room.  Rest when we wanted. 

Well, the room left something to be desired.  It is, by far, the smallest hotel room we have ever rented.  We opted not to have a tree house room but will next time.  They are very cool and new.  The water park we great.  It took the girls until the second day to really get into it.  But they had a blast.  I can see how much fun it would be for teenagers.  Since we stayed on site, we were able to enter the park an hour earlier than the general public.  That has to be the best part.  We were able to get on rides that had 1-2 hour waits during the day very quickly and ride them 2-3 times before the park opens.  

We had an added bonus of Addie loosing a tooth on vacation.  Good thing the tooth fairy travels and knows where her kids are at all times.  All in all, it was good.  We will do it again in a couple of summers.  I think the girls and Chad had a good time as well.  It can only get better as the kids get older. 

Brave

Disney's new movie, Brave, opened today.  I have to admit, we are not opening day people.  In fact, we don't make it to the movies that often. But about a month ago (if not more), the girls started asking (begging) us to go on opening day.  They asked Chad to put a reminder on his phone.  I had to write it on the family calendar.  The countdown began. 

I really wanted the girls to see this movie too.  It had a very positive message about girl empowerment.  It was a princess that was trying to make her future the way she wanted it and not how it is supposed to be because of tradition.  And it had a good story line between the mom and the princess.  Their relationship is difficult, constant fighting, not listening to one another, mom wanting only the best for her daughter.  But their relationship grows and changes and they see the best in each other.  I also liked the fact that Disney didn't kill the mom.  (Don't act shocked.  You know they kill the mom in every movie. The Little Mermaid, Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, Bambie.)  It's nice to see that the mom is part of the happy ever after for a change. 

We went with some friends.  Four moms, eight kids.  We put all eight kids in the row in front of us.  At the end of the movie, the youngest from each family was sitting in their mom's lap.  I'm not going to complain.  I know that the days are numbered where they will come and sit in my lap.  I know that they will start arguing with me (more) and our relationship will change too.  For now, I'll be part of their happy ever after as long as they let me. 

A few of my favorite people

There are times in our lives when we are blessed with family that become friends, and friends that become family.  We headed to Houston last week to meet up with both.  The Bettencourts were visiting their family, The Archers, and we were visiting The Ramseys.  We picked this weekend because it was the only weekend that the Astros were playing on a Saturday that worked with every one's schedule.  The other thing making this trip work was the fact that Chad and Dustin would be going back on Sunday together and Lori and I would be able to stay behind and visit longer.  Now with that said, this is what really happened.

We decided on Friday that we wanted to hang out with the Ramseys instead of going to the game because Chad didn't have very long in town.  My text to Lori went something like this, "Don't hate me.  I think we are going to skip the game.  Want to hang out with the Ramseys.  Catch up with you at the beach on Monday?"  Her reply - "Girl, don't worry about it.  See you later"  Love her!!!  No hurt feelings, complete acceptance.  No big deal. 

So we spent Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday with the Ramseys.  We hit up a couple of their community pools, cooked out, changed tail lights on a car, drank.  The norm.  I can hang out with this couple every day of the week.  They are laid back, roll with the punches kind of people.  My favorite aunt is moving to Houston this month as well.  I plan on going to one more time this summer to spend more time with all of them. 

On Sunday, I drove to the Woodlands to drop Chad off so he could head back with Dustin.   Lori text me that afternoon.  "Don't hate me.  We cant go to the beach. We have been outside all day.  Going to Jenni to look at a house.  Catch up with you later?"  My response - no problem.  I love how relaxed we are with each other.  Even though we didn't see each other the whole time we were there, it didn't bother either of us. 

On Monday, Monica and I took the kids to Galveston. Four kids, two moms, two umbrellas, two coolers, snacks, lunch, and one car. We made it work with the help of a couple DVD players. The kids had a good time. All but one, slept on the way home. Here are a couple of pictures.

The girls and I headed to Bryan on Monday to see Mom and Dad and Grandma.  The girls were ready to do projects with Mom as soon as we got there.  On Wednesday night, they stayed up late to finish a stuffed animal that Reece designed. 

We headed home on Thursday.  After a quick stop at Buccee in Madisonville, I called Lori to see where she was.  She had just left Buccee's about 15 minutes before us.  So we literally followed each other back home to the metroplex. 

Starting Something

I really would like to get a routine with the girls for this summer.  I hope to start when we get back next week but we went ahead and headed out to the library today.  My goal is for us to go every other week.  Surely Reece and I can each finish a book in 14 days.  Today, Reece picked up two in a new series and I picked up something by Jane Green.  I just finished all three Shades of Grey books and needed something a little lighter.  

My goal is to have Reece read every day and to work with Addie on early reading skills and sight words.  Reece really does enjoy reading and I hope that it becomes something that Addie enjoys as well.  If you have any suggestions as to what I could read next, let me hear it.

Where have we been???

I am sitting here wondering if anyone still reads this blog.  If you do, so sorry for the very, very late update.  I will just jump right in and go with what has happened the last month or so.

Addison has finished her first year at Folsom Elementary.  She had a really good year.  She was tested and admitted into the dual language program for the next year.  We are excited about this opprotunity and all that it includes.  It is a major commitment for the next 6 years (yes, through 5th greade).  I just hope that she will continue to strive and do well.  Here is the killer part.  The dual language program is changing schools.  She will be attending the new elementary that is opening this fall.  And this brings me to Reece.

Reece is not excited about changing schools.  She has really enjoyed her time at Folsom.  She knows the routine and, like someone else, she does not do change well.  Our compromise has been to try it out until December and if she still doesn't like the school, we will talk about a change.  We have signed both of the girls up for cheerleading in the fall.  Reece will be on a squad with two of her really good friends so I think she will be just fine.

Chad is doing well.  He keeps running these hald marathons.  He looks amazing and I really wish I could be more like him.  I "want" to learn how to run.  It is one of those goals.  *sigh*

Me - well, I wish things were a little different.  I applied to two nursing programs and was not accepted to either.  I feel that there is just that much competition.  I am sad about it.  I won't lie.  Even a little depressed.  But I have a plan.  I will find a job in a hospital (goal) or at least in health care and apply for the UTA nursing program.  It is mainly on-line.  I have most of classes in order to head towards my BSN instead of an associates degree.  It really will be for the best.  I just need to wrap my mind around it and move forward.  I will enjoy my summer with the girls for however long it may last. 

I will try to update more frequently from this point on.  New goal.  Maybe share a couple of the projects we have working.  And some pictures of the kids.

Cutest Picture

My sweet girls on the night of their dance recital.

New Semester, New Schedule

Summer time is here! Addie's school went an extra week due to a problem earlier in the year. Reece got out of school on June 3. I started back to school on June 6th. Only one class this semester but it lecture and lab. I will be super busy but have some stuff planned for the girls.

We are at the beginning of week two of swim lessons. They are going well. I hope to have a couple little fish by the end of summer. They have vacation bible school in the middle of July. We joined Frisco Athletic Center for the summer. They have a great pool that includes a lazy river, two huge slides, and a great shallow kids pool with two more slides. Once we finish swim, my plan is to drop the girls in the kids center while I work out and then run them to the pool afterwards. I have also signed up for a boot camp. It will start in a couple of weeks.

School really ruined my 4th of July weekend. The 4th falls on a Monday so I assumed that we would not have class. We don't, but instead we have to go to class that prior Friday. I will be in class for 4:30-9:30 on the Friday of a holiday weekend. Chad has a old coworker that is having a wedding reception that Saturday in Sealy, outside of Houston. We still plan on going and hanging out in Houston/Galveston that weekend.

That's about it for now.

It's harder than it looks

Have you ever tried taking a picture of multiple children?

It's really hard!

Friends, Relationship, and an Apology

I would like to start this post with an apology. I have been really bad at many things lately.

1. 
   
   Blog posting - just not enough time in the day.


2. 
   
   cleaning house - see #1


3. 
   
   Relationships - everyone has fallen into the cracks lately - husband, kids, girlfriends, family.

So this is my public apology. I am sorry if I have neglected you lately.

It isn't because I don't care, because I do.

It isn't because I don't want to check in with you, cause I do.

I have had to become a little selfish lately with my time. Getting the kids where they need to be at the right date and time and trying to spend a little time with my husband in between school and homework is about all that I can manage.

But lately I have been thinking (fretting) about the relationships in my life. So here is my written therapy session.

I choose to have friends that support me. And I support them. We don't have to talk every day or every week. Heck, we can go for months without saying a word, but the minute one of us reaches out to the other, it is as if we never missed a beat. Thank you for being that friend.

Thank you for telling me I need to loose weight, need a haircut, that my shorts are cute, and that calling in pizza was a great dinner. Thank you for telling me what I NEED to hear and what I want to hear.

Thank you for not judging me. For not keeping score of the last time I called, who watched who's kid last, for not asking about your latest achievement. I really do care and want to know. I have had a momentary laps in judgement.

I promise that I will try harder. This semester is almost over and I will be back to normal in a few weeks.

Much Love,

Christine

Because I don't want to study

Here are some ideas for this week that are floating around my head.

1. I only have one more paper for my English class this week and I am DONE for the semester. WHOOOHOOOO!!
2. I really need a haircut. In the worst way. Must schedule this soon.
3. This weekend is going to be just as crazy as last weekend. Lord help me now.
4. I am really looking forward to spring break. I still think I will study over half of the time but at least I will not be running kids everywhere.
5. Addie has her very first soccer game this friday night. She is way too excited.
6. I HATE dieting.
7. I really hate that I gain weight so easy.
8. I need an extra day in my week.

That's all for now. I need to get back to Statistics.

Growing Up

Today was a big day.

I think Addison took her last nap a couple weeks ago. I didn't know it was going to be her last nap during the week. I am very sad.

Reece asked for the password for my laptop. Again, growing up way too fast.

What happened to my little girls?

Day Three of Lock Down

So we are on day three of this great ice lock in. Thought I would share a few things.

• The trash men did not come on Tuesday so the trash has been sitting at the street since then. So when we fill up a bag, we have to walk it out to the street. Normally, not a big deal but
• The street and the yard are covered with at least an inch of ice. We have not been above 25 in four days. The added bonus is going to be the snow that is suppose to come this evening into morning.
• The mail man comes when he can. He has missed a day or two. I think it is because we are a rural route.
• I love my kids but we need some time apart.
• Had I known that we were going to be locked in for three-four days, I would have bought a lot of Dr. Pepper, chips, dips, wings, chocolate cake, and other crappy food when I went to the store on Monday.
• I just want to scream "WHAT?!" every time I hear Momma. Again I do love them but seriously, they call my name like every 5 minutes.
• We are running out of craft supplies. We need tape, pipe cleaners, glue stick, more paper, and over all some new ideas.
• The house is clean - new sheets, clean clothes, dusted, vacuumed. The dog has had her weekly bath. I am running out of things to do but don't tell Chad. He'll think of something "great" that hasn't been done in a while.

I don't know how much more I can take. I don't know how people in the north do it. I won't complain about the heat ever again.

Days like Today

It is on days like today that I am thankful

• my husband can work from home
• my kids are okay with popcorn and a movie
• lots of art projects
• a dog that likes snow
• a great working heater
• more stuff to do around the house than I will ever get done

But what always comes to my mind is that I am grateful for not working as a manager in a nursing home. Even though over four years have past, I still think about all of the work that goes into days like this. I am grateful that I don't have to drive into work. That I don't have to cook meals for 200 because the kitchen staff didn't show up. Or that I would be doing laundry because the laundry staff didn't show. Or that I would be negotiating bonuses, extra pay, or extra days off to get the nursing staff to stay or come in. I don't have to worry about back up generators, pharmacy deliveries, O2 tank fills, and if the heater is working in each room.

I get to sit in my nice warm house and be with my family.

It's beautiful outside

As a result, Minnie will be spending time outside today.

Not just because it is beautiful.

Because she had chewed a hole in the rug.

Not the one in the kitchen.

The one in the the living room.

The one that is in the MIDDLE of the room.

I have sprayed it with the "no chewing" stuff from the pet store.

She is still chewing on it.

Today - I don't like her very much.

Myth Buster

If you were to ask Chad if he takes a nap, he will, without any delay, tell you no. He doesn't need a nap. He's not a kid. Whatever.

Up until recently, I believed him. I can nap any time any where. Chad- not so much. Maybe, when he is sick but that would be it.

Well folks, I am here to bust the myth that Chad DOES indeed nap.

He doesn't do it during the day.

He waits until the house is nice a quiet at night.

EVERY (well almost every) night he falls asleep while watching TV. I have started referring to this period as his "night nap". Right now, he is asleep with the girls. He put them to bed and laid down with them for use one minute. He is completely out. And I know this even though I am studying because....

Addie came and got me. She said that Reece and Daddy were sleeping and she couldn't go to sleep because Daddy was snoring. Being the good wife that I am, I sent her back and told her to wake him up!!!

Sometimes I leave him and the dog asleep on the couch while I get ready for bed. No reason why they should be getting in the way while I am getting ready for bed.

I do wake him up.

Right before I crawl into bed.

Love you Honey!

Please Ignore

Please ignore this post if you were looking for something cute about the girls or something fantastic about my husband. It is not about them today even though they are pretty great. (that post is coming too!)

This is what I found while I was waiting for a few school things to print.

It is call CSI - Create Something Inspiring.

If you ever wanted to blog hop for HOURS, now is the time to start. It has so many links for everything. Right now they are talking about organization. I am always wanting to do better but never do it. Maybe I will be inspired by something today.

Now go find something cool.

I need to get back to studying.

Blog stalking

We all do it. Don't deny it. We click from one blog to another. We take a small peak into another person's life. Wonder what she's up to this week? Did they have their baby yet? What was that vague post about last night?

I do it too. And through facebook, I now have found several girls that I went to high school with and I am now stalking their blogs.

I have a favorite.

I admire the way that she writes. It's honest. Not always spunky but not catty either. But in the end, it is a great story.

Here is a link to her blog.

And a couple of my favorite post.

Wide Open Spaces

My Favorite Scar

Either/Or

Happy Stalking!

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Katy this year with the Ramsey's.

We want to thank Chad and Monica for opening their home to all of us. We had a great time. Can't wait to do it again soon!

Reece, Braden, and Addie "watching" a movie

Uncle Chad and Vivian reading

Uncle Scott and Addie spending some quality time together

Reece showing Uncle Chad her reading skills

Braden and Vivian playing in Minnie's cage

Addie showing off one of her many projects from the weekend

Aunt Paula and Sabrina working on more projects