Where's our runway?

Rylee and I recently went on a little shopping excursion with some cousins. These are never your ordinary shopping trips - they are what Gilligan would call a 3 hour tour, but they are never 3 hours. They seem like forever. Imagine my surprise when I see the following taking place at American Eagle...

That's my daughter, fondling the unmentionables. She is fascinated by bra's.Their faces & stances really make the picture.***Just a side note, I did not dress her, and even Macie cannot refer to that outfit as fashion!

Bust a move......

Rylee really loves the playlist on my blog........

Clepto...

I got my eye on you.....those that were there, know the story! Otherwise my lips are sealed, but I did think it was slightly funny!

Money well spent...

For Rylee's bday this year Shannon insisted on getting her a Nintendo DS. I thought that this was a mistake, as she has never played the vsmile game system that we bought her for Christmas 2 years ago. But he insisted that she would love it. He was so right, for once. She loves that pink game-she even added some bling to the front of it. That's my girly girl. She is a pac-man expert, she even tried to tell me how to play, hello we had Atari back in the day, I am familiar. Now it is on like Donkey Kone (a Ryleeism).

Sleeping Beauty

For the first 5 years of her life, Rylee thought sleeping was evil. I am convinced of it. She never slept.... no naps, no sleeping through the night. As she has gotten older she sleeps better, but does not require a whole lot of sleep. I couldn't resist taking advantage of a sleepy moment. It has to be documented for proof that she does sleep.

I got skills....

Rylee has spent quite a few days at The Daycare (just to clarify for folks not in the know, it is owned by family, they let Rylee come whenever she wants) this summer. Not because we need the childcare, but more because she doesn't want to be bored every day. Last year we could not get her to try new activities at The Daycare, she only went on swim day. This year she has decided to branch out and try new things. So a couple of weeks ago she went roller skating for the first time. Rebecca let me know that Rylee gave it a good solid hour of trying.

So on Wednesday night we were having a family discussion about the daycare activities scheduled for next week. I stated that they were going roller skating and that Rylee may not want to go, but she said I like skating. Okay. This brought back fond memories of my roller skating days, and the many nights I had my mom drop me off at the DeSoto Skate Rink to show off my skills, and well let's be honest, drool over boys. I immediately began to tell Rylee about all of my skating skills. I even threw out Xanadu, to which she looked at me like I was talking a foreign language (not spanish though, because she can speak that......or so she thinks). During this discussion Shannon mentioned how he used to have to drop his brother (who will be affectionately be referred to as Pooper on this blog - it has a story, but he might kill me if I shared it, heck he might kill me for continuing to call him that) off at the skate rink all the time. So I got the bright idea to have a SKATING THROWDOWN to see who had the best skills. Pooper laughed, but said that he was in. Rylee threw down the challenge that she can skate, to which I explained to her that 'I have SKILLS girlfriend, did you catch my Xanadu statement.' She then matter of factly informed me...'I have skills too, I hang onto the wall!'

Shannon and I almost peed ourselves laughing so hard. What was I thinking all this time skating around the rink? The real skaters hang onto the wall.

She is priceless! I am still gonna wipe the skate floor with her!

Victory.....

Victory is so sweet! The Twig was officially awarded custody of our boys today in court. (okay, they are her boys, but that Jake Jake has red hair - he is too stinking cute, and I don't have a boy, I can consider them mine)THIS IS FABULOUS! It's a darn good thing you listened to your mean big sister (remember I am still the boss of you, forever and ever). For my ex b-in-law, I have a little song for you in my playlist by JT.....What goes around, comes around! You should have thought about that before you walked down the dirty path. We play for keeps, not for fun. So I will be reinstating my original post to him, and all I have left to say is, 'GET THE F**K OUT OF THE TWIGS HOUSE'.

Close your eyes Mere....

I just wanted to share a bday card that Rylee made for Kylie's birthday party next week. She loves to use stickers, every sticker on the sheet! LOL!


Since the party is a slumber party and beauty makeover she wanted to keep the theme going. It is very cute!

Coffee Addict

You are probably asking how did I get a 7 year old coffee addict? It happened sort of like this. I have never been a coffee drinker - didn't appeal to me, and the smell gives me an instant migraine. I have vivid memories of when I worked at the Maui mall in high school (for those that don't know, yes, I lived on Maui for 1.5 years) there was this store that sold all kinds of coffee things. That store reaked from one end of the mall to the other. Anyway, a couple of years ago Rebecca (she is my husband's uncle's wife) tells me about these cappuccino's that they have at RaceTrack. It was really cold, you know like 56 degrees here in Texas, and we needed a warm beverage, so I decided to give it a try. I picked the cinnamon coffee cake cappuccino - and I was instantly in love. So since then whenever I have driven past a RaceTrack Rylee always asks can we stop for a coffee, even when it is smoking hot around here. On Sunday she requested one on our way to the movie, and she was super cute drinking it. I couldn't resist taking a million pictures. Aren't her pigtails adorable?

Underwater Basket Weaving....

Okay, I actually had a minute to sit down this weekend and do a little underwater basket weaving (aka scrapping). It's a long story to explain, but that is what our friend Chuck likes to say whenever Mere and I would talk about scrapping. He's crazy funny that Chuck! This was the first time that I have used Thickers - and I gotta say I love them. I see a new collection in my future.

I used my threading water punch and lot's of bling in just the right spots. I love that $ bin adhesive bling at M's.

The baby pooper...

Okay, 2 years ago Rylee became obsessed with getting the Baby Alive (aka Baby Pooper) for Christmas. It was all she could talk about. She asked for it over and over again! It is a doll that talks, eats, drinks, and you guessed it, goes to the bathroom. It is quite the invention in dolls. She named her London, but often referred to her as the Baby Pooper. I cannot even describe to you what comes out of that baby doll into the diaper that she has on. Anyway, today I came across Rylee watching t.v. with London, and took a quick photo. It is really sweet, but her first question was "Are you going to blog this?" to which I replied, "No".....she is so gullible - of course I am!

P.S....aren't that dolls eyes creepy?

Movie day...

So we got up really early for a Sunday morning......like 7:15 so that we could go to the early showing of Journey to the Center of the Earth, 3D! It was pretty cool, and Brendan Fraser wasn't too terrible to look at for 2 hours!

Aren't we super cute in our 3D glasses? They are way better than some I have used before!

A girls dream: shoes & bags...

So it is time, once again, to prepare for school. Rylee picked out her new backpack & lunch box. Anyone want to take a guess what design it is? High School Musical, of course. She insisted that she needed the messenger bag, because she had always wanted to wear it across her, instead of on her back like the traditional ones. Our tradition each year is to purchase her one pair of sketchers to wear on gym days, because they are the only brand that seem to hold up. This is one of her favorite things to do to get ready for school. She always wears them out of the store. This year so batted her beautiful blue eyes at the only male member of our household and ended up with 2 pairs. Here is a look at one of them. No laces - they are a pain at school! She likes bright, funky, and fun shoes since she has to wear a uniform. Aren't they cute?

Back Bend....

So we have a tumbling accomplish-ment. Rylee has been working extremely hard on her back bend, so that she can master the back walkover...this is the first step. She is use to doing it on the spring floor, so the pillow was necessary at home. She still managed to hit her head on the floor - not good!

Romance

This is one of my very favorite pictures that I have ever taken. It was a pure stroke of luck that I caught it on film. I of course, had to make some changes in paint shop - but it is still a great picture. Especially considering that we are lucky Tiffany came into our lives!!!! I had been telling Scott for years to find someone to marry that I liked, because well, I am an important consideration in these matters. Just in case you were not aware, it is romantic kisses like this that lead to my next picture....a mini-me!

Sweet Shots......

Rylee and I went to a girl's only dinner, which we do from time to time. All right, I will keep it real. She made me get out of my pajamas and leave the house on Sunday to go to Chili's. We decided on a little treat....see for yourself!

The cinnamon one is fabulous!!!!!

Macie's B-day party....

Rylee had a great time at Macie's birthday party. It was a cheerleader camp theme. I have to share a secret with you. A week before the party Rylee started crying about having to go to Macie's cheerleader party. She was upset because she didn't want to stretch at the party. They have really been working on her flexibility at the cheer gym - and the thought of having to do any of that on a voluntary basis brought her to tears. I assured her that there would be no stretching involved at a birthday party. I shared this story before hand with Meredith and we had a little giggle. Imagine the laughter that erupted from the two of us when the 'head' cheerleaders announced everyone needed to stretch. The look on Rylee's face was priceless! It was a great party. The girls really enjoyed it! We all salivated over the cake. Hey, I have had her baking before, I knew what was in store for me! YUMM! I had one of those wonderful pom poms. She did a great job as usual. If you need any baked goods, I can make it happen for you for the right price. I am the agent, and we don't do freebies! We are proud of Mere's product. LMAO!! Here are a few more pictures....

I have to take a minute and address the Lone Ranger in the middle of the shot taking aim with his weapon. He cracks me up!

Great party Amy...thanks for having us!

To my soon to be ex b-in-law....

This post has been edited to include the original rant, and my follow up.

I deeply regret my decision to put a public voice to my personal frustrations. I have never before spoke out in a derogatory manner in regards to those involved. I have never uttered a mean spirited word in the presence of my precious nephews. Please understand that I am the oldest child and am fiercely protective of my younger siblings. I am deeply saddened by the unfounded accusations and treatment that my only sister endures on a daily basis. I am frustrated that I am powerless to protect her. I mistakenly chose to vent my frustrations, and for that I issue my sincerest apologies. It is my intention to support, nurture, protect, and love both my sister and her magnificent boys. It is my greatest hope that the current situation is resolved in a civil manner, and that EVERYONE involved is able to create a respectful relationship so that the children involved do not grow up in a stressful environment. My mother taught me to be the bigger person and rise above the negative situations and people with dignity. I apologize that for a brief period in time I let my emotions override the right thing to do.

I have to say that these are my humble thoughts and opinions. I would like to start out by saying you are a complete A**HOLE! Seriously, what is wrong with you? Wait, I've met your whacked out family, I think I know. Okay, let me explain a few minor things to you....
*My sister is not a drug addict.
*My sister does not have a drinking problem.
*My sister is no longer going to take your crap.
*My sister is not a bad person.
*My sister is not a bad mother.
*My sister is not making a poor decision because she doesn't want to be married to you any longer.
*My sister does not exhibit obsessive phone use...wait...I'll spot you that one, she does love that blackberry.
*My sister does not have an eating disorder. (So she's in better shape than you, accept it, the rest of us do!)
*My sister does not need to be controlled.
*My sister does not have mental issues. While I'm at it....
*You're family is a bunch of whack jobs.
*This is not Mexico, you wanted to live here, now you have to follow our constitution and our laws. You can go back - we won't stop you. By the way, did you thank my sister for your citizenship?
*Your 25 brothers and sisters do not intimidate us. We know you are a posse of bad a**es, but I will place my money on Buttboy any day. (Yes, I know that is an embellishment, but I can't keep count of all of you.)
*It is rude to talk about someone in another language in front of them. *Let your parents know, that we know they can speak English, and to pretend that they can't to be rude to us is bad manners.
*It is not okay for your sisters, brothers, parents, or sister's-in-law to advise my nephews on where they should live, or to propose to them that their mother is in any way unfit. Especially the sister-in-law who couldn't be bothered enough to actually watch them while they were in her care, and they had to be taken to the emergency room.
*FYI....you are the one that allowed Jake to be locked in a dark garage by himself for over an hour.
*FYI....I believe that Jake cracked his skull, literally, while under your supervision.
*My sister will not be having or performing anything of a sexual nature with you ever again. Believe it.
*You are an idiot. What moron doesn't know that if you don't have custody of the children, you must pay child support EVERY month? Are you that stupid?
*It is not okay for you to verbally abuse my sister on a daily basis.
*It is not okay for you to disrespect my mother the way you have the last 9 years.
*It is not okay for you to tell my sister that her family is on your side.
*You are not a Texan, that speaks volumes, and well tells me right off that you have issues.

Thank goodness that we no longer have to continue the charade that we like you. Thank goodness you will no longer be a part of our family. Thank you for my nephews - they are great boys thanks to my sister's hard work in raising them when you couldn't be bothered with them.

Be glad that my brother is deployed, protecting our country from terrorists. Otherwise, Buttboy would be laying the smack down and wiping the floor with your A**.

Be glad that my father is no longer with us. In case you were unaware, I was witness to Raymond placing the fear of god into many a person through the years. Buttboy has nothing on my dad. Be glad he is not here to explain to you the error of your ways, the way we do it in Texas. Although, Raymond has been known to visit folks from the grave. He has even been to your house. I will make sure my mother let's him know you need a visit of your own. He was scary in life, I am sure he is even scarrier as a ghost. I am sure he has nothing better to do than haunt you for the next 30 years.

Thank your lucky stars that my sister is nothing like my brother, my mother, or myself. Give thanks that she is the nice, compassionate one in our family. Be glad that she is not the vindictive, mean b*tch that I am, cause I would have you curled in a ball crying right about now.

OMG....I feel so much better having gotten that off my chest. It is hard to be the bigger person, and since my husband won't let me call the A**HOLE and unload on him I had to vent somewhere. At least I can hope that he may happen upon my lovely blog at some time and take a peak, cause I am sure it would get under his skin.

Peace out!

S.O.R.R.Y.

I have to thank my good friend Tiffany for giving my daughter the game SORRY for Christmas. Not only did she give her the game, but she taught her the most important part of playing the game, which is to say SORRY with the biggest amount of sarcasm and attitude that you can muster while sending someone back to their home during the game. I know, it's not like my daughter had a real difficult time mastering sarcasm and attitude, I've met her! So after my brother's (aka Buttboy) bday party we played a nice game of SORRY. The game was made a bit more difficult as a certain cupcake thief (I can call him a thief, he's cute, and I didn't turn him in or anything) ate a ton of icing off my much labored over masterpieces, took a 3 hour nap, and was apparently on a severe sugar high. We did eventually make it through the game, and Mikey was the winner. Afterwards we had a good laugh (when I say we I mean Rylee and I, the Twig didn't find it too funny) at Jake Jake's antics. He took the wonderful photo that is at the top right of my blog - I love it!! Here are a few more pics...

And one of my favorites...that is Jake Jake's blanket wrapped around my head!

By the way mother - I am totally not an instigator at all! LOL!

Sign of summer...

At my house the real sign of summertime is one thing. The SNO CONE. Shannon and Rylee are both freaks for them. I was cured of any sno cone desire at the age of 14 when I worked at a sno cone stand for the summer. I ate my way through that summer, literally sno cone after sno cone. Even though I knew how much sugar was in the syrup - cause I had to mix them all up! Just thinking about it makes me want to hurl! Anyway, as I was saying those two sno cone freaks that live in my house try to eat them daily. Rylee's favorite is pickle - don't say it, I know it's gross - she loves them. Shannon always gets Tiger's Blood (cherry w/coconut). I have wanted to take some pictures, and scrap, Rylee's love of the sno cone for awhile now. It is harder than you would think to take a few stinking

pictures of a girl ordering and eating a sno cone! Anyway - hope everyone is enjoying their sno cones this summer - I know my family is!

Candy Apple Martini's....

These are my new favorite adult beverage!!! They are so yummy. I thought that I would share with everyone my recipe. I took a recipe that I found online, and embellished it a little. Here are the ingredients:

2 oz Apple Vodka

4 oz Apple Pucker

1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps

8 oz Cranberry Juice

You don't have to use the Apple Vodka, regular will do, but I have found that the flavored Vodka really gives it a little something extra. Mix all of the ingredients listed above, and add several apple wedges/pieces into the martini as garnish, and well for a snack. This drink is best really cold!!! If the drink is a little strong - add more Apple Pucker or Cranberry Juice to taste. Have fun!

Torture time

I totally have to spend a little time talking about the torture my brother received for 8 days. He is a big kid, so I know that he enjoyed it, and let's face it he did his fair share of torturing the Twig and I when we were younger so he probably deserves a little of it. But once you see the pictures, you can't help but feel a little sorry for him!

It still makes me giggle a little looking at the pictures.

Happy Birthday Russell...

So my baby brother (who I will always be the boss of for the rest of his life, no matter how much he protests) requested a Birthday Party before his next deployment. My original idea was a Thundercats theme, since he loved them as a child, but I couldn't track down any good Thundercats
party decorations. So, we moved onto a tiki theme - it was fabulous. I had palm trees hanging with blow up monkeys - they were great!!!!! The best part was my punch bowl. Isn't it awesome? Shannon and I loved it - I cannot even tell you how much! I was so busy I forgot to take pics of the other decorations, but you have to trust that they were fabulous. Shannon used this party opportunity to purchase a Turkey Fryer/Shrimp Boiler thing. He insisted that boiled shrimp was a must for a tiki party (we all know the real motive here - just admit it). I am excited to have a fried turkey at Thanksgiving, but that is a discussion for another day! LOL! They were great for me as they were not too spicy - but Shannon decided that he can kick it up a notch, or five the next time! Note to him - buy less shrimp when you spice it up - this woman can't take it! This brings me to a discussion about my missing or altered cupcakes. I will start by saying that I worked, scratch that, I slaved hard over those 54 cupcakes. They were 3 different flavors and everything. Here is a cute shot of my cupcake table....

Now I am no private detective, but I can sniff out a cupcake thief on my own. We had several of them in attendance at our party. I present to you my proof, and well the future cupcake jail mugshots....

I can see a life of cupcake crime ahead of those two suspects! Anybody have the number for cupcake rehab? I hope insurance covers that! We had a great time. There was lots of food, the famous slip-n-slide, water guns, baby pool, and my favorite 'Redneck Horseshoes'!!! It was a great time, except for I had to clean up - man I knew there was a reason that I like to go to parties at other people's houses! LOL!

By the way, that man with the blonde mohawk (aka Buttboy) - he's saving the world right about now - do you think terrorists care that he has weird hair? And that is my daughter shaking her bootay - we are so proud - work it girl!

I hope that you had a great party 'Buttboy' (thought I forgot your nickname I gave you....but I didn't and I think that I will dust it off and use it instead of your name on my blog as a term of endearment!) I know that your present totally ROCKED! I love you - and I have to say that this last week that I spent with you was really one of the best times that we have had in a long time - you have definitely come a long way and have impressed both Shannon and I!!!