Pocketful Of Shoes

Cheer Power National Champions

2011-02-17T18:38:00.000-06:00

RyRy's Skate Party

2010-08-22T12:01:00.004-05:00

RyRy had a great 9th Birthday party at the Arlington Skatium. The had a good time with the DJ playing some games and skating around. We had the best cake ever from Meredith.

Rylee's 9th Birthday Party Invitation

2010-05-20T18:06:00.000-05:00

This invite card made with Smilebox

Cheer Power Nationals 2010

2010-04-17T16:34:00.005-05:00

We had a great time at Cheer Power Nationals in San Antonio this year. Lot less stressful than last year. RyRy's team did AWESOME competing in Large Gym...placing 2nd overall out of 10 teams (I think).

You know that we had to go by the Alamo...it isn't a visit if you don't!

Lot's to Catch Up on....

2010-04-17T16:16:00.004-05:00

So it has been crazy busy around these parts.....here is my first attempt to catch up. Here are some pics from what we refer to as The Blizzard of 2010.....

Finally....a White Christmas.

2009-12-24T16:38:00.004-06:00

Prepare yourself.....pictures from Texas....with snow....on Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Signs of Christmas

2009-12-22T19:33:00.005-06:00

As I sit here, with a supersize poster of Nick Jonas staring at me, I can't help but be excited about Christmas. Ok, not really, I still have approximately 100 of Becca's presents to wrap on Christmas Eve...it is our tradition after 15 years.

A Time To Give Thanks....

2009-12-07T17:30:00.003-06:00

As I learned at the 3rd grade program, the 3rd grade is very thankful for Mashed Potatoes.....it was hysterical. RyRy not so much....she doesn't usually eat them. Here is her line.....

You Wanna Be What????

2009-12-07T17:09:00.002-06:00

So Halloween rolled around this year, as normal. Usually RyRy is something sparkly, pretty, or pink. Here's a recap of the costumes over the years....

2001 Cat

2002 Tinkerbell

2003 Lilo

2004 Sleeping Beauty

2005 Pink Power Ranger

2006 Sleeping Beauty

2007 Ariel

2008 Camp Rock

So I casually ask her 'What do you want to be for Halloween this year?' She says "A vampire in a bloody dress." Hold up.....what? "A vampire in a bloody dress." she says again. At that point, I reallize that watching the Vampire Diaries and Twilight have caught up with me.....I have turned her to the dark side. She was insistant. So, off we go to look for the perfect Vampire in a Bloody Dress costume. After about 12 costumes stores with no luck....I gently say "Why don't you be Elle Woods from Legally Blonde? I will buy you some cool shoes to wear."

Done deal.....the $34.99 wedges did the trick, and I managed to steer her another direction.

Never Leave A Hockey Game...

2009-11-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

If there is one sport that I could watch all the time, it is hockey. 'Back in the day' Shannon and I had season tickets to the Stars. But then we had our precious RyRy and all of our hockey game attendance came to a screeching halt. Not anymore though.....we took RyRy and a friend to experience the wonders of a hockey game. They sure did complain about it being cold A LOT!!!!

The Stars lost.......which was a bummer. I still had a good time though!

Stuntin' Divas

2009-11-25T22:23:00.006-06:00

This year RyRy is part of a stunt group that competes, as well as her regular competitive team. They decided to call themselves the Stuntin' Divas. The have competed 4 times so far, and won first place each time. They are currently doing level 2 stunts, and the goal is to get to level 4 or 5 stunts which are much harder. Here is video of their routine. RyRy is the flyer in the first & last stunts. After the first stunt she is the front spotter.

Do you love their special hair bows? I came up with them, and put them together. They also have zebra bloomers....too cute!!!! Oh, and that is RyRy in the air in the picture below....if you could see her face close up you would see her pained smile....it's a long way down.

It's the little things that make us laugh...

2009-11-05T16:42:00.004-06:00

RyRy is very excited about her upcoming school program. It has something to do with Turkeys, Pilgrims, and gratitude....LOL! She insisted on singing me the songs the other night......

Taylor Rocks!!!!

2009-10-25T14:46:00.011-05:00

RyRy and a group of her friends got to go to the Taylor Swift concert last month. We had the most fabulous seats ever......they were awesome.

The girls really loved Taylor....they didn't care for Kelly Pickler who opened for her though. I took ton's of videos of different songs....it was a really fun night!

My Fall Colors....

2009-10-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

So what do you think? Do you like the darker me? Yes, that is black in there.....Gina snuck that in there. The back is black - I didn't even notice till the next day.

I sort of had to change it up 'cause someone I know went in and asked for my hair....color and all. I am not interested in being twinkies with anyone.

I will say the darker colors do bring out my eyes!!!

Founder's Day/Homecoming......

2009-10-07T16:50:00.012-05:00

So this year Founder's Day and Homecoming were all wrapped up in one little weekend! Sweet.....except I had to get up super early for the stinking parade....ugh! I do have to mention that Maddie was nominated for Sophmore Princess and Sachel was nominated for Homecoming Queen. They looked awesome.....but neither won.

Never Worked Harder....

2009-10-07T16:34:00.006-05:00

So, one of our biggest fundraises for cheer is working a booth at The Ballpark in Arlington during the Rangers games. This year we had a HUGE booth and we didn't get the summer games, we got the fall games. It was the hardest work I have ever done in my life...and truthfully I never want to go back ever again. Of course, I did happen to bring out my camera to get a few pics before it got busy.......

So we can all thank Mom for paying for cheer this year by torturing herself and working all of the games for us! Thanks Mom!!! There is no drama like some cheer drama playing out at the Ranger stand.....I am not even kidding.....it gets Texas Cheerleading Mom crazy up in that place! LOL! At least we are done for the year....THANK GOODNESS! And I can now serve alcohol for the next 2 years! Yeah!

Labor Day.....

2009-09-26T12:19:00.007-05:00

I know...it was like forever ago....but I am busy.....and behind!!!! LOL! We decided on Labor Day to rest....at Hurricane Harbor!

And I Quote...

2009-09-07T20:17:00.003-05:00

'I do not want any fetish cheese on mine.'

(she meant feta)

RyRy

September 7, 2009

And I Quote.....

2009-09-01T21:55:00.005-05:00

'We have this board, you know a white board, that Mizz Paul has a list of the things we are supposed to do, you know, all day, everyday. It's like our schedule. She has to put it on this board cause, you know, she can't crowd her brain with all of that stuff. She has to have room in her brain for all of her kids' names.'

RyRy

August 27, 2009

1st Day of 3rd Grade....

2009-08-30T15:48:00.010-05:00

Yep, it was that time again. Time for school to begin! Shannon was EXTREMELY grateful! This year Ry's school had meet the teacher night again (didn't have it last year for some strange reason) so we were able to drop off all of her supplies and meet Mrs. Paul. Ry's class is directly across the hall from her 2nd grade classroom.

Some of you may remember last years first day of school.....lovingly referred to as the day from h.e.doublehockeysticks. This year was much more peaceful!

She was going to be all big and walk in by herself.....but changed her mind at the last minute. It was a nice day - I went hand had lunch with her (Subway) and picked her up. She was so excited about her homework she started it in the car before I could get out of the school pick up line. That lasted all of 2 days.......come Wednesday she was moaning/groaning/crying in true drama queen fashion dragging out the torture of homework.

My how a year changes you....last year she wanted HSM lunchbox & bag.....this year we were suckered into the Justice lunchbox, messenger bag, and water bottle......she's lucky she is the only one after the money shelled out for those 3 items!

Cheer Mania 2009

2009-08-20T17:57:00.013-05:00

Sachel and Madie headed up the ROHS cheer camp this year since they are both captains again. RyRy had a blast!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini...

2009-08-12T17:18:00.005-05:00

In all of my free time....you know....time I didn't spend sitting at the cheer gym during yet another practice, I came across this lovely new adult beverage. It was super yummy! I don't think that I have ever actually eaten Pineapple Upside Down Cake, so I wasn't really sure how this one was going to turn out.

Here is what you will need:

2/3 cup pineapple juice, chilled
1/3 cup vanilla flavored vodka
1 dash grenadine syrup

Combine all ingredients into martini shaker with ice and shake well. Garnish with a pineapple or cherry.

To Be The Oldest....

2009-08-03T00:05:00.002-05:00

To be the oldest is sometimes wonderful............when your dad is obsessed with Corvettes....and you talk him into buying you one. To quote one of Grady's best friends.....'he's a spoiled little b*tch'. I love ya anyway! At least he let me sit in it, and he took me for a 'ride'. He drove me up and then down his street...that was my ride in his new car.

I Hate Bake Sales.....

2009-08-02T07:31:00.009-05:00

Hate is a strong word......I don't hate them completely. I like coming up with new items to bake that are fun to make and taste really good. I really enjoy baking them with Mere's help cause she has skills. I wanted to make Rice Krispie treats and Mere took the idea to the next level. She suggested Rice Krispie treat on a stick - like a lollipop. Fabulous. When I was at the store purchasing my $48 in supplies I brought home some neon food coloring with the intention of coloring the marshmallows for the Rice Krispie treats. As you will see below we ended up creating a new color - Bake Sale Teal - and it was gorgeous! In case you are curious - according to RyRy they taste wonderful no matter what color they are. I also made some homemade Peach Cobbler - it looked wonderful! The best seller of all besides the Rice Krispie Pops was what Mere called 'Brownie Surprise'. EVERYONE loved it - all the folks from the cheer gym wanted to know how to make it!

So why do I hate bake sales? Because I had an accident was injured during this lovely process. I wooden lid fell from my top kitchen shelf and hit me square across my lip.......which almost immediately began to GUSH blood. It was awful....awful I tell you. It was a good thing that I didn't 'bleed out' before my help arrived! LOL! It was one of the most miserable weekends of my life - my lip swole up so big it made Angelina Jolie's lips look tiny.....then it bruised while it scabbed over. The scab was good though cause then I could actually move my lip. The best thing about the bake sale.....I made $36.60 towards my booster club account....bake sales suck! LOL! At least I have really hott hair!

Lessons my mother taught me....

2009-07-26T11:08:00.008-05:00

Yes, much to my teenage dismay, my mother did actually know somethings she was talking about. As I get older, I have discovered that you do actually TURN INTO YOUR MOTHER. It's true....it happens. And it is scary!

I remember when I was 4, maybe 5, and I begged my poor mother relentlessly to get my ears pierced. She finally consented...and off we went to get them pierced. I don't remember the actual piercing, but I do remember that evening. My ears were on FIRE, or so I thought. It was horrible.....and I begged my poor mother relentlessly to take those earrings out. I must have been really good at the relentless begging because she finally consented. But there was a catch. She would take them out, but she was not piercing them again. Whatever...I didn't care - get them out. So she took them out and I went to bed. The next day my lovely 4 year old self wanted pierced ears again. My poor mother was like 'Hell no.......we are not doing that again'. It was many many years later when I was much older that she relented and pierced my ears again. That time it stuck.

So when I had my lovely daughter I though about the whole ear piercing debacle of my youth. I decided then and there that I had learned a lesson and would not repeat my mother's mistake. RyRy was not getting anything pierced until she could take care of it herself. She has begged my poor self relentlessly over the years to get her ears pierced. Shannon and I got together and pulled a number out of our glutes (LOL Mere) and decided we would tell her she could get them pierced at 8. I have discovered over the years that my child can really beg relentlessly and make me crazy.

So finally it came....she turned 8 this year. So we waited for her to be ready, and come to us about going to get the ears pierced. Finally she really seemed ready to get it done. We took her to get them pierced......

All I am saying is .....thanks mom! I may have driven you crazy....but at least I learned my lesson!

The Graduate...2009

2009-07-12T16:20:00.027-05:00

I think that the only truly happen person on graduation date is the graduate. Everyone else is just sad that person has grown up in front of their eyes, and really depressed about how old they are now. LOL! We took the normal family photos before we headed to the venue....

In case you didn't notice...how HOTT is Maddie in that yellow dress? I picked it out, was with her when she purchased it, and then had to talk her into wearing it. She was stunning! Oh...and Shannon is missing because our AC had gone out for the 2nd time and he was at home waiting for the repair man....nice hu? Then we took this lovely photo.....I should let you know that Maddie is obsessed with 'bubbies' (as the RHNJ say it) and especially mine. This dress apparently really accentuated them - and well......it led to this silly picture. Then we went to graduation. I don't really have in pics from graduation because......well there is a good reason. I was sitting next to Chewie, who was sitting next to family friend Josh. I at the very beginning of the ceremony Becca was yelling at Chewie to take pictures, and he was kind of standing there - frozen. Next thing I hear is Josh say 'Man are you crying? Do I need to take that camera and shoot some pics so you can cry?' Then I started to tear up.....but I wasn't about to let Josh see me cry.....so I spent most of the time trying not to tear up and blubber like an idiot because Grady was graduating. Maddie however was not sitting next to us and was not afraid of Josh's scrutiny...and well she cried all of her make up off - she was still crying afterwards when we were outside hunting through the sea of people looking for our graduate. I need to briefly mention that Jimmy (who is in the photo w/Grady below) and Grady were beach ball smugglers...meaning that they smuggled in deflated beach balls under their caps....and Jimmy blew them up during the cermony under his gown....and the class bounced them around a few times before they were confiscated...and a totally innocent girl was blamed for it......shame on you boys!

Congratulations Grady! Now we all get to take you to college! LOL!

Due to overwhelming request.....

2009-07-10T17:30:00.006-05:00

Here are close ups.......of my totally HOTT hair!!! It is a little flat because there was not a brush to be found at my house at 6:05 this am when I was getting ready for work...but I love it anyway! I look worn out because I am slaving over the stove to make baked goods for the WAC Bake Sale tomorrow...so if you are in Waxahachie - come by the WalMart for some goodies. I will make RyRy perform some tricks for you! LOL!

Welcome to the Real World.....

2009-07-09T20:13:00.022-05:00

The day has come.......a day we have dreaded. It seems like just yesterday he was a little boy running around with XMen in one hand and Batman in the other. Dressed in his favorite outfit - shorts with penny loafers - no penny needed. Now he is a grown man - an ADULT. Who has graduated from childhood.....off to college.

I am so proud of our (my) Grady. He has turned out much better than I ever expected...LOL! His high school graduation party was a bittersweet evening. We are proud of him, but also sad that he is going off into the world - without us. But much to his embarrassment we are all taking him off to college! LOL!

Company Picnic...

2009-07-08T19:34:00.012-05:00

We finally had a chance to attend Shannon's company picnic this year. They had 2 giant waterslides, cotten candy, sno cones, fabulous bbq, entertainment, and face painting. RyRy got to bring a friend! We had to drag them away to Grady's graduation party. I think they ate something like 6 cotten candies each. Later that night they had STOMACH ACHES!!

Oh....yeah....that's my new Hair By Gina.....it's awesome!

Promoted....

2009-07-08T19:28:00.004-05:00

In case you had any doubts.....RyRy did complete the 2nd grade. (That is her with the Principal, and the last photo is her teacher Mr. Bell)

On The Catwalk.....

2009-07-07T20:56:00.018-05:00

The ROHS Cheerleaders had a fashion show fundraiser. They wore all kinds of different outfits from days long ago all the way to the present. Some of the outfits were hilarious. I really loved when my friend (from high school) Melissa started dying laughing from across the room when one of the girls came out in a dress that was just like one she had worn. We both pointed at each other and said 'THAT WAS YOUR DRESS'. It was not as cute now as we thought it was back then. LOL!

Here are Maddie, Sachel, and Kasey!

Melvin & Mr. Smalls....

2009-07-06T17:00:00.005-05:00

For those of you have never been to Hollywood Studios let me explain what happens there. The 'citizens' of Hollywood Studios can be found everywhere. They are all cast members interacting with people in the park in some hilarious situations.

Melvin and Mr. Smalls provided some much needed comic relief for us on this day. We were all a little cranky and very hot.

Cinderella's Castle......

2009-06-28T16:05:00.009-05:00

Cinderella is one of my favorite classic Disney movies. I admit that I really like the Toy Story movies almost as much. I am so glad that we got to finally eat inside the castle this last Disney trip. It was really cool.

So here is some video of the fireworks show....

Characters Welcome...

2009-06-21T18:56:00.021-05:00

We met a lot of characters this time around. I have to say that Mad Hatter was one of my all time favorite characters that we met. He was over the top hilarious. He had a brawl with Pooh at breakfast. I cannot describe how fabulous it was!!! I also really enjoyed Melvin & Mr. Smalls at Hollywood Studios. I have some video of them that I will share later. They put a smile on all of our faces that hot day.

What to ride?

2009-05-26T08:07:00.015-05:00

Here we are at some of our favorite rides......RyRy LOVED the new Toy Story ride at Hollywood Studios - we rode it a couple of times everyday.

One of my favorites is the Tea Cups!! Alice was there riding them when we were waiting in line. Shannon for some unknown reason decided to ride them with us. He is usually not a fan of them.....you will see why!

This next pic is Shannon about to blow chunks......he didn't, but he probably could have! LOL!

Happy 8th Birthday....

2009-05-17T20:08:00.013-05:00

On RyRy's birthday we went to City Hall at the Magic Kingdom and got her this huge button that said it was her bday. All of the case members at all of the parks wished her happy birthday. The driver of one of the buses gave her this awesome tinker bell pin - it was a great day. We had reservations for lunch in Cinderella's castle! It was great - as you enter the castle you have your picture taken with Cinderella and you get a package of them to take with you (sorry no copy of that one scanned). Then during the meal Cinderella's friends mingle with everyone. It was fabulous! All of them signed a birthday card for RyRy and her autograph book. She was presented with a birthday cupcake - she loved it! We also met Fairy Godmother hanging out behind the castle. Later at Hollywood Studios RyRy got to spend some time with Prince Caspien - he was really cute! There we had dinner at the Sci Fi Dine In. It was really cool - you eat in old cars at the 'drive in'. She had a great bday!

It's time to get away.....

2009-05-13T21:15:00.008-05:00

So for some wild and crazy reason Shannon and I agreed to take RyRy to Disney for her 8th birthday. She was really specific - she wanted to be there on her exact birthday. It was an adventure to say the least. We had a good time, and bonus is that RyRy only missed one day of school because her school closed down for the swine flu! Here we are on the plane to Orlando. Once we got checked in, we headed to the Magic Kingdom. While we waited for the parade to start RyRy jumped rope with some cast members - over and over again. Each time they would give her a card that says 'I jumped rope at the Magic Kingdom'.

Family Friendly Bike Show....

2009-05-09T21:06:00.006-05:00

Danny (RyRy's tumbling coach) put together a Family Friendly Bike Show to benefit Wild About Cheer. People could enter their bikes into the show for prizes. We had cheer demonstrations and tons of venders selling things. The Booster Club was there selling food & drinks. It was a lot of fun....hard work, but fun!

6th Annual WAC Family Picnic - Carnival Style

2009-05-09T20:32:00.009-05:00

I am way behind...but anyway! We had the 6th Annual WAC Family Picnic. This year we did it Carnival Style which was total fun! Best one yet. The family picnic is the kick start to the new competitive season where all of the new cheerleaders and their families get to meet the returning cheerleaders. I have to say....who knew how hard it is to make cotten candy? Okay....it's not hard to make it....just very hard to get it on the paper stick thingy!

We had a jump house, carnival games with prizes, the cotten candy machine, a sno cone machine, a pinata, and tons of food. It was awesome....until I had to help clean up! LOL!

Sneak Peak: WAC Youth 2009

2009-04-28T20:48:00.003-05:00

This is Rylee's new team. They learned this in 3 weeks - so 6 practices. Some of the girls are brand new to competitive cheerleading - so this is pretty good. We are so excited for this new competition season - there are so many great things they are going to be able to do!

Bluebonnets....

2009-04-18T22:41:00.007-05:00

I love Bluebonnets. They are a great thing about Texas....every spring I can count on the Bluebonnets to sprout up everywhere!!!!! Of course, you have to take pictures in them......but while RyRy was very willing at first.....that ended real quick. Thus the very pained expression on her face.

Spring is great!!!!!! Enjoy your Bluebonnets everyone!

What do you get for.......

2009-04-13T21:17:00.005-05:00

What do you get for:

6 months of private tumbling lessons?
27 weeks of private tumbling lessons?
810 minutes of hard work during private tumbling lessons?
paying $0.66 a minute during private tumbling lessons?

You get to sign the WAC Wall Of Fame! The monster is defeated.....finally!

Easter.....

2009-04-12T22:05:00.002-05:00

I hope that everyone had a good Easter. Ours was, almost drama free. Shannon did have to replace the battery in my car - which was good for a few tense moments at 9:30 last night. Otherwise - we had a great day! We had chicken fried chicken & chicken fried steak - I loved it for Easter. Better than the usual ham!!! We had an lively Easter Egg hunt in the house while Maddie took a nap! It is hard to be a teenager apparently. Just don't let Grady hide your eggs......he likes to get creative with his hiding spots.

To RyRy & Bertha's great delight most of us went to see the Hanna Montana movie. The girls loved that boy in the move, and Grady loved Miley. Bertha cracked me up because she actully wore her ears through the entier movie. I would have taken a picture in the theater - but I am not stupid - I don't want to get beat down by a bunch of little girls for disturbing their movie. Sadly we did not get a chance for our annual family confetti egg fight.....I was readdy with 2 dozen.......maybe a surprise attack is in order.

Finally......

2009-04-12T21:02:00.002-05:00

We now have a new computer in our house!!! Yeah! A much smaller laptop that I am actually allowed to touch. Okay.....I got to touch it once so far....I am hoping to be able to use it at least once the next month!

Happy Birthday Cole....

2009-04-06T22:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to you....

Check out how he dug into that cake......he was not kidding around! So cute - cannot believe that he is 2 already - the time goes by so fast! By the way Scott - that poor kid needs a haircut......no mullets........I mean it!

WAC 5th Annual Banquet

2009-04-06T20:04:00.019-05:00

So we had the 5th annual banquet for cheer this last weekend. RyRy was very excited....you know in the sense that I should purchase her a new dress because she didn't want to wear the one she had just gotten. When I nipped that idea in the bud she had the nerve to tell me 'It's my decision what I wear, it's my banquet'....Hello? It's your decision when you fork over some money.....crazy deluded girl! She did get some new 'heels' to wear! She was so cute!

There was a photo area when you first came in. We had dinner, the best dessert table ever, awards, then there was a ton of dancing. Those girls shut the place down - they were maniacs on the dance floor! My daughter included......she tore it up! In case you were wondering - yes she did take it all the way down to the ground at one point - and not during the limbo contest. There is no saving us from her dancing!

I have to mention: 1.RyRy with Coach Danny - he is the most amazing tumbling coach - she would be lost without him! 3. This is Kelli, RyRy's big sis her 2nd year - sweetest girl and a total dancing maniac. 4. This is Mo....he has issues. 15. My RyRy and my Kasey - love love love our Kasey!!!

Crop Stories: Crop Reality

2009-04-06T19:42:00.002-05:00

So the rest of the weekend was pretty uneventfull...except for late night/early morning 3 am discussions - which can be really interesting. Like after Scraparella and I dished about the Real Houswives of NYC we decided that TLC so needs a scrapping reallity show - you know the kind where someone gets kicked off. It would be so awesome to throw out the catch phrase 'your scrapbook is not closed' and watch the loser walk down the road with their scrap tote - all dejected! I can't believe they haven't thought of it yet.......hello TLC we are ready - just give us a call!

My total shock for the weekend was miss Scrapalicious who totally cracked me up! Can't wait to hang out w/out the underage set again - there is no telling what may happen!

Here is my favorite layout I did all weekend. It is totally my favorite because I crammed as much crud on there as possible....(thus my crop name Queen of Crud!) and then added more later! It is also one of my favorite pics from Disneyland w/Scott and Tiff - so sweet!!!!!!

I cannot believe it.....THEY'RE BACK AGAIN...

2009-04-02T18:00:00.002-05:00

Mark it in your calendars.....July 17th, 2009.......The Block is back for another concert! I want to go so bad.......seriously! I am off to stalk some tickets........LOL!

Crop Stories: Roadblocks & Jesus

2009-04-01T17:11:00.003-05:00

So, after surviving the code red storms Scrapzilla and I decided to venture out the next day to the local scrap store. We left prepared with verbal directions from our friends, a GPS unit, and an Iphone - surely we can find this place. Ugh......maybe not! Let me say that it was cold, windy, and a little damp from the Tornado Storms from the night before. We ended up on some crazy side street - which was blocked with one of those huge orange & white roadblocks. Srapzilla was going to turn around - but I am like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO......the street we need is right there....right there like a hop, skip, and a jump. I look at her, and I am like.....'Let's go through the roadblock....we can move it....' and she's like 'Let's take a look and see how far the drop is.....'. It wasn't too bad so we spent a good few long minutes dragging HEAVY SANDBAGS and moving the roadblock before we plowed through. It was so much fun!!!!! We made it to the store...eventually, only to be assaulted by a herd of women salivating over the buckets of glimmer mist. Man.......we were lucky to escape with our lives.

On the way back to our exclusive accommodations we decided to follow the printed out Google/Yahoo directions in hopes that it was shorter and there were less roadblocks. We ended up in the Hagerman Wildlife Reserve.....I am not kidding you.....no street signs - let's be real, they weren't even streets at that point - just dirt roads. We attempted to find our way by gaining the assistance of some locals - who obviously have know idea where they are let alone any of the streets or highways we named. We eventually found our way out of the Wildlife preserve at which point as Scrapzilla is driving along the back roads an ENORMOUS white tailed rabbit hurled itself in front of the car....and...wait for it.....Scrapzilla releases the steering wheel and yells...."Jesus take the wheel!!!!!!" I think I wet myself from laughing so hard.....we could not recover from the hysterical laughing that followed. This is a true story.......I swear!!! It was the best road trip EVER!!!!

Crop Stories: Code Red

2009-03-31T06:00:00.010-05:00

So, this last weekend I got to hang out with some great ladies at a Scrapbook Retreat. They will only be known by their aliases - to protect their true identity. Ok the name thing really took place at the delirious sleep deprived hour of like 4:00 am where some of us thought it would be funny to give each person a scrapbook retreat name at one of our previous retreats. Now, not all of the names have been nailed down - and one or two I made up on the way home, so they are by no means set in adhesive.

Anyway......we arrived at our exotic location on Lake Texoma Thursday afternoon. We decided to venture out for some dinner, and Paper Madam insisted that we try some local cuisine at Merlene's. We did a drive by - where we were caught by Mr. Merlene checking the place out. When I stepped through that door into the dimly lit dining establishment I was a little scared. Merlene's was the local bar, where every bar stool was occupied. They were very friendly, but poor Merlene was worn out making all of our dinner while Mr. Merlene told not so funny jokes to us.

Now I admit I never watch the news and I do not check the weather - seriously does it matter in Texas? The weather changes all the time, and usually the weatherman can't keep up. So I was unaware of the coming storms to the area we were staying. But our kind hostess was diligent in her efforts to make sure that we were kept abreast of the worsening weather conditions (translation: she wouldn't stop calling to tell us that we were in for it). Poor Scrapbug (I am still working on a new name..but think of it as a cute little ladybug holding her adhesive in one hand and her scissors in the other) took the brunt of these calls, over and over again. Most of us were like...whatever, bring it on mother nature. That's about when the phone rang and it was the local fire department issuing a CODE RED alert which demanded that we take cover due to the tornado's. Luckily our hostess had already advised us on where to go....the smallest freaking room in the house - the spare bathroom. Six ladies in one bathroom w/closet for about 30 to 40 minutes. It was fabulous! Lucky for us Scrapzilla had located the mother of all flashlights before we closeted ourselves in there, and I had grabbed my camera for proof!

Obviously we all survived.....and I will be back later with more Crop Stories.

'At your age.....'

2009-03-30T17:01:00.002-05:00

So I went for my anual Dr. visit last Thursday. Let me first say, I love Dr. M. He is the total opposite of me - he is very calm and collected. If by some chance aliens take over my body and I give birth- I really hope he is around to be calm and collected, as opposed to my hysterics. However, I really think that there was some sort of hidden camera in the office last Thursday, or they were having an office contest to see how many times Dr. M could refer to my 'ADVANCING AGE' in one 20 minute office visit. Every sentence either started with or ended with a reference to what needs to be done at MY AGE! Really? I know....they were playing a round of stupid office pranks/tricks. That has to be the only reason he would torture me about my age for 20 minutes while I was being violated all in the name of 'yearly testing'. You ladies know what I am referring to. I do not need to be reminded of my age - since my lovely daughter so kindly reminded me in my moment of age amnesia of my actual number. Ugh!

Redline Nationals 2009

2009-03-09T17:25:00.026-05:00

This last weekend was the Redline Nationals in Shreveport. Rylee's team moved up a division, they went from Mini to Youth. (Translation: they were competing with older girls, the age for Mini tops out at 8 and the age for Youth tops out at like 11 or 12, our team has 7 & 8 year olds.) This was a bold move, and one the parents were a little skeptical about. The mini division has been stiff competition this year - and those 'Cheerbots' have been hard to beat!

After the preliminary round on Saturday, all of our teams were in 1st place - with large leads. The Mini's scored a 7.4, with the 2nd place team scoring a 6.6 (they also outscored the mini division, so they would have been in first place no matter which division). At National Competitions they also have a high point award, which is an award given to each level (1-5) to the team with the highest score. We have three level 1 teams, and after prelims our teams were in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for high point (the Mini's being in 3rd). Our level 4.2 team was in 2nd place for high point by .02 points.

On Sunday you have finals. Prelims count for 1/3 of your score, and finals count for 2/3's of your score. The Mini's did a good job - they completed all of their stunts, but were a little sloppy. The other teams were no better than they were in prelims. Our other teams all nailed their routines! Before awards they had a Guitar Hero competition, and one of our mom's, Gina, got to represent out team! It was hilarious - she didn't win though! Then we had awards, and well as you can see on the video - they took home National Champions!!! All of us crazy mom's started to cry - even me! It was a well deserved moment for our girls! As I said, all of our teams won their divisions, and our Senior 1 team took home the High Point award for Level 1. We don't know the final scores because our coaches were so excited (can you tell from the video, the red flash running up is the gym owner/coach) they forgot to get our score sheets. So, every girl in the gym received a National Champion Jacket this weekend!

We had a great time this weekend! The girls got to swim at the hotel. They were so funny because it was the first time they could really brag, and they were in the hot tub with some girls from another team, and I heard them asking those girls 'what place are you in?' and the girl said 'I don't know' and our girls said 'we are in 1st!'. We also took a trip to Build-A-Bear where they all got a stuffed animal, and most of them got matching outfits. It was a stress free, fun weekend!

And the Champion Is........

2009-03-08T19:18:00.004-05:00

Not a lot of time, just got back from Shreveport......check out the video!

I will be back later with lots of pictures and the full scoop on what went down!

MartHin Luther King.....

2009-02-22T14:02:00.005-06:00

At RyRy's school each grade puts together a program that they perform. This year the 2nd grade put on a performance on MartHin Luther King. Notice the extra 'H' in his first name. That is how she pronounces his name. It cracks us up everytime she says it. Don't you love her $40 dress we had to buy for the program? Yep, she had outgrown all the dresses she owned, and well, there weren't too many choices on a February Monday evening!

Lost In Cheer...

2009-02-20T19:44:00.026-06:00

That is exactly where we have been. OMG! Between competitions, practice, jump class, and private tumbling lessons I feel like we are never at home. It has been a long couple of weeks. We went to Oklahoma City for ASC Nationals. The girls finished 4th! We had a great time, can't wait to go back. We tried to eat at Toby Keith's restaurant, but it was a 1 hour and 45 minute wait - I don't think so!

Then we had Cheer Power Nationals in San Antonio....which is usually my favorite competition, but not so much this year! B broke her foot and wasn't able to perform, so we had to get a last minute alternate...and well it wasn't the same! It didn't help that we had to turn around twice for things we forgot.....the last time we were all the way to Maypearl when we discovered I had forgotten to pack RyRy's uniform....ugh! Can't replace that at the Wal-Mart! The girls came in 5th out of 13, which was great considering that they had to re-work the routine in 3 days. I was so proud of them! Stupid Stupid ACE beat us by like 61 points....I really dislike those 'Cheerbots'! We were so excited to see Coach Kevin who was working as a spotter for Cheer Power......the girls really love him! I think they got him in a little trouble running up and hugging all over him.....but I guess that's what happens when you are fabulous! I don't have any pics of the parent challenge performance because, well I was laughing too hard to hold the camera. Scott & Cole came to prelims...I think he ran away as fast as he could......those cheerleaders are scary! Also have to say Happy Bday to Tiffany......hope you had a great time at your party! Wish I could have been there, but I was at Dick's....starving to death! RyRy's hat says "High School Musical Changed My Life"......that chick didn't know how true that my be......RyRy loves some HSM!

And mom did leave her house and go with us on both trips...but she is bailing on the last one! You can only get a hermit out of the house so much....then they start to melt or something! Quite frankly....I think she is over all of the Cheer Drama that goes on....who can blame her! Although, bitchy Lesa kinda likes the drama, cause that's really the only time I let her come out and play...otherwise I keep her shut up! LOL!

ACA Nationals...

2009-01-21T21:13:00.011-06:00

So last week we had a kick off rally for Cheer Nationals. We have a dinner with karaoke. You know RyRy is down for that!

So first up was the ACA Nationals. I should mention that facials are big thing in cheer. You know those excited, pouty, smiling looks on their faces that let you know they are having a great time. Our girls, not so good at the facials. They are too busy counting the music! LOL! So we have had a big push at the gym for facials. We had these lovely smiley face signs made up to hold up during the performance. Yeah, I am way too hip to do that. Hello! I talked my new sidekicks H&H into holding them up for me!

See the girl in the pic with RyRy? That is Linds. She can rock out some serious facials. I admit, I was desperate for some facials out of my offspring. I caved.....I offered the BRIBE! $20.00 for facials the entire routine. Deal! So Saturday rolls around and we get a text right before they go on - warm ups went really bad, they dropped all the stunts. Oh No! That is not a good sign. I was so nervous! As they took the mat I was shaking - literally! I thought my legs were going to fall out! The routine starts and right away I notice from the back of the mat, my daughter's head is weaving and she has the biggest freakin' grin of her life! I looked at Shannon and said "Oh hell, there goes my money" They rocked that routine - flawless! RyRy comes off the mat and the first thing she says to me is "Did you see my facials?" and I said "Yes, great job." and she said "I should have held out for $30.00." That's my child! They took home 3rd...and all I have to say about that is ACE bites (I really really dislike that cheer team!) We are leaving Friday for ACS Nationals in OK City. Wish us luck.......crossing my fingers for a 1st place!

Happy Fondue To Me

2009-01-20T19:14:00.017-06:00

So the big birthday rolled around once again. It was a nice bday - I got some flowers that smelled really nice. I also got a coveted cupcake made by Mere! YUM! Someone who doesn't even like cake or icing tried to swipe it.....

So in our family we go out to eat for bdays, and I chose Simply Fondue! So last year for dessert we had the Banana's Foster - delicious! I would have licked that pot if it wouldn't have burnt my tongue to a crisp. RyRy and Shannon were not fans. So this year I agreed they could pick the dessert - Campfire. RyRy not so much into the toasted marshmellows! Shannon said that it gave him a stomach ache - and decided that all of their chocolate gives him a stomach ache. Hello - I could have had a delicous bowl of Banana's Foster all to my little ole' self. There's always next year!

Tooth #2.....

2009-01-10T19:16:00.003-06:00

Okay so you already know how loose teeth freak me out. Well, RyRy had one that needed to be pulled. It was so comical listening to Shannon trying to convince her to let him pull it. She backed out after he gave it one try, and left that tooth barely hanging on. She did however let Strawberry (Meredith) pull it for her. She decided that only Strawberry is allowed to pull them as she is the best at it. Works for me! She now thinks it's funny to pretend that one of her top teeth is about to fall out and grab hold of it and gross me out. PUNK!

Strawberry Wine....

2009-01-08T20:24:00.004-06:00

On New Year's Eve I found a wine that I actually enjoyed drinking. It was so super yummy! It is from St. James Winery and it is their Strawberry Wine. I know what some of you who have known me forever (Misty, Shannon, Scott) are thinking....don't say it. I might vomit at the thought of all of the bottles and bottles and bottles of Strawberry Hill we consumed in our much younger days! (Not you S&S......I am talking about the members of the WMMB Posse-no the rest of you are not getting explanation of that name - ever!) I have moved past that cheap wine that we would consume at parties. Too bad that I can't find it anywhere around here. Looks like I will have to order it online! I did get some pics - so if you see it around while you are picking up your Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill....let me know! LOL!

On that note - I am feeling a little sorry for RyRy. That poor girl was born to the two masters of parental manipulation (okay, Shannon really didn't have to manipulate his parents as much as I did - but he was still a wild man...you know it's true - don't even try to deny) and party animals. That poor girl is never getting away with anything - ever. Been there and done that! It's a shame really, cause she would be really good at it, just like me. LOL!

Portraits....

2009-01-08T16:41:00.009-06:00

I have been meaning to post the pictures I took when RyRy had cheer portraits taken. I think they are gorgeous!

And becaue I can't control myself...

Of course, you are not supposed to see any stomach - but she has grown through the middle this year- not sure what we are going to do about the uniform.

Happy New Year...

2009-01-03T16:40:00.018-06:00

I hope your New Year's Eve was fabulous. Shannon was working. RyRy and I went over to the L's for a little NYE party. There was lot's of snacks, had some great wine, and lot's of annoying teenagers! We played Catch Phrase for hours - so long that I abandoned the game! There was a little wrestling between RyRy, Monkey Boy, Bertha, and Maddie. Poor Bertha got the worst wedgie I have ever seen given! Great news - I caught a pick of it! Yeah! The last pic is of RyRy telling Shannon Happy New Year. I will be back later to tell you about my new favorite wine! YUM!

Holiday....Twig Style:

2009-01-02T14:15:00.006-06:00

So here a few pics that Twig sent me of the boys. I really love Jake Jake playing with the messy moonsand aka the best present ever!

That's my boy - up on the counter making the cookies...who needs a stinking chair anyway? I think he enjoys eating them as much as making them!

Holiday In The Park..

2009-01-02T13:21:00.024-06:00

So we took RyRy and her friend B to Six Flags Holiday In The Park on the 29th. It was a nice day and not very crowded! We had a great time. RyRy and B's favorite ride was the mexican hat thing - it has some other random name that I can't remember. They rode it like 14 times - just rode it over and over and over again! I personally love the Rodeo Ride - it is like the tilt-a-whirl at carnivals!

Christmas Day....

2008-12-31T14:54:00.024-06:00

I hope your Christmas day was as great as ours. First is Christmas morning at our house. We had to wake RyRy up to open her presents....she was out. Actually we have to wake her up every year. Which seems weird to me, becaus as my mother likes to remind me - there was no need to wake me up on Christmas morning - I could have the whole house up at 5:00 am if needed.

Then we went back over to the L's house and played games...and some folks (Sachel & Maddie) took like 200 self portraits.

See you guys next year!

Merry Christmas..Sort of

2008-12-29T22:28:00.002-06:00

As you know, I love to mess around with the photo editing software. This is our tree Christmas morning.....but the picture looks all faded like from the olden days....you know the 70's (LOL!). Check out what Santa left RyRy since she was on the Pretty Good list this year. Yes, all the presents wrapped in HSM paper are hers - it was my system this year. I loved it. Yes, I have been told that there are too many presents wrapped in HSM paper....but it's Christmas and we didn't control ourselves very well this year. Maybe next year.....but probably not!

Hello Santa...

2008-12-29T22:13:00.005-06:00

So if you have followed along on this blog you will know that RyRy was under the impression that she was on the Naughty List this year. Well, on Christmas Eve Sachel so kindly checked Santa's list for her and she came up on the Pretty Good list. Oh what a relief! It's a good thing she had already made cookies and a few notes for him before we got home at like 1:15 in the am. Her note was really really sweet. I am sure that Santa loved it, and has put it up somewhere special to have forever...or maybe to scrapbook if Mrs. Claus is into that kind of thing.

Christmas Eve...

2008-12-29T12:11:00.019-06:00

So we are full of family traditions, especially around the holidays. Okay...truthfully I don't like to change things up a lot. It's weird. Like last Thanksgiving when we went to Disney World - it was weird. Anyway...our Christmas Eve tradition is to spend it with the Latimer's (Grady, Sachel, Maddie, Monkey Boy, Bertha, Chewie and Rebecca). We have done this since 1993. Historically speaking Christmas Eve has been spent wrapping the 10,000 presents Rebecca has purchased, but not wrapped. This year - we only had to wrap a few on Christmas Eve so that was nice. It left lot's of time for goofing around. I will say that it was a successfull evening as their were no brawls over Polly Pocket dolls and no slapping of anyone (in 15 years, it has been pretty interesting sometimes!).

We had a great evening of playing different games - I terrible game of Taboo which the boys one because they are cheaters. Grady also made what we can refer to as his Christmas Soup......interesting. We opened presents and stayed up until like 1 am, when kids finally realized that Santa was waiting for them to go to sleep to come back to Texas to deliver their stuff. LOL!

Hot Chocolate...

2008-12-27T12:11:00.004-06:00

RyRy is a freak for some hot chocolate. We discovered like 6 boxes of it in our pantry. Everytime we have gone to the store she has gotten a box. Crazy girl! She really likes it with lot's of marshmellows.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas...

2008-12-27T11:02:00.011-06:00

So we had a great time at the Brigdon's family Christmas party. It was nice to see everyone. Cole was hilarious on this motorcycle thing he got. He loved it - I think someone made him get off it, because he did not do it voluntarily.

They had the best cheesecake bites from Sam's - I ate like 6 or 7......so good!

Best Present Ever.....

2008-12-26T10:05:00.010-06:00

So Twig and the boys sent us some gifts for Chrismas. We always let RyRy open those early - usually when we get them in the mail. RyRy decided that Twig sent her the best present ever......Shannon and I are not so much in agreement on that. It is a singing HSM 3 diary - you know it plays a song when you open it, close it, open it, close it, open it, close it, and open it again. I assured Shannon as he was plotting his revenge on Twig and planning to purchase the most annoying present ever that we had already sent an annoying gift. We got Jake Jake MOONSAND! I told him it would drive Twig crazy because it would get all over the house - that is until she put it in the garage! Meanie!

RyRy wrote in her diary that Aunt Twig was the best Aunt every (her spelling, not mine) in her life. Isn't that sweet!

It's a Mini Christmas...

2008-12-21T09:45:00.013-06:00

At their last competition the Mini's got to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus. RyRy was very excited, but was sure to not mention to Santa that she has been NAUGHTY lately. LOL! We also had a Mini Christmas party at Olive Garden which was lot's of fun. We all had a great time.

Random Christmas.....

2008-12-21T09:15:00.005-06:00

In case you haven't figured it out....RyRy has become adjusted to my uncontrollable desire to take a lot of pictures. She even demands it at times....like the other night

and this one was her favorite....

Gingerbread Tree...

2008-12-17T20:22:00.014-06:00

So RyRy wanted to put together a gingerbread house. That was a no go.....too hard girlfriend. She settled on a gingerbread Christmas tree instead. I did happen to get the powdered sugar all over me....and for anyone that knows me well I do not take to messes all over my clothes well.

We have to give a shout out to Shannon - he took some darn good pictures of the whole process. We are so proud! There is hope for you yet, and that means that Mom is back at the top of the worst photographer list. Sorry mom........now you are going to have to leave your house to redeem yourself. LOL!

Queen of Ornaments..

2008-12-13T19:21:00.010-06:00

So after you bring the tree home you have to let the limbs fall before you can decorate. My pictures of tree decorating are limited, well non-existent to be exact.

I don't have any pictures because the decorating went south in a hurry. First I dared to step on a light bulb in one of the strings for the tree. OMG! Shannon then spent 45 minutes looking for a replacement bulb. In that time I got a phone call...oh the horror. Then I proceeded to actually hold a conversation with the person much to Shannon and RyRy's dismay. I don't know what was wrong with me. Once we got started with the actual decorating is when RyRy's temper tantrum went full force. In our decorating process I unpack and distribute ornaments to the two of them to hang. This is our process because actually hanging the ornaments beats me down for some reason - I can't let go if they don't look perfect. For some reason RyRy wanted to unpack (meaning to rip from the boxs and throw everything down) the ornaments. The Temper Tantrum started when I made her stop doing this. That's when she got really mad....then Shannon got really mad....then the argument got really loud. She then proceeded to shout at me from across the room 'Who made you the Queen of Ornaments Lesa?' That got her several weeks of punishment. That made her scream and cry even louder. She has since decided that she is on the Naughty list and Santa is not bringing her any gifts. Now Chuck insists that she is playing us....but I am telling you she has convinced herself that she has made her way to the Naughty list and is never getting off. According to her it is the worst Christmas ever. It makes me giggle a little everytime she says it.....we have of course assured her that she still has time to make it to the Nice list......but she has had a few more tantrums since then......not sure she is going to make it!

You may now all refer to me as the Queen of Ornaments! Here are few pics of the finished tree....

Merry Christmas...Ho.Ho.Ho

2008-12-13T19:17:00.004-06:00

Santa Baby....

2008-12-13T09:31:00.001-06:00

I have a few more I am working on.......love them!

O Christmas Tree...

2008-12-13T08:59:00.011-06:00

One of our Christmas traditions is a real Christmas tree. I love the real tree. I love going and picking it out, I love the smell of the real tree, I love the look, and I love how I don't have to pack it up once Christmas is over...just throw it away. Now, sometimes the Christmad tree selection can be a bit of a beat down - I love it, but man it can work your nerves. This year our holiday season started off with a big fat temper tantrum from RyRy. It was a sign of things to come I tell you, and how she has ended up on the Naughty List. Check it out...

While Shannon was off trying to hunt down Christmas tree preservative we had a little fun...

Naughty or Nice?

2008-12-08T19:03:00.001-06:00

You decide.....

Fashion Show....

2008-12-07T13:20:00.011-06:00

I told you that RyRy had an impromptu fashion show a couple of weeks ago for Shannon and myself. The pictures really speak for themselves....

Super Hero Among Us....

2008-12-07T10:05:00.003-06:00

Every day you read in the paper or see on the news about some random persons act of kindness or help. We have all seen the various Super Hero movies and t.v. shows out there. I was not even aware that I actually know a Super Hero. I have obtained an actual photo of this Super Hero. He is in his Super Hero disguise so you will not recognize him everyday and beat him down with all of your praise. It is Batman! I do want to take this opportunity to let Batman know that even Super Hero's can end up on Santa's Naughty List when they are mean to their Auntie's. I can arrange to have said Super Hero moved to the Nice List if I feel that he has made amends. Just remember Batman, Santa is watching you.

Happy Turkey Day...

2008-11-29T19:51:00.015-06:00

We had a really good Thanksgiving! It was the first year that we fried our own turkey - and after much heated discussion of when it would get fried...it turned out great! It has a lemon pepper flavor - my favorite! Mom went to visit Twig for the week, and after all of my teasing avoided a Thanksgiving trip to Burger King.

Yep, that is Grady eating stuffing like an animal....he is crazy! It was a little disgusting to watch. Check out what he wears to play 'Murder In The Dark' (hide-n-go seek in your house at night, with all the lights off)...I saw that commando get up and I was outta there. He obviously takes the game very seriously! Too intense for me, besides I had to get up at 3:00 to go shopping on Black Friday! LOL!

Patriot Classic..

2008-11-29T17:43:00.008-06:00

RyRy's cheer team competed at the Cheer Power Patriot Classic. I have avoided posting about it because it was depressing....they dropped a stunt and took 6th place. They would have walked away with first if the stunt had stayed up. I did get some video...let's cross our fingers that I can get it to upload..

It worked!!!! Yeah! Here are some pics.

Football Chronicles, The Playoff Edition

2008-11-26T21:45:00.017-06:00

So the Hawks went up against Ennis in the first round of the playoffs. Let me tell you....it was COLD & WINDY up in that stadium!!! They lost, but Grady had a good final game. I however, got into a little skirmish with the back-up QB's sister........she was lucky she shut her mouth. You do not mess with my boy.....I will throw down! Not that he needs my help, but it is the principal of it.

I wasn't able to get any good pics of Sachel - she ran off right after the game! She still has next year!

HSM 3, Senior Year.....

2008-11-26T21:33:00.005-06:00

So RyRy and Kylie were so excited to see HSM3! What young girl wasn't? It was the perfect occasion for Mere to 'bling' up some of Kylie's HSM clothing, and I of course loved the idea and added some bling to RyRy's. We had a great time! We did a little shopping before the movie. There are fabulous 'fashion show' pics of RyRy to share later. The movie was not that bad! My favorite part was the Boys are Back number - man that Zac and Corben were HOTT! All sweaty....I better stop...it's a family blog! LOL!

Football Chronicles Part X...

2008-11-20T20:49:00.008-06:00

The last football game of the regular season was against Forney. Grady started the Hawks off with a 14 point lead, but the game quickly turned on them, and they ended up loosing. They still go to the playoffs anyway. He & Sachel both had great games despite how cold it was there! I cannot even tell you - we had hoodies on and were wrapped in blankets.

And, apparently Elmo came to the game....

Tween Years Here We Come...

2008-11-20T20:22:00.010-06:00

Seriously, I was so not prepared for the tween behavior that has taken over my 7 year old lately. She has had moments, glimpses if you will, of this type of thing in the past, but it has totally taken over. First it was a total obsession with fake, press on nails. Who remembers these? My friends and I were obsessed with them in high school....remember Misty? We would GLUE them on...it was the cool thing to do back in the 'old days' before normal folks went out and got manicures.

She kept losing them....we found a couple of them in her hair, and Shannon found some attached to his shirt at work. Too much! Then we were at WalMart and she wanted to buy a magazine, so I suggested Teen something...and then she spent the entire day doing this...

It seems like just yesterday when I was plastering my room with pics of Kirk Cameron, Corey Haim, Bon Jovi, NKOTB, and so many others. I have to go.....I am feeling old and depressed now!

Gavin update.....

2008-11-20T20:12:00.003-06:00

How cute is he? We stopped by Pooper's house and got a quick visit with our favorite's...Hanna & Gavin. Just kidding. He was taking a nap, and didn't wake up until we were leaving...so disappointing, I really wanted to hold him. RyRy was offered the chance to hold him, but she refused. I think she was just tired from competition. Maybe next time! I have the perfect Christmas present for Pooper & Gavin...I so cannot wait for Pooper to open it. I tried to get him to guess, but he refuses. He is such a stick in the mud! It is something that he is familiar with, but has not had in a long time.

Football+Costumes=Halloween

2008-11-08T20:59:00.018-06:00

This year Halloween conflicted with our dedication to attending Grady's last home football game. It's Texas....football beat Halloween! However, there was some dressing up...and the freshmen & sophomore cheerleaders dressed up and let all the kids trick-or-treat them. RyRy chose a costume from the Disney Store. She didn't even know who it was, just that she was attracted to all the sparkle on it. Turns out, it was Tess from Camp Rock...I don't have a clue who that is, I just know that the Jonas Brother's are in the movie....and RyRy likes the one with straight hair. Maddie was Sharpay from HSM, and Jake was dressed as what RyRy called 'one of those Cowboys who play football'. Beware....the scary, creepy, and glitter pictures are below....

It was Senior Night, and well there actually was a football game played, and won by Red Oak! Playoffs here come the Hawks.

Golf & more.....

2008-11-08T20:29:00.015-06:00

We attempted to check out Fright Fest at Six Flags, but when we got there the park was FULL......no one else getting in! So we ended up at Alley Cats where Shannon and I challenged RyRy and Bertha to a game of miniature golf. As I have said before, I am not a very sporty girl......golf is definitely not my game....but I did manage to get 4 holes in one! Sweet!

Afterwards we went to one of our favorite places to eat these days....Pei Wei.....

WAC Attack....

2008-11-04T21:51:00.011-06:00

The Mini's competed at the NCA cheer competition this last weekend in Garland. This venue is really strict about what they let you bring in, and NO video cameras allowed.....but I am 'resourceful' and caught a little video on my camera. I have tried 3 times to upload it - evidently it is too long so I can't share! The girls did a great job....with a score of 6.03 they took home 2nd place. ACE beat us again with a score of 6.31 - but we definately closed the gap some from the first time we competed against them! We did get invited to NCA's national competition - which is a big honor!

Boo.......

2008-10-30T20:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween....hope you don't get too scared.

Football Chronicles Part VIII

2008-10-26T14:03:00.018-05:00

I got a little sidetracked this week on what Chuck called my 'New Kids High' and didn't get around to posting the latest installment of football. The game last week was in Terrel, TX - home of Jamie Foxx. Jamie needs to make a donation and fix up the football field - that place was hazardeous to my health. First we ate at some bbq place....they had really good banana pudding. I encouraged the Monkey Squad (Monkey Boy, RyRy, and Bertha) to climb for a photo:

The game itself was really one-sided. The Hawks won 55-0!!! Grady had an awesome game! We actually were close enough to the cheerleaders to hear/see them and Sachel did a great job as well. Only 2 more games left, unless they make it into the playoffs......then we continue.

Here They Are.....The Block

2008-10-22T19:22:00.036-05:00

Wasn't my video fab? I LOVE it! I have to say that Mere is the greatest - she took a ton of pictures and got some really great ones which she shared with me. Just so you are aware......Before Justin, there was Jordan & Joey - that was one of my favorite homemade shirts of the night. It is so true, and I added the Joey part (once you stare into those beautiful blue eyes you will understand). Okay....on with the pictures.

So Danny comes out on the stage with this hooded jacket on, and I looked at Mere and said 'He's about to breakdance' and sure enough - he did. His breakdancing skills were what got him into the band originally - and man he sure still has them.

So you will know....Joey was wearing his smiley face jacket from the Hangin' Tough video (not the original one - I am sure it is a replica, Mere will tell you I possess a crazy amount of music video knowledge)

By the way, Joey is totally pointing to me in that picture above - not any of you crazy *itches......ME! ONLY ME.......I am not that delusional, really, I know he's just pointing. Last but not least (you thought I forgot didn't you?) Donnie doin' it Marky Mark style....

I want to thank my wonderful mother for watching my darling RyRy so I could attend the best concert ever! I appreciate it more than you know. I will share with you later some of the crazy things 'ladies' wore to the show - you would not even believe it. And to Mere.....Keep Hangin' Tough till the next show! To the NKOTB Haters (Shannon and Scott) I will kindly remind you that you have attended a NKOTB show - and I think I saw you dancing and having a good time (okay, not really, but I am telling everyone you did)- so SHUSH IT! Also, to the Hungry Man - no we were definately not the only two people standing up the whole time - check out my video - those women were crazy - they were throwing ugly bras and their shirts up onto that round platform - gross!

PS....RyRy likes Donnie & Jon the best. She also wanted to know what the heck breakdancing was...LOL! And, Donnie has the best bling according to her - she likes the bling!

The Block is Back......

2008-10-21T08:13:00.003-05:00

The NKOTB concert Sunday night was AWESOME!!!! Better than ever. I think it is the best concert I have ever been to. Seriously!!! They put on a wonderful show - and the fact that Donnie pulled down his pants - well, that was icing on the cake so to speak! I want to share a little video I took, but I will be back later with lots of pics.

Greetings From Buttboy....

2008-10-18T12:09:00.002-05:00

So we finally heard from deployed Buttboy last weekend. When I say we, I mean mom, and I just happened to be with her when he called - you know, the one weekend we actually convinced her to leave the house and dumb dog. It was great to get to talk to him - a little weird with the delay. Let's be honest - he wasn't really interested in talking to me - he just wanted to talk to his niece...whatever! (no one wants to talk to me anymore - not even my Jake Jake - he just whines and says 'I don't wanna talk to HERRR - I will remember this you red headed cutie.....and that is a threat mister!) So in my brief dialog I asked Buttboy if we could send him packages and he said yes, then I asked 'What do you need or want?' In true Buttboy fashion he responded with 'A 42 inch flat screen t.v!' Not gonna happen dreamer! I don't blame him for trying. I should do that......Mom...hello, are you hearing me? I need/want 2 pairs of wedges from Cato, a sweater, and a new laptop..........DID IT WORK? Are they on their way to me?

I knew I was robbed being the oldest.....I should have been the youngest, and a stinky boy! (just kidding mom - you are the greatest!)

Hangin' in Bossier....

2008-10-14T21:49:00.005-05:00

So we went down to the Louisiana Boardwalk Saturday night and walked around and had dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse.

Cheer Power Halloween Classic

2008-10-14T20:58:00.026-05:00

Our first cheer competition of the season was Cheer Power Halloween Classic in Bossier City, LA. I have to put it out there, the Mini's (this is RyRy's team) looked HORRIBLE Friday night at practice. So I wasn't holding out much hope for a good show on Sunday. Here we are getting ready and exchanging Spirit Sister gifts.

They killed it! The routine was so great. All the tumbling & stunts were accomplished. The Mini's won 3rd place which is excellent. Rylee and Bri (her spirit sis) got to go up and grab the trophy!

Cheetahlicious....

2008-10-14T20:08:00.023-05:00

I actually kept a secret. I know - big surprise. RyRy wanted me to take her to the Cheetah Girls concert here on the 20th, but I told her that is a school night - and a no go. Let's keep it real....I don't care that much about a school night, but I am going to NKOTB on the 19th - I have to recover. So I found out that the Cheetah Girls were performing on the 11th in Bossier City, where we were going for the first cheer comp of the season. So, I plunked down serious change on some floor seats. I decided to spare myself the agony of endless questions and surprise RyRy the day of the concert. *You will catch glimpses of Mom, she did indeed leave her house for the weekend, and I captured it on film.

So when it was time to go to the concert RyRy says she doesn't want to go. Run that by me again.......she doesn't want to go. Get in the car girlfriend - these are floor seats. You will go and LOVE it. So she did finally get into the concert - after she got an all important $10.00 glow stick. Their opening acts were 535 and The Clique Girls - both were really good. My pictures are not the greatest because I didn't want to lug my bigger camera there.

They really had a great show. Lot's of costume changes, dancing, dancers, and set changes. I really enjoyed myself. *Not nearly as much as I will at NKOTB this Sunday, but as much as I could at the Cheetah Girls!*

Football Chronicles Part VII....

2008-10-14T08:00:00.018-05:00

I didn't end up with too many pictures from last Friday night.....not sure why. I first have to share with you a little story so that you will understand. There is this gentleman that you see here to the left...we call him Drum Man. He has more spirit than anyone I have ever known. For years he has gone to every Red Oak Football game - I have even seen him at JV & Freshman games. With him he brings his bag of noisemakers.......you know I bugle and a big a** drum which he uses throughout the game to hype up everyone. They are so loud. This year I was exteremly excited because Drum Man's reserved seat was to our right - my deaf side. Which means I can actually enjoy the game because he doesn't annoy me too much.

It was a very close game - and Grady scored the game winning touchdown during overtime. Because the game was so close, Shannon's friend E decided to help Drum Man out with a little bit of noisemaking. He is lucky to be alive, especially after he spent most of the night making fun of my NKOTB fellows. He thinks he has jokes.....

After the game Sachel tells us about this girl who was waving a sign that said put in #2 (who is the crapy back up QB) and how they got into a little bit of an argument when Sachel said something about her sign, and then after Grady one the game for them, she went back over and said something else to the girl......Sachel was real passionate about it. I even caught her retelling the story - where she was weaving and bobbing her head.

Till next week.....

Football Chronicles Part VI...

2008-10-05T17:26:00.024-05:00

Another Friday night, another football game! This week the Hawks played West Mesquite. Before the game we stopped off to eat at Griff's Hamburgers - pretty good! Gotta love Maddie - making sure I was in some pictures!

They have some swanky reserved seats at the Mesquite football stadium! Sweet - my back did not hurt! I did however end up behind Chewie and proceeded to yell in his ear through the whole game. He hates that - and usually sits behind me! A girl has to have a little fun!

So, Grady got hurt at the end of the 2nd quarter. He did not play the 2nd half, they thought he fractured his throwing arm. Sachel cheered an excellent game, and was super nice to the kids handing out 'goodies' to them when the Hawks scored. Mesquite ended up kicking a field goal the last second of the game to win. Tanner is obsessed with the Hawk. He spent the entire night trying to get down on the field next to the Hawk. He actually made it once - and his mom had to go get him! Crazy boy!

Grady is going to be okay. He bruised the ligaments in his arm, and had some bleeding due to popped blood vessels. Thank goodness! RyRy was really worried about him - she got really upset. Until next week!