The Dance Recital

Sunday was a monumental day in Kamdyn's life. The first of many to be sure as she is a truly dramatic child.

I wonder where she gets that from?

The day began as any Sunday does with Church at PC and the mad dash to make it to first service and class. It was promotion Sunday and Garrison was moving to the 1st grade class. (I'll blog later about his end of year party with photos)
This, in-and-of-itself was HUGE because he's in class with all his buddies for the first time. Church completed, donughts consumed and then it was off to the car to zoom home and get Kamdyn dressed for the recital at 12:30.

The recital was to be in a nearby city at the downtown theater and was the first annual dance recital for this new dance studio. This sounds more glamorous than it really was but to the kids I'm sure it was overwhlming. Kamdyn was in her element but more on that later.

There was a list or rules two pages front and back of Do's and Dont's for the recital. The right tights, the correct hair, make-up instructions, behavior instructions, shoes, bags toys for entertaining backstage and the one I flatly refused to adhere to: No CAMERAS!!!! Before and after the performance yes but not during. WHATEVER!

After 30 minutes of hair and makeup heres what out little doll looked like. The music and dance was originally Swan Lake but it was scrapped to go with a fairy tale theme. Kamdyn and her group danced to Anastasia "Once Upon a December".





It was madness at the theater. The director told me last week they had averaged 3 adults for each child per performance. There were two recitals that day 100 kids per performance so approximatly 300 adults per show. At the time I remember thinking she had underestimated but when I got to the theater and there were at least twice the number estimated.... well you can imagine the chaos. The director was frazzled but it actually went pretty smoothly getting the girls onstage and in their groups - Sort of find the group with your costume and there you go.

Kamdyns group was the 6th or 7th set of dancers. The youngest group was the 2-3 age ballet. It was exactly what you are picturing in your head. Lots of really darling little girls in poufy dresses, a few crying hysterically and a few others really trying to dance their hearts out. It was precious. Then came our turn to see Kamdyn. From the moment they came on stage they all tried to really do the dance and all the steps. It was a 3 1/2 minute dance which is a really long time for 4 and 5 year olds. Kamdyn is only 3 and the youngest in the class but she was moved up becasue she is so much taller and bigger than the other 3 year olds. They were all so cute but I have to sa mine was (of course) the cutest. I'm sure every mother there could echo that sentiment about her own child. As soon as the lights came up I notice that they had applied additional lipstick to Kamdyns lips. I assumed because she is a fair child and the pink might not have been enough. Her lips looked a bit like Angelina Jolie after additional collegen. My sister was there and she asked me, " What's up with Kamdyn's mouth?" But the dance went on and they were lovely. Kamdyn twirled and spun as hard as she could until her ballet slipper started to come off.

It was at this time she turned around faced the back wall and bent over, mooning the audience with a butt full of white ruffles. Picture this, for a good 5 or 7 seconds of the dance everone else is dancing and spinning and Kamdyns rear end is right there in the middle of the stage blocking the progress of the dance. The other dancers didn't seem to be bothered by it at all.

The audience was really tickled and you can hear it on the video tape. I was taping the dance and trying not to laugh and wiggle the camera. She stood back up with a twirl and went right back to the dance.

They finished their piece and there were a few more after hers. At the end of the performance the house lights came up and one person was to go get their dancer. Naturally Garrison had to go with Dadddy. He was really proud of her and actually got upset when people started laughing during the performance. My mom had to calm him down and reassure him they were not laughing at Kamdyn per say just the circumtances were so cute. He was still not satisified. He had flowers for her and her wanted to go with Sean to make sure she was "good" (his word.)

Remember how I sent her in to the performance? Here is how she emerged form backstage:




You see, I had placed a small make-up bag in her dance bag in case I needed to re apply at the theater. But in the chaos I completly forgot to take it out. Kamdyn found it backstage and took it upon herself to add a little more lipstick AND mascara before the performance. So the Angelina Jolie lips??? They were all her own doing. Several of the other parents snickered at her apperance and said she was really cute. I agreed but also commented that she can be quite a handfull.

We took lots of pictures and celebrated like crazy. She was terribly proud of herself and her makeup job until she saw the pictures later that day. She agreed that from now on she would let mommy do it.

She's already been in my makeup again.

A whole bunch of rambling

Have you ever taken a break from all the things you might normally sign up for or take on and actually do what everyone says you out to do, like say "no" to everything?

This is a confession along with a vow not to let this happen again.

In January when Tickelopes was "downsizing" I was put on retainer as an artist only but no longer an employee of the company, per say. At the behest of many who love me I actually started to say no to things I was asked to do. I did write three children's books as I said I wanted to do. I did draw and paint a bit (mostly wall art for the kids rooms; still unframed and unhung.) But I otherwise slowed my normal frenetic pace to that of a sloth or a turtle (which ever one is slower.) I rested caught up on a lot of TV ate even more than I should on any given day, gained 10 pounds and actually got quite depressed. I started questioning, blaming, getting irritated with everyone around me about the dumbest things. (If you've been one of my victims them I am truly sorry.) I stopped using the phone and slowly began to turn into the frumpy housewife who only wears one or two outfits a week, no makeup, and sleeps as much as possible.

My husband suffered as well as the kids and the housework. I doubted myself my personality, my very person. I didn't like myself so I couldn't imagine how others could like me. During this time Garriosn began having anxiety problem at school and I was in a mess about that too. Worry can kick your butt.

At my low point (which I didn't even know was my low point; I was too close to realize I was in a funk) our book club started reading "Eat Pray Love" and it was only when I began the book and understood this woman's plight of just going through the motions I realized I was miserable too. That is when I began to try and make myself happy again. I was looking to everyone else to make me happy and ignoring what my own inclinations toward that very pursuit were calling me to do.

I have an incredibly supportive husband that took the brunt of this rollercoster. Rollercoster is not the right word because those are fun most of the time this was more like the "Fun House" where you never know what's around the corner and what's waiting is meant to make you scream and be terrified. At the end you laugh but not while you are in the middle of it.

Sean encourages me to try anything I want to try. He supports all of my momentary whims as well as my serious endeavors and all with his same steady love and devotion. He tells me all the time I can do anything I want to do if I just try. Much like a consist ant parent to a whimsical child. If I had a word (if you've read the book you'll understand this part) Mine might be just that, WHIMSICAL. There is good and bad in that word. I've been non-comm ital about just about everything in my life but I've decided to stop looking outward and start searching inward.

I could go on but this is not a novel. Suffice to say I've managed to re busy myself plan several community events, a shower and several school parties with our home room mom. I've restarted an eating an ex cerise program and I'm thinking of restarting my card business. I've been asked ao many time if that is going to happen and I think this is the right time to draw new art and create new designs and start a web page. This is not a whim but something that has been on my heart for a while I just didn't know I was floundering internally. I think I hid it from everyone including myself.

So thank you for loving me in spite of my sometimes neurotic behavior my excessive talkativeness, my crazy ideas and crazy enthusiasm/optimism. I've missed that me because she wasn't reachable for a while but I'm going to be henceforth my old self.
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What else

We are the proud owners of about 40 new baby fish (See photo)


The yellow fish called Rose and her companion called Jack (Titanic) will not stop dropping babies. We've had two bunches and there are apparently more to come. The kids love it but I'm not sure what we will do with all the fish. If anyone has need of a guppy or two I think I can be of service.

School if out this Thursday and I've started my Adventure Kids Blog with tons of Dallas stuff to do. But otherwise it's been pretty mellow but not for long. VBS is coming and I'm helping in Arts and Crafts. Sean and I are on the Dave Ramsey financial plan and hopefully will be in the summer class so we can really get on track for a credit card free life. I've had it up to my eyebrows with debt and credit cards. So that will be ending in the next week. I'm re-opening my Arbonne business so if you want any arbonne products I'm your girl!

I love Arbonne and I'm really excited about this. I made a great new friend and reconnected with an old one in Arbonne last fall. I also lost 17 pounds and I'm looking forward to re-loosing the 10 I gained back.

I have to go check on my kids now. They've been watching Lilo and Stich while I typw and I now hear someone on the piano and that means it's over.

These are some of the recent pictures I finally got off my phone.

Zoo trip with Garrison's class / This is his best school girl, Preslee. Her dad is the actor friend I've emailed about recently.

Garre's class / It rained and we were all drenched to the bone but it was fun.

My monkey

A surprized art award winner

I believe

My mom sends me emails all the time that are silly and pointless.

Sometimes she sends me one that is really neat. This is one I want to remember.
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I believe in the power of prayer because I've seen it work.

I believe in honesty tempered with kindness, but honesty nevertheless.

I believe that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life

I believe that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences

I believe that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time

I believe that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief

I believe that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become

I believe that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. Be the last one to know. There is joy in ignorance.

I believe two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I believe that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Deal or No Deal

For some time now I considered sending in my application for the game show Deal or No Deal. I decided that I would be a funny candidate since I don't mind acting silly in fornt of a whole bunch of people and because I might actually be quirky enough to be selected for the show. So I did fill out and application and sent it in along with all the required self portraits and photographs.

A week later while pouring over our financials with Sean I said, "I wish Deal or no Deal would just come to Dallas and I'd try out."

The next day (no lie) my mom calls to tell me I should try out for DOND and the cattle call on Saturday April 14th in Grand Prairie. Talk about karma..... And I don't even believe in karma!

The following is the story of the days events as I stood in line for 5 hours, freezing my butt off with a cast of crazies, for a 30 second shot at my 15 minutes of possible fame and $1,000,000 dollars.

5:30 am - The alarm goes off and I actually got out of bed rather quickly. The previous night was full of thunderstorms (remember the tornado's in Ft. Worth) which proceeded a cold front. I had though of everything. I had my application and more pictures and a yahoo map. My clothes were laid out, my purse was packed, my phone was charged, and I had a book to read. I made a cup of coffee and took two hoodia (so I wouldn't be hungry. This actually works if you haven't tried the stuff.) I then set off for Grand Prairie Dodge at I20 and 360 about an hour away.

7:10 - I arrive at Grand Prairie Dodge (heretofore know as GPD) only to be told that parking was already full and I should park at the 24 hour fitness about 1/2 mile away. Not a good start to my morning. There were people everywhere! Hundreds wee parking and streaming across an open filed in ankle-deep mud back to GPD. I gathered my things locked the car and started my trek to DOND at GPD.

7:25 - About 1/2 way across the field, I notice that I left my application and pictures in the car. I was also soooo cold that I seriously considered ending it right there. I turned back against the throngs of contestant hopefuls and waded back to the car. I turned on the heater in the car and sat there for a few minutes watching the people walking. I remembered that I had a thin jacket and a soccer quilt in the trunk. THANK YOU LORD!!!
I noticed another couple walking back to their car arguing. Typical of me, I made a comment about the insanity and the lady informed me, "If my stupid husband had gotten up when I asked him to we'd be in line already!"
He was shaking his head and she was griping at him.

"At least you didn't get half the way there and realize you had forgotten your completed app and a coat!"

They laughed and replied, "Would you like for us to take you back to GPD? We are going right down the access road as we can drop you off."

"Normally I wouldn't get into a car with complete strangers but what the heck, yes! and thank you!" They were as good as their word and dropped me off but made me promise to give a shout out to Rick if I made the show. I heartily agreed thanked them and started across the parking lot at GPF.

7:45 - The line that awaited me was at least 1000 strong. The doors weren't opening until 10:00 and I thought I had been so smart to get up that early. Evidently others were just as smart as I was. I finally found the end of the line (somewhere near the Dodge Caravans and started my never ending wait. I was grateful to Rick and Amy when I noticed the feet of those standing around me. Many were caked in wet mud. It was so cold I wanted to run to the car but the only thing stopping me was the hike back.

8:30 - Port-o potty. For some reason I chose to drink coffee prior to this excursion. I have never been one to use this facility but when in dire straits and no other option (save the hike to the car) I relented, asked my neighbor to save my place and began to make my way through the crowd to the POP. I looked back and the line behind me had doubled from the line in front of me. I felt somewhat relieved.
I met a lady in the POP line who was attempting to "sike" herself up for this disgusting but necessary evil. She was gagging before she even went in. I offered her a scented moist handi-wipe. She thanked me and said,"I'm so in love with you right now." We both ventured into our respective stalls and both came out gagging. I was truly nasty. There is more on the POP late in the story.

8:35 until 10:00 - Talking and freezing with tons of other crazy people. I took a good look around and wondered why some of the people who were there actually believed that NBC might dare to put them on national television. I saw every manner of human being: several Elvis impersonators, the Cat in the hat, a chipmunk costume, a Greek god and goddess, a group dressed like the cast of The Matrix, tattoos, piercings, lesbians, gays (openly kissing I might add) tall people, short people, thin people, fat people, people with Mohawk's, children selling hot chocolate and donuts, a man charging $5 for a Polaroid picture to take in with your application, every race and ethnic background I knew and a few I wasn't aware of, people wearing crazy hats, the red hat ladies (out in force), Old people, young people and still they came to the line.

By 10:00 am there were at least 7500 people in line maybe more.

10:00 - the helicopters and NBC cameras arrived. People went totally nuts. A producer opened the front door and announced something unintelligible and then the most horrible moment of the day arrived.

They came to clean the port-o-potties.

If you have never experienced this count yourself lucky. I had not until this moment and shall never forget it the longest day of my life. The truck arrived and a worker opened the top of the POP. With a huge vacuum like tube the process of "cleaning" begins. There was, however, a slight problem in that he didn't have the tube properly placed and it literal threw the contents against the POP door forcing it open for all to see. First there was a wave of odor and it got stronger and stronger. We were (in the little group I had befriended) downwind and let me tell you... no you can only imagine! There are no words to describe the scene. The woman in front of me threw-up in the bushes. And she wasn't the only one. Luckily, I had my soccer quilt from my car and wrapped my face inside it and pinched my nose. I might be dead now from the gaseous fumes had it not been for the quilt.
Enough said.

10:00 until 12:10 - Inching forward toward my date with destiny. (Yes they got the POP cleaned up) we all talked about what we'd do with a Million dollars, what our strategy's were, how we'd impress the producer in just 30 seconds and then before you knew it it was my turn to go in an wait for the group to be called.

12:10 - The coordinators called in two groups of 60 and put us in 6 rows of 10. As one table finished a line of 10 went to the one producer sitting there. Each person was given 30 seconds to talk about themselves only. Our girl used a timer and she'd stop you in mid-sentence. She took the apps and started to my left. I was number 4 in my group. I was proceeded be two boring girls laying out he woes of their sad lives then alady who didn;t know what to say. I was then my turn and I was excited and bubbly and smiled a lot and was very enthusiastic. At the end of the 10th person (there was an Elvis impersonator from Murphy in my group. It was just sad.) She excused everyone but me and and really good-looking black guy named Michael. She dumped the other apps in a deep box and asked the other producer standing near-by to come over to the table. They both questioned up for another 5 minutes. She wanted to know what I did for a living, where I was from, what would I do with the money, how would I act on the show, who would I bring and several more specific questions. Here is where I could have done better but I was nervous! I should have been more over the top. I got a blue star on my app and the other producer took it away to a tent in the back. The said thank you, I said thank you and the I appreciated all her hard work because it can't be an easy job. She said I was the 1st person that day to tell her thank you.

She said I'd hear something in as little as a week to a YEAR!!!!!!!!

I watched two more groups go though and they only took about 5 apps away to the tent. Some tables didn't produce any applications for the tent. I felt hopeful until I realized that with over 7000 there they may have taken as many as 500 applications with blue stars. BUMMER!!!

Well, all in all it was worth it. I made my way back across the muddy field and went to Johnny Carinos for lunch. I drank hot coffee and warmed up. I'd have to say that being on the show would be amazing. It was always a zillion to one chance but I'm glad I went because if I hadn't gone I'd always wonder what if.

Plus I met Elvis about 5 times

When it rains... it pours Easter eggs

Okay. So in the course of a couple of days our TV goes out, the digital camera goes nuts and the dryer basically quits. Hows that for karma?

On the brighter side, Kamdyn has started talking in a southern accent. Where did she hear this? Good question. She says her phrases like, "I want to plaaey outsiiiide, mommmiiee." And today it was, "I wont to huunt Eastah aggs." I think she thinks it cute. My grandmthe ris here grom Georgia and she does has a distinct southern accent. I guess this is where she heard it. It's very funny.

Today, as we do every year we spent Easter at my sister's house. The grown-ups hide the eggs, the kids scrambled all over the back yard to find them and stuff candy in their mouths and we all ate so much food it was silly. It's always a great time.

I'll post pictures later.

Pictures Pictures Pictures

I've been avoiding doing a post because I needed to put so many pictures together. We have been doing so much and I've had the camera everywhere. My digital is on the fritz so I've been doing this old world style. This is a combo post with tons of pictures. I have posted all sorts of various outings and drawings.

Garrison has been having some problems with anxiety so I've been trying to spend as much time as possible with him (doctors orders). I've taken him out to school a couple of time to just spend the day together. He seems to have a lot of worries for a 6 year old (April 24 he'll be 6). We think that is where this obsession with the Titanic has come from. And yes it is an obsession. We have Lego Titanic Play dough Titanic (as you'll see below) drawings, music, original songs, plays.... The list goes on an on, kind of like Celine Dion's heart in that song from the movie. He is in play therapy to work out some of this stress with a great Christian child therapist, Dr. Dean Beckloff. I didn't want to blog about this because We were so unsure of what we were dealing with. It basically started with tremendous anxiety about the weather. It escalated to acting out in school and then one week he was sent to the school counsellor for behavior issues. This is all very unlike Garrison and was alarming to say the least. He said and did some strange things. He is an intellectual child and internalizes things so the doctor is working with him to help learn how to express himself and not bottle it up.





Garrison won 2nd place in the district art competition for Wylie IDS. His art teacher entered the drawing so it was a real suprize for everyone. He was thrilled. I took a picture of him on my phone but I can't figure out how to get it out of the phone. We were really proud of him and more importantly he was proud of himself.

This is a self portrait by Kamdyn. She looks happy to me.


This is my soccer man. He's a lot more aggressive than I thought he'd be and he really like it. Team sports are good for building confidence in yourself and learning to rely on others, so says the doctor.


Also, we went to the Arboretum. Garrison is getting, "too old for flower pictures, Mom!" His words. I am guessing he will give me more and more trouble as the years roll on but I'm determined to keep it up. Once he was there he was awesome. Kamdyn of course loved every minute of it including finding a dead snake. Below are the pictures. We missed to tulips but the azaleas were spectacular.I've entered the shadowy picture of Kamdyn in a local photo contest and the behest of the Wolf camera guy. We'll see....










Kamdyn and I spent the day hunting for ladybugs. Instead of cleaning my house and getting laundry I was climbing all over a large hill with a 3 year od hunting for ladybugs. It was one of the best days I can remember. The laundry was still there and the dishes were still dirty but in my daughters eyes I was the bestest mommy ever! How do I know this because she told me so.

Boys will be boys

My mom sent me this in a email and it so funny I had to share it. Happily, none of these are my children. But it makes me feel better about my son.

Wait Garrison has actually peed in a plant during swim class a couple of years ago.























You find out interesting things when you have sons, like...

1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with
roller blades, they can ignite.

3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and
a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.

5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late.

8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.

10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.
11) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12.) Super glue is forever.

13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15) VCR's do not eject "PB & J" sandwiches even though TV
commercials show they do.

16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

20.) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time.

21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24.) 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.

25.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

Princesses on a Train

We had a terrific time at the Disney Princess on Ice this year. I tink it was the best one we've been to and the girls were so happy. We rode the train down to the American Airlines Center downtown and this is a video from that train ride.

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Princess Day

After much waiting and anticipating, March 21st has finally arrived!!! Kamdyn work up with only one thing on her mind, "Is today princess day?"

I have officially declared today "Princess Day". Disney on ice is tonight and we have literally counted to days until March 21st. We are going with Bailey and Kylie and we are all so excited to have this day arrive.

In honor of princess day we will only watch princess movies, dress like princesses, wear tiaras,and listen to princess music in the car. And then tonight she wants to totally glam out and dress up for the Princesses on Ice extravaganza! I will include pictures tomorrow (providing I can find my digital camera in time.) So to all the princesses of Disney I salute you for inspiring my baby girl to dream, dance, spin and sing. May you inspire countless millions of other little ladies to do the same. After all Kate Middleton never knew she'd be a princess when she grew up and neither did her mother-in-law Diana. Here's to dreaming big.

I have a favorite princess as well. Kamdyn LOVES Cinderella. Isn't it funny how they gravitate to one specific princess. They do have different qualities and personalities. Based on that observation I have found my favorite princess as well. On http://disney.go.com/princess/html/main_iframe.html you can actually take a princess test to see who you most resemble. Here is the quiz

1. Your hair color is closest to:
a. dark and curly
b. blond
c. brown
d. tied in a bun
e. golden Blond
f. red
g. black long and very shiny
h. tied in a pretty ribbon

2. What is your style of dress?
a. exotic
b. glamorous
c. simple
d. active
e. regal
f. beach ware
g. adventurous
h. classic

3. You ideal pet is a.....
a. tiger
b. mouse
c. bird
d. horse
e. owl
f. fish
g. raccoon
h. squirrel

4. Your favorite hobby is .....
a. Shopping
b. organizing parties
c. Reading
d. dancing
e. singing
f, collecting things
g. canoeing
h. looking after animals

5. Where would you prefer to live?
a. in the desert
b. in a palace
c. in a castle
d. your family home
e. grand manor
f. by the ocean
g. in the Forest
h. in a cottage

I can reveal that I am most like Belle. She also happens to be my favorite princess. Little mermaid is my favorite movie but Bell is headstrong, outspoken, fiercely loyal, smart, loves to read, not afraid to try something different, kind, understanding, doesn't judge people by their looks, and willing to give second chances. In other words she always sees the good in others. Those are all qualities I admire and that makes Belle my favorite.

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In other news, Garrison has started soccer and her really likes it plus he has some "mean" soccer skills. He can really kick and control that ball. It's fun to watch him be so into the games. When I find the digital I will take some pictures to add to the blog. I didn't know how often soccer games are played but we seem to be at the park three or four times a week. That is a huge change. I have discover that it's easier to keep the house clean when we are not in it. Maybe that is the key!!! I'm a homebody and so are the kids so we tend to make messes when we are here.

Garrison is also the resident Georgie Porgie. You remember the rhyme.. "...kissed the girls and made them cry..." He is such a lover! He has always been extremely affectionate but now he is over the top. We went to a birthday party for a girl in his class and everyone got tickled at how many times he kissed the birthday girl, Anika. I've even had to talk to the teacher about his wanton affection for the opposite sex. We are in serious trouble I fear.

What else??? Not much is going on and that's why I have not blogged a lot lately.

I'll post pictures of the Disney ice trip tomorrow.

Here are some other pix from the last few weeks. (luckily downloaded before I lost the camera)
Kamdyn at Baskin robins with Emma and Brooke Brantley




I do not want my picture taken MOMMY!!!!

Garrison dancing at Chuck E. Cheese after the Basketball party.

Cussed out at 10:30 pm

Well, it's official. I've now been cussed out in the funniest way imaginable. And I don't mean a little cussing I mean CUSSED OUT with multiple four letter words strung together as would evoke and inflame the most devout person.

Please read on...

Tonight after Wednesday Bible study, I took my grandmother, age 80 and who is visiting, back to my mom's apartment complex. So that she didn't have to walk very far in the dark (nor myself) I pulled into a parking place that was closer:a numbered reserved parking place. This was my mistake. We went upstairs and I sat with her until my mom got home from dialysis. Good granddaughter, right?

Upon my arrival to the parking lot I spotted someone writing a note on the hood of my van. I approached, apologizing, only to be greeted with a foul mouthed-retort that sounded like it had been lifted from the script of Goodfellas or The Departed.
I was so taken aback that I just stood there dumbfounded that a parking place could create such angst and turmoil in any person. I replied that I was again sorry but that I had just dropped off my 80 year old grandmother and ...(interrupted)

"You're a g&$-d@#$&d thief, you f%^&*(g b#$%h! Do you really think I give a g$%-d$^%& $#%^ about why you stole my @#$%^& parking place? My wife has been in the hospital for 2 months and I come in at odd hours to find my @#$%^& parking place stolen by a g@#-d@#$%^ thief!!!!!!!!" He is now shouting in my face.

(you get the drift of the conversation?)
At first, I ignored hoping that the the tirade was over but oh no it was only just beginning.

"Well I'm sorry about that but you're not the only person on this planet. How could I possibly have known about your wife?" Wrong response.

"You're a g&$-d@#$&d thief, you f%^&*(g b#$%h! "You're a g&$-d@#$&d thief, you f%^&*(g b#$%h!!!! "You're a g&$-d@#$&d thief, you f%^&*(g b#$%h!!!!!!!!
He screams this while following me to my car as if trying to get me to react. For some reason, as I got into the car, I rolled down the window. I think I wanted to apologize again but I can't quite remember because all I remember hearing was the cursing and yelling.

No joke: he put his hands on my door frame and as I was trying to back out, he continued to yell "@#$% you!!! "You g&$-d@#$&d thief" I got really irritated, actually flicked his hands off my door and continued to back out. I finally said this is ridiculous and enough. In that moment I didn't really care that he was still holding on as I began to move the car. Then reality got the better of me, thankfully.

He followed still, this time yelling at the top of his lungs, "You're a g&$-d@#$&d thief, you f%^&*(g b#$%h! He did this the entire way across the parking lot as I pulled off. I'm sure at this very moment he is still fuming.

I'm ashamed to say my final retort wasn't very lady-like, much less Christian. I have repented and asked forgiveness but he did finally provoke the response he wanted and I stooped too low.

Within about 30 seconds I was laughing at how important a parking place was to this poor man and what a sad life he must have and then I began to feel really sorry for him. I called my mom and told her the story and we both had a good laugh and the circumstances but then felt badly for him and his lif and for his wife who obviously had to live with this guy.

What I should have done is put my hand on his and burst into prayer. I would have liked to have heard him continue cussing as I prayed. But then again I thought of this too late. Oh well.

By the way did I mention that this man was about 85 years old and maybe weighted 100 lbs dripping wet?

Toxicology 101

In the process of my "investigation" I have learned some things.
1. Dogs can not be killed by a couple of Tylenol, asprin or a minor bit of chocolate.
2. Pitts like Bella have cast iron stomachs. This we know because of all the things found in the tox report. Mainly crayola crayons, and a lot of them.
2. Toxicoloy testing for dogs is very expensive.
3. It was probably a hotdog that the neighbor put through the fence, perhapse with a laxative in it.
4. Most people don't want to kill the dog just punish the dog owner.
5. Bella is well liked by almost everyone she meets.
6. The highest setting on the dog collar actually does work after you shave her neck for good contact. Bark! whelp! whelp! Whimper.
7. You don't actually want to touch a static collar on the two contact cables at the same time; on any setting.




I elected not to send the samples off the TAMU becasue of the cost. While Bella has lost a pound or two (and a bit dehydrated) she is in, otherwise, very good health. During this process I discovered she has eaten the following things (and been alright.) Yes, I had to look through her poop (with plastic gloves.)
- Crayons
- Baby socks
- Money (pennies)
- Dice
- Rocks
- Legos
- various bits of plastic from toys and garbage

I now wonder if, infact, the neighbor DID attempt a cruel act. It is still suspect but I'm on to them now and they know it. I have watched them in the backyard and then banged on the window, waving wildly saying, "I see you!!! I know what you are doing!!!" Hopefully the intended message is getting through.

Sometime in the last 4 days they have gotten a Lab puppy. If they though this would help or make us mad I'm not sure. Whether we were even considered in this is also up for debate but now there is another dog in the mix.

I'm sorry to say this but she is very cute.

What have I learned? That my neighbors are weird and that I do not under any circumstances trust them and that I will probably continue to think these thoughts until the day they move. As far as I know they will have to go before we do.

Hopefully this is the end of this drama.

The Case of the Poisoned Dog

Let me begin by saying this is all circumstantial until the toxicology report comes back from Texas A&M.

On Tuesday afternoon I was cleaning the blinds in my bedroom. I opened them up to clean the windows and noticed our dog Bella was barking insanely at the fence and more specifically at a large knothole. She was almost forcing her muzzle into the hole and then pacing back and forth. I almost yelled at her when I noticed something, sort of like a large straw or plastic utensil come just slightly through the hole. Bella went to it immediate, put he mouth on it, pulled away and began chewing. I almost knocked on the window but stopped to see if what I had seen was really what I thought it was. After a moment or two then entire scene repeated and I began knocking wildly on the window. From the other side of the fence I could see a large adult move past the fence (through the slats) back toward the house. I immediatly ran upstairs and looked out game room window in to the back yard. I saw nothing but this is really what I should have done first to catch them in the act.

I was completely baffled as to why someone would be feeding my dog anything through the fence much less an adult in 32 degree weather in the late afternoon. I was VERY suspect from the get go and I began to try and think of why this might have occurred. I only came up with one possibility.

Bella is a barker, an extreme barker. She has been muzzled (she tore one up) with a mesh muzzle, fitted with a static (shock) collar and still she barks. She can almost jump the back fence and has on several occasions actually jumped so much that she has knocked the fence section down and escaped. She is black part Pitt and part lab and weighs about 80lbs. She looks fierce but she is a big baby who whines all the time. She is actually Garrison's dog he got for Christmas in 2005. She's a big old mess but I really like the dog because she is a great watchdog and everyone (salesmen and solicitors) who comes to the door is scared of her.

I've had numerous complaints in the form of phone calls complaining about the barking. We really have spent tons of money and tried just about everything to get her to stop. Actually the bark collar is humorous in that she barks, it zaps and she freaks out! I really should tape it for America's Funniest Home Video. We'd probably win because she nearly flips over in the air bucking like a bronco but she has never connected the barking to the zapping. So now after this event I became convinced that they are trying to kill our dog.

I told Sean (and ever the gentleman) he didn't think the worst but tried to think of some alternate reason this might have happened. He even asked if I was sure of what I saw. His solution was to watch Bella, cover the holes in the fence and we'd go from there. That was Tuesday night.

Wednesday she seemed fine. Today however she spent the day in her kennel and when I got home I was greeted but the most overwhelming and utterly disgusting odor I'd ever come up against. Garrison declared he wasn't going in the house but we went in holding our noses searching for the source of this foul crappy odor. You guessed it is was Bella. She had filled her cage with poop. She was covered, the bedding was drenched and the cage was the biggest mess I've ever seen. I drug her to the door, the cage outside and threw the bedding away. gagging the entire time. The smell permeated the entire house so in 29-degree weather the windows were opened we wore coats and I lit candles. I sprayed every air freshener and bottle febreeze I could find. After about 20 minutes of this, the smell was gone and we could move on.

Now I am brooding over the fact that I believe our neighbors are psycho dangerous dog killers who are capable of anything. I’ve called the vet ( at the wias suggestion ont Tracey F) and I am going to collect and take “samples” to them so that we can ship them to Texas A&M. Which leads me back to my very first statement.

I’ve called the HOA president and his wife suggested I keep a video camera by the back window. I will be doing that.
Do I confront the people? Do I wait it out until I see if we have any evidence? What do I say? And what happens next? They have to know I’m on to them because I covered the holes and banged on the window. I’m thinking if they will do it once then they will do it again, right? I hate to start a big old fight because we have to live next to these people but frankly I’m scared of what they are capable of. If they will hurt an innocent animal then what else will they do if they are mad?

The entire situation creeps me out and I want them to move. They have only been there for about 8 months and no one really knows them. Sean has spoken to the husband out front before but I’ve never seen the wife. I know they have no children but that’s the extent of my confirmed knowledge. In my mind they are sadistic sicko’s hurting peoples dogs and acting out the anger in creepy secret ways.

So far Bella seems okay but I’m sure if they really wanted to kill her she’d be dead. Perhaps they thought it’s be a good laugh to make us have to clean up a big mess, like some sort of punishment. I don’t know these are all just guesses. I do know that the only alternative left is a behavior specialist ( who knows what that will cost or if it will work and she is in Bedford.) and as a very last resort, there is surgery to clip her vocal cords. That is the last option becasue we don't want to get rid of the dog. We all really like her, if not love her. What to do?????

I’ll keep updating as I know more.

Happy Valentines Day

I love this day for all the usual reasons but form some not so typical reasons also. It was 10 years tonight that I made a wise decision and said yes. After only 6 weeks and what was suppposed to be our actual first date Sean proposed and I eagerly said yes. And for 10 years we ate Valentine dinner at the same resturant, Lombardi Trattaoria, where we ate the night he proposed. One of the few romantic things we do. But alas, it closed last year and we must make a new tradition. I have no idea what that will be but this year is just like any other day.

I also love valentines because of all the frazzled men in the supermarket attempting to please their better half but choosing just the right flowers and maybe bottle of somthing, be it wine or perfume. It's really cute to see all the people running around trying to buy something "special" from the grocery store. this always makes me laugh. And everyone seemd to be in a good mood and smiling.

I love valentines day for the hand drawn cards from my babies. Somehow some raggedy paper glued onto another raggedy piece and colored with crayons becomes the most precious treasure when made and given by a 3 year old. These are things that I'll never throw away.

Happy valentines day to you!

Have you ever been in love...

WARNING: SUPER, GUSHING ABOUT ONE'S OWN CHILD. READ ON AT OWN RISK.
Also my spell check is on the blink again

Have you ever been so amazed and overwhealmed by love that you think your heart might explode? My Garrison is so sweet and innocent and such an inspiration to me. Tonight in the car he anounced that he was not afraid of dying because that meant he was going straight to God. Right out of nowhere he says this. How innocent and pure and fearless of a five year old. No wonder Jesus tells us to be like the children.

We have dealt with death a lot in his short life and I've not tried to make it a huge issue more a part of life. I know a lot of people try to shelter thair children but that was really never an option for us. Sean and I talk about things openly with the children and always give an explaination for things at their level. This is no easy task but it's never been an "issue" looming over us. We simply explain that God has a plan for each of us on this earth to further his knigdom and when our job is done then it's our turn to get a big reward, heaven. He has asked many time if we will all be together with Jesus and will Sean or I be waiting for him and wo don't go into any great detail but give him a straight-forward simply answer. He talks about how Adam was made from "dirt" so are we made from dirt and what happens to our bodies. My dod was cremated so that has brought up many questions when we have visited his "memory place". He accepts this as life and doesn't brood over it but joyfully sings "I can only imagine". and seems to really understand that he'll get to be with Jesus. It's okay to him.

After my dad died, several times, I caught Garrison gazing intently out the window of the car. I'd watch him in the rear view mirror and he would smile at the sky.

"Whatcha looking at, Buddy?"
"My Poppy in the clouds. He's flying and watching me."

The first time it was really cute. The third fouth and fifth times I began to wonder what he was seeing. It was never after a conversation concerning my dad. It was always really ramdon times. Makes you think?

The other thing that Garrison does, a lot, It sing "God Bless America". With the purest, unabashed love and from the deepest part of his soul he sings that song. He talked about lady liberty with all the passion a five year old can muster and that's quite a bit. He loves this country and loves to talk about the presidents and what they did for our country. He wants to learn about the Revolutionary War and the Civil War and everything that goes with it: names places, battles, heros, traitors, ammunition, artillery, war ships countrys, Native American tribes and anything else you'll tell him. Presidents day has been a great source of intrest for him as well as Black History Month at school. He's come home talking about Martin Luther King and George Washington Carver.

He will surpass me in knowledge by the time he's in the 4th grade.

There is an old saying, "There really is the smartest child in the world and every parent has it." It's more true than you might first think. You know those parents who talk incesantly about how brilliant and beautiful and bright their children are? They make me nuts but I understand how their heart feels and I share their pride.

If this is for posterity I want Garrison to read this one day and know just how much I love him and that he and Kamdyn fill my heart daily with a love that I never knew or understood before them. It's quite possibly the best feeling in the world to know that your babies love the Lord. If they don't make straight A's, if they aren't the star player, If they struggle in classes but they love and follow Christ then I feel we, Sean and I, have done a good job.

Kamdyn's Teeth

Kamdyn did very well today and is almost back to herself as I write this. If I haven't called you to give you an update it's only because Sean is still sick, kamy is a mess and Garrison is feeling a little neglected. Three against one...

We went in at 11:00 and the pre-op was easy. I did all I could to make this a "fun" experience for her. Children's is a wonderful hospital and that helped. We played Barbies and colored and drew until we were called back to day surgery. She had the giggle juice and went back ike a champ singing all the way back to the surgery doors ad probably beyond. When she had her adneoids taken out a year ago she work up nasty, mean and grumpy. Today she was sweet as a peach. The difference is the medication they gave her. For pain they gave her lor-tab which prompty knocked her out again.

In all it was a good experience. I'm not sure how we are going to pay for it but God will provide. He always has before and He continues to amaze me whit His constant unwavering care. I'm really tired and pretty emotionally wrought. She is a trooper and is trying to work her way into staying up late. It's not happening.

Sean is still really sick. He did go to the doctor and is now on several perscriptions. It's in his chest and he continues to run a fever. I sure hope no one elase gets this terrible thing. It is bad. I'm still coughing. I haven't slept with him in 3 nights because of the coughing. I'm also doing all of his "jobs" around the house. I've lost complete control of my chores but that's nothing new. I'll get it back before Rebecca and Sylvia come next Thursday. They come every other Thursday to help with all the heavy stuff. If I could just keep all the other stuff picked up.

No basketball in the morning. I love buy weeks. They are a tiny little bonus on Saturdays. Don't misunderstand. I love to watch Garre play but I also love to sleep.

I have a funny idea for a blog - all the things that drive me crazy. I'm compiling my list to post it later.

Later.

It was the most beautiful day about 68. This is really a beautiful zoo. It is older but that did not detract from it at all. We had a blast and want to go again very soon.
"Maflingos" aka Flamingos

Gibbon monkeys and their baby

"Purple butt" aka Baboon. Yes, I told her she was not to say that again so now they are booboons.

Kamdyn and the zebras

The elephants were really fun. We stayed for a very long time. There was a baby that kept rolling two balls over to the adults. The adults kept shooing him away but he kept coming back again and again.

This was a gorgeous setting for the white tiger. like a rainforest with a waterfall. He sat there like he was posing.

This is a sunbear and Kamdyn loved that he was laying on his back catching some "zzzzz"

Near the back of the zoo it's built to look like a Texas town from the old West. The animal exhibts are broken up ito the different regions of Texas. There is a general store, cafe, candy shoppe, horse farm, and museum. They also have a petting zoo.
This is a longhorn calf that Kamdyn couldn't get enough of. I hope this is no indicator of her college choice in the future. Note her hand attempting to touch the calf. This went on for a good 15 minutes until I had to drag her away crying.

Princess Kamdyn in her royal carriage. It's actually an old mail stagecoach but she insisted it was a carriage for the ball.