Celebrating Women...for the Real World

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 Tickle Tuesday!

We've Come A Long Way Baby!

(woops this would be another comercial)

Take the time to take the "tour" of some of the choice cuisine from Weight Watchers in 1974. Would you eat this? Can we all say..."Grossss"

click HERE

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:06 AM :: 8 comments

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Monday, February 27, 2006 Purple Hats

To all of our blogging buddies- In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer, here is an "angel" sent to watch over you. Share this with women that you want watched over.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love yous" More "I'm sorry's." But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it ! and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day.

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 10:16 AM :: 7 comments

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Saturday, February 25, 2006 Letting Go Is So Damn Hard!

Hello…
My name is SuZan…
And I am a control freak…

I knew it was going to happen sooner or later; I know I have to let him grow up; I know I have done my job of teaching him right from wrong. G2 is out tonight at a party, and yes, I know it is no big deal, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

Of course he didn’t understand the anxiety that I was feeling when we had our “be responsible” talk. You know the one where you talk to your child about drinking and drugs and the do not get in any car if the driver has been drinking. I had him show me that his cell phone was turned on and further told him to expect a call later in the evening from me…sigh.

Now who said that boys are easier than girls?

I wait sitting on the couch, thinking, worrying, and wondering where the years went. He is a young man and he has been kind, considerate and responsible so far. I know that I am overprotective and I’ll be the first to admit it. This also is not the first time he has gone out, but we have entered a new era of his friends picking him up and going off not Big G or myself taking him and going to get him. I don't know all of his friends now and furthermore, I don't know all of his friend's parents.

When did all of this happen?

I now understand why we get grey hair.
They are our battle scars from raising teenagers.

and I sit…and I wait…

UPDATE: He did make it home alive! He even came home 30 minutes early (that's my boy). He did tell me that there was beer at the party. One one hand I'm not happy about that, but, I'm happy that he felt comfortable to tell me the truth (and I didn't smell anything on him). After he got home safe and sound, I felt so silly for what I was feeling. I think I'm just going to have to get used to feeling silly.

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 11:07 PM :: 16 comments

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Friday, February 24, 2006 Stuff Portrait Friday!!

Brought to you by the warm and witty Kristine at Random and odd, this game is for everyone. Encourage your players to play and comment on your blog if they played so you can get to know your readers. If you want to send them over here or to Kristine's to let us know they played, Great!

Feb 24th, 2006 - Bedside Manner

The inside of your nightstand drawer
A good book you’ve read
Your favorite lamp

Inside of my nightstand drawer :-}

A good book I've read (actually reading). My daughter's boyfriend loaned it to me.

...and finally-my favorite lamp. I don't know why, I just really like these lamps (they're a pair)

So there you have it. I was going to get a picture of what was in my husband's night stand drawer, but I thought I'd let you use your imagination......I'll give you a hint-it compliments what's in MY night stand drawer very nicely {{{Evil Grin}}}

Did ya play??

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:10 AM :: 19 comments

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Thursday, February 23, 2006 Don't Call Home For Money!

DON'T CALL HOME FOR MONEY!

A fifteen year-old boy came home with a Porsche. His parents began to yell and scream, "Where did you get that car???!!!" He calmly told them, "I bought it today." "With what money?" demanded his parents. "We know what a Porsche costs." "Well," said the boy, "this one cost me fifteen dollars." So the parents began to yell even louder. "Who would sell a car like that for fifteen dollars?" they said. "It was the lady up the street," said the boy. I don't know her name-they just moved in. She saw me ride past on my bike and asked me if I wanted to buy a Porsche for fifteen dollars." "Oh my Goodness!," moaned the mother, "she must be a child abuser. Who knows what she will do next? John, you go right up there and see what's going on."

So the boy's father walked up the street to the house where the lady lived and found her out in the yard calmly planting petunias! He introduced himself as the father of the boy to whom she had sold a Porsche for fifteen dollars and demanded to know why she did it. "Well," she said, "this morning I got a phone call from my husband. I thought he was on a business trip, but learned from a friend he has run off to Hawaii with his secretary and really doesn't intend to come back. He claimed he was stranded and asked me to sell his new Porsche and send him the money. So I did."

(Are women good or what?)

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 3:07 PM :: 8 comments

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TO START YOUR MORNING OFF RIGHT!

Click Here!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:20 AM :: 8 comments

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Wednesday, February 22, 2006 Can I Go Back To Austin....Pllleeeaaasssseee!

I'm sure my mother prayed that one day I would have a teenage daughter! Boy, did her prayers get answered. Unfortunately, my little cuss is just as stubborn and pig headed as I am. This, my friends, makes for some interesting mornings in Cypress.

My daughter is a Sophomore in High School and on the JV Soccer team. The Sophomores are the "big sister" to the Freshman and are supposed to show them the ropes. For each home game (once a week), they are supposed to buy each other a "gift". Yesterday was "the big game" against our biggest rival. The girls organized a sleepover, made shirts, and initiated the freshman (water balloons on the coldest night of the year). In Texas, Freshman are called "fish". All of the older girls decided to buy their little sister a fish that they had to carry around school all day. Cute idea. However, let me give you an example of my morning yesterday, which was also "TAKS" testing-one portion of the standardized testing in Texas over which the teachers stress our kids completely to the point of them (the kids) getting stomach aches from nerves. Here it goes:

j: "mom, can you take me to school at 6:45 tomorrow?"
Me: "That's tough. You know what our mornings are like."
J: "Please mom. We are supposed to get there early so that we can decorate the locker room."
Me: "OK. I will do it this time, but you better be ready to roll! Don't make me come up and tell you to hurry."
J: "Thanks."

Forward to the next morning:

Me: "Son, we need to leave early cause J needs to be at school early."
Son: "No way. I'm not leaving early. That's just too bad."
Me: "OK, well then try to find a ride. I'm leaving early."
Son: "I don't want a crappy breakfast. Can you take me out?"
Me: "Yes. Do you have money?"
Son: "sigh"

At about 6:40 J comes running down the stairs, trying to balance her soccer bag, her purse, her folders & calculator, and whatever else she needs. Her oatmeal had been ready and sitting on the counter for about 5 minutes.

J: "Great, I love how we were supposed to be there at 6:45. It's 6:43 and we haven't left yet!"
Me: "I thought we were supposed to leave at 6:45!"
J: "You always screw everything up!"
Me: "J, you weren't even down here in time to eat your breakfast."
J: "Never mind. Just get in the car."

By this point, my temper is about to get out of control. Luckily I read a book about raising teenagers. Yeah, the book has been very enlightening and a great stress reliever-especially when I throw it against the wall!

We get in the car, fish and all. As I drove, water spilled out of the little tank. J yells because "I'm such a crappy driver." I was still trying to keep my composure as I knew a lot of her reaction was pure nerves. I knew she felt bad because she wasn't there to help the team decorate. I certainly was planning to "discuss" this with her later! We got to school. I got out to try to help her at least get everything situated so that she can get in the door. Her stubbornness took over and she grabbed something from my hand and told me she didn't need any help. While doing this, about half of the water in the fish tank spilled all over the back seat. What does a mom do now you ask? She gets back into the car, watches daughter struggle to carry everything AND open the door to the school! She then points her car in the direction of the nearest Starbucks as the bars were not yet open!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 8:28 AM :: 20 comments

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Monday, February 20, 2006 Blogger Blowout-Two For One!

I agree with SuZan-what happened in Austin, stays in Austin. SuZan and I hit the open road around 11:00 ish (yes, SuZan, it was supposed to be 10:30, but Starbucks was calling). To set the scene, imagine me air kissing teenagers and pushing, I mean walking them out the door to their various rides. I turn, trip over the dog who thinks he's coming with me, blow kisses to hubby, oh heck, I grabbed him and planted a big wet one on his lips, the kind he'd be sure not to forget, then ran out of the garage, clothes hanging out of the side of the suitcase because, heck, who had time to pack! Of course, SuZan and I both brought waaayyy more than we needed and ended up wearing the same clothes that we rode up in (heck, we're old and it was cold. Comfort rules over fashion).

We didn't hit much traffic but did have to endure endless precipitation. About half way there, the Starbucks hit, I had to pee, and I was down to a quarter tank of gas. We pulled in to this Exxon. SuZan offered to pay for the gas, but I said I get this and she could get the next. We get the pump going and run in! Man, the bathroom was cleaner than mine at home. I'm sure they thought we were crazy, but I HAD to take pictures. I mean, sanitary toilet seat wipes AND hand sanitizer! As I'm finishing in the stall, I hear SuZan giggle and the auto paper towel dispenser going, & going. SuZan was playing with the dispenser!

Of course, now I needed a Diet Coke to wash down the Starbucks, and what road trip would be complete without some munchies. SuZan got another coffee. We paid and jumped back into the car. About a block away, I noticed that I didn't have very much more gas than I did when I pulled into the gas station. I thought "Oh, shit. The gas tank thingy isn't working." Then I thought I'd take a look at the receipt just to see how much gas I got. Ha! I must not have put the pump in properly and it shut off after 2 gallons! SuZan swears I did it on purpose! Here's some pics of our bathroom adventure:

Once we made it to the condo, we were like two kids in a hotel room. We did everything but jump on the bed. Here is a view from the condo. Pretty cool! I told SuZan to tell her Sister-In-Law that I was her new best-est friend!

Although pretty well stocked, we decided that we needed a few things from the store. Mainly we were concerned about having "hangover" foods available for the next morning. We called Beth (our ride for the night) and she suggested Whole Foods. She said its an "experience" to go there. She was right. We didn't get what we needed, but we did pick up lunch, water, and of course, blueberry muffins for the next morning! We went upstairs at the Whole Foods and enjoyed people watching. Austin has such a diverse population! We snuck this picture (shhh, don't tell).

Then we went back to the condo to get ready as it was just too blasted cold outside to do anything else! After a fashion show, we fell on the floor laughing at ourselves as we ended up wearing exactly what we came in.

The rest, as they say, is history........ We met a whole bunch of really great women. Some we sort of knew, others that we didn't. There wasn't a bad apple in the bunch. Take a look at some of these pics! We had a BLAST! We are one fun group of bitches! It was great to meet everyone and can't wait to do this again next year. If you gals want to get together again before next year-let us know! SuZan and I left our suitcases packed! Enjoy the blowout through the eyes of one slightly tipsy blogger (with only one contact)! Okay, SuZan will rat me out if I don't share this. I am very vane about certain things. I wear glasses, but contacts are a must for occasions such as this. During the week, I somehow managed to scratch my cornea. The eye doc said no contacts for about 2 weeks. Yeah. I decided that, no matter what, I was not going to wear my glasses. As we are getting ready, I stuck my contacts in. Within 30 minutes, the scratched eye (which of course is the weaker eye) starts to puff up and itch like crazy. What's a girl to do? I decided to just wear one contact and asked SuZan to help should I need to read anything. Nothing like a one eyed drunk girl! Enjoy the pics!

Not sure what Lucky is doing!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 10:28 PM :: 10 comments

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BLOGGER BLOWOUT 2006!

We all lived through the first annual Blogger Blowout 2006! This group of bloggers are hip and happenin and I don't think anyone could have possibly had a bad time. We started out at Cuba Libre, then went to a swanky lounge and then to Vicci's (by then, I just couldn't have cared any how). For your viewing pleasure, I submit:

Blogger Blowout 2006!

Our guest of honor (what a lush)!

Then things got (uhm) relaxed..............

I loved this water wall and we took advantage of it for group photos:

A special thanks to Flutter for organizing the blowout and to all the ladies who live in Austin for making the reservations. Beth, Sheri and I owe you big for picking us up and getting us back to the condo, I don't think we could have made it back with out you.

Ladies ya'll totally ROCK!

***I signed up for the flicker thingy to post all the photos, but it will only allow so many uploads a month (ugggggg). I'll have to add all the photos as it lets me do it (I'm cheap, and don't want to upgrade).

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 5:51 PM :: 9 comments

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Updates Tonight!

The blowout was a total success, we had a blast! I'll post an update tonight with the pictures (have to go to work right now).

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:05 AM :: 7 comments

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Saturday, February 18, 2006 Road Trip.....and now Winter!

We are getting ready to leave for the Blogger Blowout in Austin tonight; we should be leaving Houston around 10:30 this morning (shopping along the way, of course).

Can you believe that Mama Duck and Flutter have brought Winter to Texas. We are suppose to have freezing rain and maybe snow flurries. It is hard to believe that Father Winter has finally decided to grace us with his presence. So we all might be stuck in Austin (hehehe, now how bad could that be?)

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 7:06 AM :: 4 comments

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Friday, February 17, 2006 Why We Love Children!!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:59 AM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, February 16, 2006 Another Prime Example-Men Are From Mars

Here's a prime example of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" offered by an English professor:

The professor told his class one day: "Today we will experiment with a new form called the tandem story. The process is simple. Each person will pair off with the person sitting to his or her immediate right. As homework tonight, one of you will write the first paragraph of a short
story.

You will e-mail your partner that paragraph and send another copy to me. The partner will read the first paragraph and then add another paragraph to the story and send it back, also sending another copy to me. "The first person will then add a third paragraph, and so on back-and-forth. Remember to re-read what has been written each time in order to keep the story coherent. There is to be absolutely NO talking outside of the e-mails and anything you wish to say must be written in the e-mail. The story is over when both agree a conclusion has been reached."

The following was actually turned in by two of his English students, Rebecca and Gary.

THE STORY:

(first paragraph by Rebecca)

At first, Laurie couldn't decide which kind of tea she wanted. The chamomile, which used to be her favorite for lazy evenings at home, now reminded her too much of Carl, who once said, in happier times, that he liked chamomile. But she felt she must now, at all costs, keep her mind off Carl. His possessiveness was suffocating, and if she thought about him too much her
asthma started acting up again. So chamomile was out of the question.

(second paragraph by Gary)

Meanwhile, Advance Sergeant Carl Harris, leader of the attack squadron now in orbit over Skylon 4, had more important things to think about than the neuroses of an air-headed asthmatic bimbo named Laurie with whom he had spent one sweaty night over a year ago. "A.S. Harris to Geostation 17," he said into his transgalactic communicator. "Polar orbit established. No sign of resistance so far..." But before he could sign off a bluish particle beam flashed out of nowhere and blasted a hole through his ship's cargo bay. The jolt from the direct hit sent him flying out of his seat and across the cockpit.

(Rebecca)

He bumped his head and died almost immediately, but not before he felt one last pang of regret for psychically brutalizing the one woman who had ever had feelings for him. Soon afterwards, Earth stopped its pointless hostilities towards the peaceful farmers of Skylon 4. "Congress Passes Law Permanently Abolishing War and Space Travel," Laurie read in her newspaper one morning. The news simultaneously excited her and bored her. She stared out the window, dreaming of her youth, when the days had passed unhurriedly and carefree, with no newspaper to read, no television to distract her from her sense of innocent wonder at all the beautiful things around her. "Why must one lose ones innocence to become a woman?" she pondered wistfully.

(Gary)

Little did she know, but she had less than 10 seconds to live. Thousands of miles above the city, the Anu'udrian mothership launched the first of its lithium fusion missiles. The dim-witted wimpy peaceniks who pushed the Unilateral Aerospace Disarmament Treaty through the
congress had left Earth a defenseless target for the hostile alien empires who were determined to destroy the human race. Within two hours after the passage of the treaty the Anu'udrian ships were on course for Earth, carrying enough firepower to pulverize the entire planet. With no one to stop them, they swiftly initiated their diabolical plan. The lithium fusion missile entered the atmosphere unimpeded. The President, in his top-secret mobile submarine headquarters on the ocean floor off the coast of Guam, felt the inconceivably massive explosion, which vaporized poor stupid Laurie.

(Rebecca)

This is absurd. I refuse to continue this mockery of literature. My writing partner is a violent, chauvinistic semi-literate adolescent.

(Gary)

Yeah? Well, my writing partner is a self-centered tedious neurotic whose attempts at writing are the literary equivalent of Valium. "Oh, shall I have chamomile tea? Or shall I have some other sort of F_KING TEA??? Oh no, what am I to do? I'm such an air headed bimbo who reads too many Danielle Steele novels I can't decide!"

(Rebecca)

Asshole.

(Gary)

Bitch

(Rebecca)

F__K YOU - YOU NEANDERTHAL!

(Gary)

Go drink some tea - whore.

(TEACHER)

A+. I really liked this one.

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 8:10 AM :: 6 comments

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Wednesday, February 15, 2006 STRANGE HOUSES

Some of us are remodeling, some are building or some just buying, these homes certainly are interesting. Would you live in any of them?

I DID LIKE THIS CHIMNEY.

IF THIS IS THE OUTHOUSE THEN YOU SURE BETTER BE AWAKE WHEN
YOU HAVE TO GO. . . . . .he he he

INTERESTING

RICH PEOPLES DOG HOUSE. . . . .

BOY THIS SURE WOULD NOT BE MY HOUSE WITH MY FEAR OF HIGHTS!

THIS ONE MAKES ME FEEL DRUNK.....

WHAT A VIEW. . .

WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS ONE BUT DON'T KNOW IF I COULD LIVE IN IT.

A REAL CAT HOUSE!

NOW THIS ONE REALLY MAKES ME FEEL DRUNK!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:39 AM :: 9 comments

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006 Happy Valentine's Day

You guys are going to love this story. If you ever wondered if the "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" theory is true, based on this story, we may have an answer.

My 15 year old daughter J has her first "boyfriend" named C. C is very nice. Neither of them drive, so they depend on me and C's mom to get them where they want to go. Neither of them work, so most of their adventures involve hanging out at one place or another. Hence, C has eaten dinner at our house, oh, just about everyday. He's a nice kid.

J asks me to take her to Target so that she can get C a gift, and, oh yeah, she needs a gift for her "little soccer sister" (long story), and, well, K said she got her a little something so she wants to get K a little something. So I take her. Apparently every other person in our zip code went to Target for the very same reason. Madhouse! Not..enough..coffee....!

J is getting very frustrated because there were slim pic-kens to say the least. We finally get to the card section (with everyone else). After 15 minutes, I told her I was going to go look for something. I was gone maybe 5-10 minutes. When I get back to the card section, there is J, sitting on the floor, head in hands, and a sea of cards around her! (Too bad I forgot that I had the camera in my purse. This was so picture worthy)!

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"All of these cards are just stupid! They are to girly, or too mushy, or.....they use the "L" word!"

"Oh. So you're not using the "L" word yet?"

"NO!!!!!"

"OK. Do you want me to help?"

"No!!!! You just don't understand!"

What does a mother do? I pretended to be looking for cards for no one in particular. Came across a few that were cute but didn't use the "L" word. Asked her to look at this one card (for no one in particular). She laughed. I told her it was too bad it was the last one. I was going to have to buy it. She begged me to let her to buy it for C as it was perfect! (Who'd a thunk it? Mom found the perfect card?!?)

She was a little flabbergasted when she had to pay for her treasures. On the way home, we pass a Walgreens. She asked if we could stop in there just to "look". What do ya know? Walgreens had more loot than Target. The prices were more "teenage" friendly. She ended up getting something else for K and her soccer sister that was cheaper. She's taking the Target stuff back for a refund (that my girl)!

After spending quite sometime wrapping, signing, and whatever else she was stressing about, we then had to get all of this stuff into the car this morning along with the soccer bag, books, and whatever else this child lugs around.

If I haven't lost you yet, good. Cause here comes the guy vs. girl part. I ask my son G if he got his girlfriend something. He said, "yeah. They were selling bears at school so I gave her $2 and told her to go buy herself one!" That's it. No card. No wrapping. Nothing!

Ugh!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 1:19 PM :: 7 comments

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Monday, February 13, 2006 A Cardiologist's Funeral

A cardiologist died and was given an elaborate funeral. A huge heart covered in flowers stood behind the casket during the service. Following the eulogy, the heart opened, and the casket rolled inside. The heart then closed, sealing the doctor in the beautiful heart forever. At that point, one of the mourners burst into laughter. When all eyes stared at him, he said, "I'm sorry, I was just thinking of my own funeral........I'm a gynecologist." The proctologist fainted!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 3:37 PM :: 9 comments

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Sunday, February 12, 2006 Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Wow. Seventeen years already. It seems like yesterday. I am so proud of you. I know there's been a lot that has happened in you life over the last seventeen years. Some things you won't understand until your a father yourself. There have been good times and some not so good times. But like I have always said, God made you my first for a reason.

I was nineteen years old when I was pregnant with you. I thought I knew all there was to know about being an adult AND a mother. Then one day, I went to the doctor for my ultrasound. That's when it hit me. I was going to be responsible for this life growing inside me. I saw your little heart beating on the monitor. It was now real. I fell in love with you. A love so intense that I can't find words to describe it. While you were in my tummy, I used to explain to you how scared I was, but confident that my love for you would bring us through anything.

Then, on a Sunday, 17 years ago, after a very long and tough labor (your heart stopped beating several times), you were born. They wouldn't let me see you until they did some tests to make sure you were OK. I knew you were OK. You were yelling at the top of your lungs. I laid in bed crying tears of joy. Crying knowing that I was the one you needed. Crying knowing that to hear you cry was a good thing.

We brought you home on Valentines Day. That was an important day for me as that would have been my mom and dad's 25th wedding anniversary had she not lost her life to cancer. In a way, I felt her with me, calming my fears and sharing in my joy as only a mom and daughter understand. To me it was her way of saying, "Everything is going to be OK."

We made it through your first fever. You see, I thought I needed to keep you wrapped up and hold you close to make you stop shivering. I thought the doctor was an incompetent lunatic when he told me to unwrap you and put you in a cool tub. I did it under protest crying as you screamed your little 4 month old lungs out. Low and behold, it worked. Your fever broke, you fell asleep, and I stayed awake the rest of the night watching you just to make sure you were OK. We took you to the doctor the next morning. I'm so glad he knew how frantic I was and took more time calming and reassuring me when I argued with him. He told me all you needed was some antibiotics for your ear infection and that you'd be better in 24 hours. Well, he was right.

There have been so many other things happen through out the years. All of them "firsts". I feel that YOU have prepared me for life much more than I have prepared you. Your brother and sister should be forever in your debt for "breaking me in" and preparing me for teenagers!

Son, this is your last year before you become an adult. The only advice that I can give you is, work hard, play hard, pray hard and love with your whole heart. Never forget the little guy. Always thank the Big Guy.

You are very special young man. I know this because just the other day when I met you history teacher, she told me what a sweet, kind hearted, warm and tender person you are. I wanted to tell her that I knew that, but it was nice to hear it from someone else.

Happy 17th Birthday Baby!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 10:39 AM :: 7 comments

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The Eagle Has Almost Landed!

I’m so glad this day came and went. G2 finished his Eagle Scout Project. He built two picnic tables and a menu board for the Lion’s Club concession stand at the ball fields. We ordered perfect weather (just a little chilly) and got it.

A lot of people don’t realize all that goes into the Eagle Scout Project. The scout has to pick the project, plan it, organize it, find the funding, recruit help, execute the plan and complete it. Here are a few pictures of the day.

Here we have the man with the plan!

This is what happened when I showed up with donuts and kolaches.

Working, working, working

We are getting the vision now.

Of course, you know that they had to give the tables a "stress test".

Finishing touches: Water sealer

Both father and son were pretty tired at the end of the day.

After they delivered the tables to the ball field, G2 said that a jogger came by and thanked him for the tables, I thought that was pretty cool.

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 7:26 AM :: 4 comments

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Saturday, February 11, 2006 EXCITEMENT IN THE AIR!

The day is finally here! FINALLY! G2 is doing his Eagle Scout project. Woo Hoo! I'm going to have to leave and pick up some donuts and juice to sugar the boys up. I'll post pictures tonight or tomorrow.

He's almost done!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 9:05 AM :: 2 comments

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Friday, February 10, 2006 Stuff Portrait Friday!!

Kami over at The Dallas K's who's filling in for Kristine at Random & Odd picked this weeks theme. The theme this week:

Since Valentine's Day is almost upon us, I give you SPF for Friday, 10 February 2006: It's all about the love!~ What you love most about your home~ What you love least about your home~ What you love most about yourself . So here it goes.

Sheri

What I like about my house. Well, there were quite a few things that drew me to this floor plan. Knowing that throughout the year I may have 6 or more kids staying with us at any given time, size and the ability to spread out was important. The number one thing I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE is that I have a front stair case, and a back stair case. In the mornings, I can run from the kitchen up the back stairs, yell, er I mean lovingly wake up one child, then run down the front stairs to kiss and hug another as they leave for the bus. Also, for safety reasons. There is always another way out. Could I stop there? Noooooo. I also loved the HUGE laundry room and the storage room (with built in shelves).

Back and front stair case

Laundry room then storage room.

What I don't like about my house. Well, I don't like having an attached garage (great for yard space, bad for garage space-only a 2 car). I also don't like the game room on the 2nd floor. See, I thought it would be awesome to have a huge, open game room. Yeah, turn on the TV and the sound filters down the front AND back stairs. Also, when the kids run, no matter where you are on the 1st floor, it sounds like a herd of cattle running overhead. But what bugs me more than anything-the kitchen. No, not because kitchen means cooking. I couldn't really capture why I don't like my kitchen with pictures, so bare with this explanation. See, the cook top and stove are on one side. Then there's the six foot island down the middle. Love the island, hate where it is. See, if your cooking, you have to run around the island to fetch water, drain meat, wash veggies, get a wet rag, etc. My culinary skills are lacking, OK, I don't have any. So when I need water, there is usually a catastrophe (or casualty) in the making. Also, try to open the refrigerator or dishwasher. Yeah, someones walking away with a bruised shin! Other than that-love the house.

What I love most about myself. Well, that's a hard one. I think we are our own worst enemy. Always over-critical. After a lot of thinking, I came up with this:

I have a big heart. I will give the clothes off my back, the last penny in my wallet, the food off my table, and will go without sleep if it helps someone I care about.

PS. I was looking for the setting on my camera that said "make area you are photographing look clean". I couldn't find it. Sorry about the mess.

So there you have it-Sheri's SPF.

Let's see what SuZan has to say......

Ha....a two for one today :)

WHAT I LOVE THE MOST ABOUT MY HOME

So far, it would be the dining room. We purchased this table about 11 years ago and my BIL said that it looked like an old fashioned library table. That always kept ringing in my ear so when we relocated the dining room, I wanted to fix it up to look like a library. Big G built the bookshelves and completely changed the fireplace (it was brick from floor to ceiling). I went digging in my grandparents storeroom for old books and waaaa laaaa…our library/dining room.

WHAT I LOVE THE LEAST ABOUT MY HOME

Many of you will know that I have posted this picture before. I can’t stand the poo poo brown on my house. The door is now stained and we will be spending spring break changing out the masonite to hardyplank (sp on both); then we can start on landscaping. We will also change out the windows to double pane windows and my @#$%&* light bill had better go down.

WHAT I LOVE THE MOST ABOUT MYSELF

Hmmmmm I really don’t like this one but here we go. What I love about myself is communication. I love that I am able to communicate with the parents of the kids that I see in the schools. This is where Spanish has been a blessing. In order for what I do in the schools to really make a difference in a child’s life, it needs to be followed through at home. I am thankful that I am able to communicate with our Hispanic population to optimize a child’s education.

Did you play?

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 12:03 AM :: 17 comments

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Thursday, February 09, 2006 Celebrating Women's FEBRUARY BLOG PICK OF THE MONTH!

THE RAMBLINGS OF AN OFTEN MAD WOMAN WHO WAS RIPPED FROM BEAUTIFUL

AUSTIN AND DRAGGED, KICKING AND SCREAMING, TO BIG HAIRED AND SHINY SHOED DALLAS, LORD, HELP US.

This month we agreed that Kami's The Dallas Ks was our February, Blog Pick of the Month. Texan thru and thru living in Dallas but missing her life in beautiful Austin (which we all will be there in 9 days). She is a SAHM of an adorable little boy named Nick.

The wonderful thing about Kami is her candor. What she thinks is what she types, and if you really don't want an honest answer from her 'Don't Ask'.

We find that her candor is refreshing and her humor fabulous. She can find the humor in the everyday and make us laugh, and turn around and tackle serious topics and/or bring important information to the forefront. Not only is she a fun blogger, she is crafty (she makes her own darn Chistmas cards for goodness sakes), and a great photographer (you've got to see the photos she posts).

So Kami…Sheri & SuZan honor you as

Celebrating Women’s February 2006

Blog Pick of the Month!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:29 AM :: 10 comments

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Wednesday, February 08, 2006 WAY BACK WEDNESDAY!

Gone but not forgotten...a more serious tone this week as we share our pictures of ourselves with loved ones we've lost (either through death or lost touch with over the years).

Go on over the Mama Duck's site 'The Kept Woman' to see who all played this week.

This beautiful lady is my mother. We lost her in June 1997. I think what I admire most about my mom was her gustiness. Her and my dad divorced when I was one, so you can imagine the challenges she had back in the early 60’s. During the late 60’s, she accepted a job in Mexico City as an English Teacher. She upped and moved with her young daughter (that would be me) to Mexico. As an adult now, I really don’t think I would have had the guts to do what she did. Of course her actions have been a blessing for me because I use my Spanish every day. I never thanked her for that screwy upbringing and I wish I had.

So mom, thank you for taking a chance, for doing the unthinkable and unpredictable. Your actions have given me so many opportunities all throughout my adulthood. I love you and miss you!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 7:03 AM :: 24 comments

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Monday, February 06, 2006 Someones Having a Birthday Today!

No, it's not her......

Not her or even him........

Could it be him..........

Most likely not. Who could it be?

Why, yes, yes it is! It is JK's birthday today. I must say, although he is quite a character, he's even better in person. JK turns a nifty fifty today. Happy Birthday, Baby! I love you so much. You make me complete. I almost lost you once. I realize everyday the gift I have when I wake up and see you there beside me. I hope you have the most fantastic birthday ever! Can't wait til tonight *wink*!

Happy 50th Birthday!

February 7, 1956

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 10:47 PM :: 10 comments

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Can You Say Spoiled?

Now that we're down to just one fur baby, he gets quite a lot of attention. While I was recovering this weekend, Oreo climbed up and got all snuggly. Yes, that's him laying like a baby in my arms.

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 2:29 PM :: 2 comments

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This is your brain on drugs

Woo Hoo!

Catnip!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 6:16 AM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, February 04, 2006 Head still pounding but can at least sit up for a bit

I guess all those nasty germs didn't get my eviction notice. At least I can sit up today. This my friends is progress!

On to a different subject. I found out that, while I was sick, my youngest son asked my daughter if he could talk to her. They talked for 30 minutes. They aren't telling me what's up and that is KILLING me and my controlling personality. I asked him if the advice she gave was good and he said yes and it worked. Of course I grilled him letting him know that if someone was in danger or potentially going to get hurt, I had to know. He very calmly told me no, it's all good.

I know it's a good thing that he had someone to talk to. It's driving me crazy that it wasn't me. I didn't have anyone that I could confide in so I kept everything inside and handled all situations myself. Maybe one day I'll know what happened. For now, I'll have to sit here and stew knowing that continually asking what was wrong would not be a good thing.

Ah, the teenage years......

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 10:00 AM :: 6 comments

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Friday, February 03, 2006 Stuff Portrait Friday!

Friday yet again! This week, Kristine over at Random and Odd, used some of Bill's ideas. The theme this week is “Games People Play” and we are to post pictures of…

1. A game YOU played
2. Your family game.
3. Your Games.

A GAME I PLAYED

I don’t know if you would call it a game, but growing up (besides soft ball) I fenced. As one not wanting to conform to the norm, I loved this sport. I wasn’t that great at it but I could hold my own; so, give me a foil…and watch out!

OUR FAMILY GAME

We don’t play every week but we do sit down and enjoy dominos. Personally, I like Mexican train and Chicken Foot. Big G likes straight dominoes and G2 just likes to win.

MY GAME

I love to play Backgammon, but I have to beg and plead for someone in the house to play with me, so most of the time I have to resort to playing on the net. I am actually pretty good and won second in the only tournament I ever entered (back a few lifetimes ago).

For bonus points I’ve added this book. I read this in my late teens and it is still one of my favorites. It always amazed me how I could see myself and others engaged in the games the book describes. It is worth the read if you have the time and does give you good suggestions to stop the games.

Did you play?

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 3:56 AM :: 23 comments

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Thursday, February 02, 2006 Eviction Notice

Attention germs: You are hereby advised that you must IMMEDIATELY pack up and leave my house! I don't care what kind of germs you are. You all individually and collectively must LEAVE! You are on your second round of making me and my kids absolutely miserable! I have used Lysol, bleach, hot water, and everything else that I can think of, including purchasing new pillows! Enough! You have worn out your welcome!

That is all.......

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 2:02 PM :: 3 comments

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Pack of Dogs Kill Aligator!

The ferocious beasts are loose. Be careful and stay safe.

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 5:01 AM :: 9 comments

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Wednesday, February 01, 2006 AUSTIN BOUND!

We are so excited about the Blog Blowout 2006 (hmmmmm sounds like this could turn into an annual event). It really will be great to meet all of you that we have been reading about; and to also make new friends.

It is a funny thing about this blog world. We visit blogs everyday and it truly feels like we get to know you, at least a hell of a lot more than our next door neighbors. Everyone is themselves and provides for a casual, relaxed atmosphere. The calendar is marked, kids and hubbies taken care of and bags almost packed.

We hope to see you there!

Posted by Sheri & SuZan :: 7:17 AM :: 12 comments

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