my boys x2

2010-05-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well the end of school is near! 9 more days!

Since I last posted, Austin has been asked to be on another select baseball team that 2 players from his Tigers team from little league now play on. He is really enjoying playing on 2 teams now, The Heroes and The Dallas Braves. The Braves will be going to a tournament in Colorado the last week in July so we will be heading that way. He is also taking lessons from a man that tells me that Austin has some great talent and he will go far in baseball. He played in college and his son is on the Berkner high school team, which is where I teach and also where Austin will go. I have introduced Austin to the high school varsity baseball coach, who recieved the 9-5A coach of the year award this year and the team went to the state semi finals. This coach gave me the name of this guy for lessons and he is a keeper. Austin has a tournament this weekend so we(he) will be playing baseball all weekend. Austin will be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society next week. He was nominated and had to fill out a form and was accepted!

Cameron is doing better in school and t-ball. In his last game he hit the ball 2x with coach pitching. They get three tries from the coach pitching and then they put the tee up for them to hit off for each at bat. He also played first base and got a batter out! He is still very talkative and questions everything. At times, he does say some pretty cool stuff. He told me the other day that when God was picking out his mom he picked out the best best best mom ever. Smile :) He has Kindergarten graduation next week. I can't believe he will be moving into 1st grade already!

Needless to say, I'm pretty proud of my 2 boys. Healthwise, they are doing fine. Austin has a fungus or something on his arms that looks like he is broken out. He's been on 2 antibiotics and 2 different creams so maybe it will go away soon. If he would quit scratching or picking on them they might heal faster. Yeah, that was pretty gross to mention, but it's reality. Cameron just has allergies, but takes meds for it. I'm waiting to take the breath test next week to see if the bacteria has gone away. I have headaches every day now and it may be a side effect of meds. So I have to stop a medication and see if the headache goes away.

That's all I have for now.

Update

2010-04-23T13:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday. 29 days and counting til the end of this school year. Couldn't be happier.

Austin's team The Heroes had a tournament April 10-11 and ended up in 3rd place out of 10 teams. He did good and was happy that by placing in this tournament, his team qualified for regionals later on this summer. His team has a photo website if you want to see some pics go here: http://www.heores13.shutterfly.com Now he is busy trying to keep his grades up (which he can do but gets lazy and just doesn't turn in homework sometimes)and texting on his phone. And yes, he has a girlfriend now. This is all new territory. He realized that his phone can be taken away for 2 weeks at a time and has somehow found the motivation to do his work. Funny how that works.
He has contacted his biological father on facebook and he responded back. Out of respect for me, he wanted to speak to me to make sure that Austin wasn't going behind my back trying to contact him. So I spoke to him on the phone and we are going to try and meet sometime so that Austin can get to meet him. Never thought this would happen, but Austin was really struggling with it and I encouraged him to contact him. Believe it or not he now lives in Batesville. Weird.

Cameron on the other hand is still challenging his teachers (and me)with his behavior. Even in his specials classes like art and music he is not doing very well or making very good choices. It's not that he doesn't understand the rules, he just chooses to do his own thing. He definitely has the "gift" of gab. He tells me he just like to talk. His academics are right on so I know he's learning, but it's depressing when your 5 year old comes home every day with either a note or his color changed because of making wrong choices. His main thing is talking and then keeping hands/feet to himself and not following directions. I think the main reason is that he is very immature and needs to get out of "play" mode which he seems to be in almost all the time. I know he likes to be silly and try to make others laugh. I guess he will be voted class clown, who knows! One good thing is that his piano is coming along very well. He really has an ear for it and impresses me each time he plays. Getting him to practice is not always easy, but he eventually does it.

I think I have finally come to the point where I can get rid of this H pylori bacteria that I've had for a while now. After having been tested for penicillin, which I used to be allergic to, it appears I am no longer allergic to it. So, that opened up a whole world of antibiotics that can help get rid of it. I was very anxious about taking the initial dose, but so far I've had no adverse reaction. I took my first round (1000mg of amoxicillin) this morning and do that 2x a day for 5 days along with a medication similar to previcid called protonix, then I'll take another antibiotic 2x/day for another 5 days, then a 3rd one for 5 days and then I wait for 2 weeks, go back in and have a breath test (don't recommend that as I've already had it, but it wasn't that bad, just a horrible taste that makes you want to vomit) to see if the bacteria is gone. Hopefully this will get rid of it and it won't bother me anymore. I have lost about 12 lbs. because of this as it makes me nautious. But hey, I needed to lose the weight, and it wouldn't hurt me to lose a little more.

That's about all I have for now. Later.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T16:34:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter! I've added a few pics from today and from a baseball tournament last weekend. Not much to report just getting into full swing with baseball for Austin and Cameron has his first practice on Wed. Austin has 2 games this week and a tournament this coming weekend. Bring it.

Illnesses, illnesses, go away!

2010-03-05T15:25:00.001-06:00

Ok, Enough is enough! We're sick and tired of being sick and tired! Well, at least I am anyway.

For the past few days, Cameron has had a stomach bug, both ends, and has missed 2 days of school. He is hardly ever sick, but when he is, he really gets it! He's back to school today and hopefully will be symptom free! I love doing laundry, every few hours.....

For those of you not on facebook, Austin had another concussion last week and is no longer a member of athletics at his school. Apparently the track coaches thought that Austin looked like a good high jumper and just put him in a track meet without any practice or instruction or training, or whatever. Austin told me that a "friend" showed him how to do the high jump a few minutes before the event. Well, being Austin, he gave it his all and went for it full force, but apparently wasn't supposed to take out the pole stand with him as he jumped backwards. Then, instead of landing on the padding, his back hits the side of the pad and his head hits the ground. This was his 4th trial and it was down to Austin and 2 other guys for the win. His response, "but mom, I cleared it!" The height was 4'8". I took him to the ER and they did CT scan and x-rays and everything was fine, just mild concussion without loss of consciousness. He of course had to miss baseball practice and his first scrimmage game for this season. Needless to say, the coaches and principal got a wonderful email from me explaining my concerns and why Austin would no longer be involved in middle school athletics. So now Austin realizes that if he is going to play select baseball and pay $$ for it, he will have to not participate in any other sport to avoid all injuries. His baseball coach was not too happy his starting catcher got hurt again (but also understood that he is a good athlete and wants to participate in other sports) but has been reassured by Austin that he is committed to the team. Games begin next week. So far, he has 16 games scheduled and 6 tournaments. He's doing much better now and will be going to practice tonight!

Spring break is in 1 week and it couldn't come any sooner! I'm ready for a break! I will be meeting Cameron's grandmother in Texarkana in March 13 and then again on March 20. He will be visiting in Searcy for the whole week! I'll really miss him but he needs to spend time with his family.

I will be working my second job during spring break so no "trips" planned for us. I work for a private practice in Plano. I started this in December and really like/need the extra income. I work M-Th after school. I'm sure it will continue in the summer as well. Therefore, I virtually have no time to do anything anymore, but ya gotta do whatcha gotta do, right?

Hope all reader(s) are well and staying healthy! Later peeps,

Yes, I'm posting!

2010-02-08T15:06:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's been so long since I posted, I about forgot my password to even get into my own blog! Most of my blog readers did see us over Christmas, so it's not actually been that long ago since I informed. Anyway,
I'll try to see what I can tell you that has been going on lately in our lives.

Austin has started full swing into his second term in all pre-AP classes. He recently had to register for 8th grade classes and will again do all pre-AP, only next year he will get high school credit for math class! And he will get credit for taking a business/management class. That only means that during his senior year, he will probably only go to school for half a day, which I'm sure won't bother him at all! He began playing basketball halfway through his school's season because he asked the coach if he could be on the team. He went the first day for tryouts back in November but decided he "sucked" and didn't want to continue with tryouts. So, the coach graciously accepted him on the team and I think was happy that he got a defensive player. Austin is the tallest kid on the team and towers over all the others. He wasn't much of a scoring contributor to the team, (he averaged 2-4 pts per game) but he sure could block and play defense! He would play 2 quarters per game. His team wasn't star quality, but I think he had a good time learning about a different sport, after all, it's all about having fun, right? He is now focusing on his select baseball team as they have started practicing. Games will begin in March and we have at least 6 tournaments already on the schedule. He will be the starting catcher.

Cameron on the other hand, seems to be liking the drama part of life. He did take TaeKwonDo for about 2 months, but I don't think he was quite ready to listen and get serious about it just yet. So, we have started piano lessons. He really has an ear for music (Hmmm, don't know where he gets that?) and seems to enjoy piano. Also, apparently he is learning much more at school than I thought. Last week I received an email from his teacher explaining that Cameron had to turn his card to RED (green, yellow, orange, blue, then red) but he went from green to red, no in-between for his 'act'. Apparently he learned how to show someone he thought they were number one, using his middle finger. THEN, to top it off, he lied to his teacher and told her that "my mom said that it wasn't a bad word!" But after calling his bluff by threatening to call me and ask me if that is what I said, the teacher got him to admit that his mom didn't really say that to him, hence the turning of the card. Well, after totally being mortified and apologizing to his teacher, I was able to talk to him after school and ask him where he learned that signal. He said Lucas (another student in his class and the one who told on him) said "don't stick your middle finger up because it's a bad word" So I asked him why he did it and Cameron said "because Lucas said he wasn't going to be my friend anymore and play with me" He then asked me what bad word it was. Believe me, he now knows that it is a bad thing to do! (but he still doesn't know what word it is). So, it's been a little "dramatic" around our house!

I recently joined my high school's theater production of the Sound of Music and got to be a nun. It was so fun! There were about 15 "adult" nuns along with the other cast of high school student nuns. We had performances last Thur Fri and Sat nights. No speaking parts, just singing and being on stage for 4 different numbers. I had a blast!

Well, that about wraps up the excitement we've had these past few weeks. We are all just trying to stay well. I have some intestinal bacteria that won't go away called H-pylori and on my second round of antiobiotics (first round didn't kill it) I had an allergic reaction and had to go to the ER one night. Benedryl is my FRIEND! Now I have to see a GI doc to see if there is any other treatment regimen available since I'm allergic to the main antibiotic used to treat and apparently another string of them now too. So, hopefully there will be something available since this bacteria can lead to things such as stenosis of the esophagus or even stomach cancer if I don't get rid of it.

That is all for now, tired of typing, I'll try to post pictures when I can find my usb cord to my phone!

2009-11-09T01:11:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

New addition

2009-11-05T10:18:00.003-06:00

Just trying to post a smilebox to my blog, hoping it works. Just random picsof Cameron throughout the year.

2009-11-05T10:18:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Post!

2009-10-02T13:33:00.004-05:00

Well, time to blog. Getting back into the swing of things of normal life.

Austin is really enjoying football and so far his team is 2-0. Since one of the main dudes on the team referred to as Tito failed this 6 weeks, Austin has now taken over fullback position and said he scored a TD in practice yesterday. He likes to run the ball! He did well this 6 weeks in school too. He made 2 89's and the rest were A's. Not bad for all pre AP classes. He is also playing baseball and playing catcher the entire games. Still growing taller every day.

Cameron is learning to read and seems to enjoy it. He is still having his motor tics that sometimes involve only eye blinking, but sometimes he adds a downward head nod with the eye blinks. These occur every day about every 5 minutes. I would call it severe, but we just keep hoping it will go away soon. His teacher says it's not interfering with school work so I guess we'll just let it ride! He is also taking a drama class once a week and appears to really get in the Drama mode!

Not much going on with me. Trying not to get the flu! Austin & I have had our shots, but Cameron's doc ran out of them and having a hard time finding supply! One of my students at my school in special ed died this past weekend from complications of the flu. Very sad, she was in a wheel chair and had other underlying medical issues, but she was a sweet 16 year old girl who was always smiling (although nonverbal). We had many news crews here this week. Homecoming is tonight and you should see the mums these girls wear! They are almost full-body! Huge (fake)flowers that totally cover the girls' chest and stomachs and then all these ribbons, cow bells, dangling things all the way to the floor! I've never seen such a sight! They sound like hearding cattle walking down the halls! One girl told me she paid $100 for hers which was about average! WOW!

That's all I got for now, will most more later, TTFN!

Good News!

2009-09-01T13:46:00.002-05:00

After all the appts last Friday, Cameron is NOT having seizures. Yeah! The neurologist thinks he has motor and verbal tics that really have no one particular cause but can be as a result of a strep of some sort or heredity (don't think that's on my side) and will usually subside within 6 months. If not, we will go back and they might suggest medication. When I asked what kind of med, the doc replied 'medication similar to what we give pts with tourettes syndrome'. She didn't think it was tourettes because he didn't have enough obsessive-compulsive behaviors, echolalia, aggression, or other characteristics. So, we'll be watching for any of those for sure! I think he does have a little aggression towards me or Austin, esp when he doesn't want to do something! Hopefully that's more normal than not. He will be getting glasses, he is far-sighted, while Austin is near-sighted. Of course, they had to be different! His glasses should be ready tomorrow for us to pick up. I'll post pics when he gets them. That's about all for now, I'll post more later when I have some news-worthy news!

I'm here!

2009-08-27T14:36:00.007-05:00

OK OK, I know it's been forever since I've blogged, I apologize. However, most of the peeps that read this blog already know most of what has been going on this summer except the most recent happenings. So, get ready for a long read. Austin had a great time at Kanakuk Kamp in July and wants to go for 2 weeks next year and we will definitely make that happen, thanks PawPaw! Austin came back from Arkansas and decided he wanted to try out for select baseball teams. He tried out for 3 different teams and was asked to play for the N. Dallas Knights and signed on with them. If you're not familiar with select teams, they have tryouts and then you pay $ (more than just rec or little league $) to play for them, if they ask you to be on the team, thanks Grammy! His first tournament is Labor Day weekend in Mansfield, TX. The field is like the major leagues - air conditioned enclosed bleachers and everything, my kind of baseball watching! School started this past Monday the 24th. Austin LOVES junior high! He says so far his (all pre-AP) classes are easy and he's already practicing football. He thinks he will be running/receiving the ball, I'll have to make sure which position/s he will play. He's the tallest guy but not the biggest by far! He has his first scrimmage on Sept 15 and then games every Tuesday after that for about 7 weeks. He has had to get new glasses since his others broke and his prescription needed to be stronger. So, I think he's set now. He's just a bunch of $ down now since Allie had to have surgery. A nightmare, I tell ya! It seems Austin left a roll of atheletic tape laying around and Allie decided to chew/eat it. Well I found this "stuff" hanging out her rear one day and decided to "help" her out by pulling on it and it kept coming out and then she started yelping and I thought "Oh my, I've pulled out her intestines!" (you can imaging the color of it but I won't get too graphic here) So we rushed her to the emergency animal hospital where they took x-rays and said she needed surgery. Not wanting to put her down, Austin said he would pay for it because I definitely couldn't and wasn't going to; yeah, $1900. So, to teach him a lesson he was required to sell something of value to him. And he did. He sold his Playstation3, all the games with it, his PSP and some games that he could find, and all of his XBOX 360 games except for 2. Although he didn't get near as much for them as they were worth, he managed to raise about $450. So, when I asked him if he had learned anything, he told me he definitely had. The love between a boy and his dog, priceless I guess!

Well, on to Cameron. He's loving Kindergarten! When he came home the 1st day, I asked him how it was and he smiled and said "It was AWESOME!" I asked him what was the best part and he replied: "Everything!" When Austin was getting his eyes tested, Cameron was partially tested as well because he has been doing some strange things with his nose/eyes lately. He started this nose twitching thing back in July and it progressively got worse and then he started another kind of twitch/tic where he would lower his eyebrows and his eyes would roll. Lately it has been eye blinking, like non-stop. I took him to see the doc and he referred us to a pediatric neurologist to see if he might be having petit-mal seizures. I had taken video into him and showed him those weird things he was doing and that is what he suggested. So, he has an appt tomorrow morning for an EEG and then a neurologist appt that afternoon. In the meantime, when his eyes were partially checked, he couldn't see very clearly out of his right eye. Dr. Calaway (mom's cousin) couldn't complete the exam but she said he definitely needs correction for the R eye. We are going Sat morning to finish the exam and try on frames for glasses. Maybe it's all in the vision, but I want to rule out seizures since I already had the appt. I'll update the blog when I know more.

As for me, all is well, with the exception of a minor female problem, but I haven't decided what to do about it yet. I've started a new school this year - high school. I've never done therapy at the secondary level, but so far, I think it is going to work out just fine. It's amazing how much you're not treated like an elementary student when you're not working at an elementary school! There are only 3,000 students here grades 9-12! This school is the biggest in the district. It's not my high school, but it's within the same district and we were rivals with this school, but I'm pretty much over the rivalry thing! My sister has moved back to Dallas and is living with us again. She is working part time and going to her meetings, counseling, and living 1 day at a time. She is doing well; plus she helps me out with the boys tremendously. She can take over when I'm about to lose it!

Oh yeah, as a last 'hoorah' for the summer I took the boys to New Braunfels TX and we went to Schlitterbaun, the biggest water park I've ever been to in my life! 2 separate parks that they shuttle you back and forth with buses, but only have to pay 1 admission - too fun, it had an uphill water coaster, tons of slides and lots of fun things! Right next to a river that was so clear you could see 6ft+ to the bottom, spring fed so it felt very cool! We stayed from open to close, still didn't get to do every ride there. But we all had a great time, I would definitely recommend going and doing the Schlitterbaun park! Also enjoyed a trip to Children's museum the day before school started. They have an exhibit all about spys and it was neat - then there was the regular children's museum stuff and Cameron had a ball - got to dig for dinosaur bones - I personally felt like we were in the movie A Night at the Museum - pretty neat, fun and educational all at the same time!

That's about all in a nutshell for now, I'll do better about posting, I promise! Pictures will come soon as I don't have them uploaded yet, but be looking!

Go All-Stars!

2009-07-10T09:02:00.002-05:00

Austin's team has advanced to the championship! They play tomorrow night for the district title! The team has run-ruled every team so far. They are 4-0 in this tournament. So far, Austin has hit 2 home runs, 1 of those was over the fence! He's having a blast playing with this team. So hopefully they can pull the win tomorrow night. If so, then it's off to Abilene TX for sectionals July 15-20, then after that it's Waco for state and then Williamsport PN. Wow, wouldn't that be fun! I'll keep posting on the progress!

Well, it's my last day as a thirtysomething. I used to think that those actors on that show thirtysomething were OLD! Now, not so much! But, I'm looking forward to my fabulous fourties! (sort of) I hear only good things from my friends who have already jumped over into the forty decade. So we'll see!

New look

2009-06-23T09:20:00.004-05:00

Well, the project for out front is almost complete! I couldn't find my pre picture, but it's on this blog somewhere in the pictures of the wall out front. It is now gone and new additions have been made! Check out the photos.

Austin is recovering from a bad sunburn that took an ER visit to tell us that aspirin, benadryl, aloe, and keeping it covered is the best cure. Can't wait for that bill! Seems that a pool party after ball practice turned into an expensive event. He didn't listen to his mother to apply sunscreen often and therefore had a bad reaction 2 days later which caused him tons of itching, pain and discomfort with huge tears, groaning/yelling and jerking movements that looked similar to convulsions! I thought something else was wrong with him!

Cameron on the other hand, is doing great with swimming! He can now swim by himself without any life preservers! He goes under, kicks, and swims about 6 feet unassisted, but close to the wall so that he can grab it if needed. He now loves the water! Initially, tears and fears were all around even getting near the water, now tears are there for not wanting to get out! We decided to take another 2 weeks of lessons since he is doing so good! He's also getting into photography, likes to take random pics with my phone. Check out the self portraits. That's all for now, gotta go to another swim lesson!

Williamsport anyone?

2009-06-16T20:11:00.003-05:00

Yes, Austin made the Williamsport All-Star team! That means if his team keeps advancing, we may be going to Pennsylvania for a championship! You can watch us on ESPN! Well, we can always dream big anyway! He was very excited to make the team this year. Also Austin got an award for "best attitude" from the coaches. Each teams' coaches in the league picks 1 player to receive the award/medal. Austin got it for the Tigers. Pretty cool. He also got MVP and best slug average award from his coach. His slug average was the best in the whole LEAGUE. We had our closing ceremonies last Saturday so regular baseball season is over. His team got 2nd place for his division. I don't think I've mentioned 6th grade graduation and his awards he received. He got all A average for the year award, best boy writer of 6th grade, and awards for getting "commended" (which means getting an A on the test) on both reading and math TAKS test, which is the state assessment taken each year. He made a 100 on the math and only missed 1 on the reading. So he's getting to be a pretty fart smeller, I mean smart feller! His schedule now is going to pre AP math prep class every morning from 8-11:45 and then all-star practice every night from 8-10.

Cameron is still playing t-ball and doing pretty well. He is in his 2nd week of swim lessons. At first I thought I had spent $ for nothing because the 1st 2 days, he wouldn't even get near the water. Finally an instructor took him and made him get in and asked me to leave the area so he can gain confidence that he will be OK and can build trust, which was fine with me. So day 3 and I go into the gym to work out. I come out and he's in the water with a noodle wrapped around him swimming around and kicking like crazy. I'm not sure how they convinced him, but it worked! He is not afraid to get in as long as he has someone to hold on to or is wearing his noodle. Way to go YMCA! My friend Sean from college came to town and he does voice recordings for the cartoon Dragon Ball-Z. His friend owns a studio and I got to take the boys to let them see what a recording studio looks like. Cameron hopped right up in the chair and took off! He wore headphones so he could hear himself. They morphed his voice to sound like a munchkin and it made him laugh so hard. It was pretty funny hearing him laugh in the morphed voice! Then they morphed his voice very low and he imitated the guy saying "I'm a scary monster" It was really cool. Cameron was a real ham and started doing his own things like singing songs, playing air guitar and singing tunes, saying funny phrases, etc. They recorded it all and will send me a copy soon, I hope. I told them if they ever needed a kid to record, give me a call!

I'm staying busy trying to find cheap labor to help me re-design my front yard area. We've cut trees down, took out bushes and knocked down the huge brick wall that was blocking my dining room windows. I can see outside now! Next comes making a little patio/sitting area and planting new plants. Jose is going to help me. He's good, pretty cheap, but does not know much "Engleis" and my "Espaniol" is not that great. But we should be OK, hopefully. I'll take pics and post later of my updates. We have also switched rooms with Austin and the spare. We've painted and moved all the stuff. His former room was at least 10 degrees hotter than the rest of the house. Maybe because he has a 37" flat screen TV and XBox 360 running almost non-stop???? I have a window a/c unit in the garage that we can use, but his old windows slide left to right and the windows in the new room are normal, which will allow the window unit if needed. So, he's busy making it "teen" like.

Here's the latest weight update Cameron: 55lbs. Austin: 130 lbs 5'9" Josie: never mind!

It's getting hot down here! Leave me comments sometime, let me know what you're up to!!!

Summer's here!

2009-06-08T09:09:00.002-05:00

We're finally out of school! Austin is officially a junior high student! UGH! He's very happy about having nothing to do for 2 1/2 months. Oh is he in for a surprise! I have many summer projects that he gets to help with! Right now we are working on strengthening his R shoulder. It seems he has a muscle tear and can't pitch for 6 weeks. He had a game last Thursday and played 1st base, since he doesn't need to throw hard and therefore catching was out. This was about the best game I have ever seen. We were ahead almost the whole game and then the other team got ahead, so the score was 9-8. We were up to bat - last inning of the game, of course. First 2 batters struck out. Austin was up to bat. No pressure. The count became full so it was so intense. On the last pitch Austin took a huge swing and............................................................................................................................................................................HIT IT OVER THE FENCE to tie the game. The crowd went wild. It was like one of those "best of game" clips that they show on ESPN or something! I think I climbed half way up the fence! Then the next 2 batters hit and we ended up winning 10-9. Hearts were definitely pumping that night. Austin told me after the game that he couldn't feel anything or hear anything as he was rounded the bases. When he got to home plate, he looked up to the sky and pushed his helmet upwards, thanking Him for the ability to make that play. Now he has to rest his shoulder. I'm not sure if that will affect his all-star nomination or not. We'll see. They had another game this past Sat and won 27-12. So their record is now 15-1. Go Tigers!

I was able to get away this weekend to Austin with my friend Norma. We stayed with my sister 1 night and then a hotel the next. We had a good time and ate some good food. A much needed break for me!

Cameron starts swim lessons today and I need to get ready to take him. So, that's all for now!

Update on goings-on

2009-05-26T14:07:00.004-05:00

School days are getting closer to the end!!! Austin can't wait until school's out. I feel about the same myself. Cameron is just glad to be going back to school for a while. He's been sick with walking pheumonia. He has had oral steroids and antibiotics, along with breathing treatments. Now he has continued breathing treatments along with steroids through the nebulizer once a day for about a month. We then go back to see if it's all cleared up and if we need to continue with the asthma meds or not. We have to clear up the pheumonia before knowing if it's true asthma. He's feeling much better now. We went to Dave and Busters this weekend and won a huge Spiderman for his room - he hasn't stopped playing with it yet. We did hang it up so it looks like he is suspended in the corner of his room - pretty cool - it's twice the size of Cameron - note the picture.

Austin is ready to play baseball on Thursday, the next game, as he found out that sitting out a game is no fun. You see, during the game on May 18, our team was down 2-0. The opposing team had a really good pitcher and no one could hit off him. So, in the bottom of the 5th inning, they had to put in a new pitcher. We started hitting. Austin was 2nd up to bat. He had a huge hit to the fence, rounded the bases, thought he saw his coach twirling his finger to go home and went. Seems the catcher didn't want Austin to score so he stood just in front of the plate, some say he was standing on the plate, but as he bobbled the ball, it fell to the ground, Austin was more than half way home, then as catcher was picking up the ball, the collision occurred. Austin didn't slide under, but tried to jump over to avoid the head to head collision, but ended up knocking the catcher to the ground, hitting his head as he had already taken his helmet off. The umpire called Austin out (but he did get a runner in) and the catcher laid on the ground for a few minutes. After about 5 min of taking care of a busted lip and sore head, the field umpire told our coach that Austin was ejected from the rest of the game plus the next game. It appeared that Austin was "trying to cause malicious harm to another player" because he didn't slide. Although not true, Austin learned to always slide no matter what in this league. Our coach did protest the ejection from the next game sighting it wasn't malicious intent, but to no avail. According to the board, this was not protestable and was denied. We did end up winning 6-4 that night. We had our next game the very next night. We just so happened to play the 1 team who is even with us in standings except we had beaten them once (or the #2 team I gues I could have said). We are no longer undefeated. Our record is now 10-1. Austin was a good cheerleader though!

He last adventure was a competition this past weekend for lego robotics. He wasn't sure if he was even going to enter since he had missed a few afternoon sessions. He had 3 days to build his robot and ended up coming in 15th out of 31 in the competition. The only other team from his school came in 29th, and he was pretty proud since that team had 3 weeks to work on their robots. There were 4 different things his robot had to do: put darts on a board, put ping pongs in a cone, push a hockey puck into a goal, and pick up a bone and drop it off at another location. The picture shows his creation and the accessories. He programmed it to do the moving things from a computer. Now the only thing left is a band concert, a 6th grade party and 6th grade "graduation" from elementary school. Then, I paid for him to go to summer school to help him prepare for pre-AP math next year. He is taking all pre-AP classes (which are essentially 8th grade classes) and this course is designed to cover all the 7th grade math he will miss in about 3 1/2 weeks for 3 hrs a day. I KNOW he is SO looking forward to that, especially the part about starting at 8am!

Cameron will again take swimming lessons for 2 weeks in June. I don't know what has happened between last summer and now, but he is DEATHLY afraid to get in the water, even with someone holding him. He has a new bathing suit (body suit) that has built-in floatation things, but he won't get out far enough for him to see that he will float. So, lessons without mom in the water will be fun!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T20:19:00.004-05:00

I am so lucky to be a mother. Although it's challenging, and the older I get the less patience I have, I wouldn't change it for the world. I also am very fortunate to still have my mother. I know so many who have lost their mothers and had them in my thoughts yesterday. When you lose a mother, or even a mother figure, Mother's day can be difficult. I miss my 'other' mother dearly and wish I could tell her just once more how much she meant to me. I wish she could see all her grandchildren and how proud I am of all of them and how smart they are. I think she might agree!

My boys gave me a gift certificate to get a 1 hour massage and a gift certificate to Bath and Body Works. Austin told me I needed the massage! He was soooo right! We went out for a Mother's day brunch at Nana's Grill at the top of the Anatole Hotel. It was VERY nice. The view was spectacular. Cameron didn't quite know how to act and was just himself, the whole time, burping outloud and everything. At least he did say excuse me. He learned how to burp with his mouth closed that day. Jessica came in from Austin and we had a great 2 hour long meal with great food, but very expensive! Glad I wasn't paying! The hotel was very nice in the lobby and the pictures show just a little snapshot of the glamour. Cameron didn't mind posing, but Austin just "chilled" since he was a bit tired from playing video games with his buddies on Xbox live into the wee hours of the morning!

Cameron "graduated" from preschool last Friday night. It was a cute ceremony complete with dinner! He is ready for Kindergarten, if he could only keep his mouth shut! I think I might have to work on his social skills this summer. Last week at Austin's baseball game, another parent told Cameron he could ride this scooter and a few minutes later when the scooter's owner told Cameron to get off (unaware that his parents had told Cameron he could ride it) and was trying to lift the scooter so Cameron would get off, Cameron reared back, made a fist and punched the kid right in the face by his left cheek bone/eye area! I couldn't believe it. My 4 year old punching a 7 year old and making him cry. I was so embarrassed and upset that he would do such a thing! I have never seen him act like that. Most of the time he justs cries and screams. I may need to watch a few of these shows he is watching on cartoon network and see what kind of violence is going on before I let him watch that channel again!

Well, that's about it for now - so far we haven't contacted the Swine flu. I know I won't be kissin' on any pigs anytime soon!

Can't think of a good title so this is it!

2009-04-29T17:52:00.004-05:00

Well, we already have 1 elementary school within our district close down Monday afternoon due to Swine flu. 1 student tested positive and 2 other possible. Just so happens that a co-worker of mine has a child that attends that school, plus his little brother goes to Cameron's preschool! They have been quarantined to their house. UGH! Wash those hands!

We have had state testing this week and since I'm a certified 'teacher' I get to watch small groups of students. I can't do anything while I give the test. No computer, no phone, no book, no NOTHING! Some groups get accommodations that allow reading of questions and answers so at least I get to do that! Otherwise, it's like watching paint dry! I didn't realize how exhausting it is to sit there and do absolutely nothing!

Austin's soccer team came in 2nd place this past weekend during a tournament. He has another soccer tournament AND a baseball tournament this coming weekend.

Cameron decided he needed another hair cut so he cut his bangs again. I had to really try hard not to lose it or laugh at him! Needeless to say, the scissors in this house have been hidden! So, both boys got haircuts last night by me! Cameron had his first t-ball game last Sat and did pretty good, once he realized what the pitcher was supposed to do! I forgot how funny it is to watch beginning t-ball! He has 11 more games to go! His team is the Indians. I will post some of those pics when I get them loaded off my phone.

These latest pictures are from Easter that I didn't load yet. Only 5 more weeks of school!!!!

I might go broke this season!

2009-04-11T22:26:00.004-05:00

I made Austin a deal at the beginning of this baseball season that if he could hit the ball over the fence, I'd pay him $20. Well, today I am $20 lighter! Austin had a GRAND SLAM over the fence home run today! Yes, bases loaded! WooHoo! His teammates came out onto the field and picked him up and carried him to the dugout! He was smiling from ear to ear! He even got to keep the ball that he hit over the fence. He also got his free nachos for hitting a home run, which I think he liked just as well. Then later when he was up to bat again, he hit another homerun - line drive down first base line to the fence, just not over the fence! He scored another runner in when he came in! He played catcher the whole game and they had a 21-0 shut-out! I think the on-field photographer got a shot of the players carrying him off the field. Go to http://allen42.smugmug.com/ then under NGLL and look for Tigers vs. Indians 4-11-09. It should be in there somewhere. When I figure out how to load pictures from my phone onto my computer, I'll post some pics I've taken.

Cameron has been sick the past 2 days. He has been running fever and has had no appetite - that's when I really know he doesn't feel well, he even refused donuts this morning! I hope it's just a 24 hour virus thing, but we'll see. Tonight we dyed some eggs and he began eating a little so I think he may be on the road to feeling better. He's ready for the Easter Bunny!

Play ball!

2009-03-30T23:24:00.007-05:00

Austin had his first baseball game of the season tonight. His first time up to bat......a home run! An official home run too, not the kind where he 'stole' home. 2nd time up to bat......another home run! Third time up to bat - hit a line drive that hit the pitcher's hand (who I think tried to catch it bare handed - we thought he broke his hand or fingers or something, but he ended up being fine after a short time-out and a substituted pitcher). Austin made it to 1st base on that hit, then stole home on the next batter. Then 4th time up to bat.... bases loaded, Austin hits again to the outfield! All 3 runners made it home, Austin stayed at 2nd - so, 2 home runs, a single (that probably would have been at least a double) and a double - what a night! All that and only 1 strike the whole game! He played short stop and did well there the whole night. The game lasted FOREVER! 5th inning and we had been playing for 2 1/2 hrs! UGH! Did I mention the game didn't even start until 8pm???? And now I'm here typing on this blog - I just couldn't wait to tell about his game! The final score: 17-7. Game ball??? Yep, Austin. Except now they give out certificates for free Nachos instead of a game ball. And the concession stand had already turned off the cheese since the game was sooo long! So on Friday, his next game, he'll get a "snack".

I'm listening to the rain outside and the little hail hit the roof. The weather on TV is showing hail that has landed around here from quarter to baseball sized, glad I have a garage! And it's super clean! OK, I'm rambling now and need to get some shut-eye. Later.............

Spring Break is over - boo!

2009-03-23T21:35:00.002-05:00

Well, it was back to work today, blah! Spring break was nice, but wish it was longer. It makes me long for the summer!! Over the break I took the boys bowling, to the movies, to Dave and Busters and we cleaned out the garage. We took everything out and painted the floor and it is so organized now I can't even believe it - looks like something out of a magazine, well, maybe not that great, but at least if I had 2 cars they could both fit in the garage! We spent a lot of time on it and I'm about ready to have another yard sale. We also took a trip to the Ft. Worth Stockyards. The boys rode horses and a mechanical bull. We all went through the cowpen maze, which made me feel like a mouse because it took a long time to find what we were looking for and then try and find the exit! I took pictures with my phone and I haven't figured out how to load them so that I can post them, but in my spare time, I'll try to figure that out. We also went in Billy Bob's. I had never been there before but knew that many concerts are held there. It was neat. Cameron had a good time dancing on the dance floor.

This past weekend was Lane's birthday party. I had misplaced the invitation, but had thought the party started at 1pm. During my cleaning on Sat am, I found the invitation at 11am. The party started at 10am. I felt horrible! So to make up for it, we took Lane to Arbor Hills nature preserve in Plano on Sunday. I didn't realize there was that much undeveloped land in north Texas! It was beautiful. Lots of trails for walking, bike riding, dog walking, etc. And it was very clean. It had a few creeks and hills and wooded areas to walk through. Lane was such a big girl and wanted to do everything by herself! That's pretty much our week. Now it's back to the same ole same ole!

And the winning story by Austin...

2009-03-14T19:49:00.015-05:00

My Grandma taught me to never give up on what I'm doing. My grandma was a gifted and talented teacher in Arkansas. She was like my "second" mom. I saw her almost every day when I was about 7 years old.

She took me to her school almost every Friday. We had contests to see who could build something that helps every day life. I never won a contest with her class which were 8th graders, but she was proud of me for not giving up. She taught me how to play chess and to "think" when we played each other. It seemed like she said "think" after every other move. She also introduced me to legos. She would buy me little boxes of legos and then make me build them. Sometimes when I got tired, I would go play video games. If she caught me playing those games she would always say "Turn off those video games" and I would say "but I've built all the legos" (which I loved to do). Guess what she said after that.."Think!"

So I thought and thought. I remember there was a lot of snow on the ground one day so I went out there and started throwing snowballs at these two massive dogs that she had. Out of the corner of my eye I could see her smiling out of the window watching me. A few years past and it was pretty much the same, "turn off those video games...Think".

About a month before Christmas my grandpa told me that she was complaining about a horrible migraine and that she needed to go to the hospital. But since they lived in the country, it would take a good 45 minutes before they could get there. When they got there, the doctors couldn't tell what was wrong with her. She died after a few hours. After she died, they found out that she had an aneuryism in her brain.

I remember holding her hand at the visitation. I didn't know that I could cry that much but when I looked down at my shirt, it was soaking wet in tears. After that, all I remember from that day was me putting a rose on her closed casket and then my grandpa and I were the only ones left. We watched her go down into the dirt. I knew from that point on that my life would never be the same.

2009-03-12T21:36:00.005-05:00

Well, I think I know why the previous owner of our dog Allie gave her up to the shelter. She has chewed everything she can get her paws/teeth on - clothes, shoes, pillows, rugs, even my raggedy Ann and Andy dolls that I had when I was little! I was most upset about that! See the picture of what's left :o(.. She has plenty of "chewie toys" to keep her busy, but apparently that's not enough for her!

On another note, I have to brag about Austin. He came home today and told me he had won a writing contest. He said he got the award for the best in the whole 6th grade class. His story will be featured on the school bulletin board. I asked him if he did this at school, because I was unaware of any writing contest. He said everyone was required to write something in 1 day (so I guess it really was an assignment instead of a contest??). He wrote it in 45 minutes. They gave a grade-wide topic of "A sad moment in your life" Austin told me he wrote about his Granny. I haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet, but when he brings it home, I'll post it. He gave me a synopsis of his story which was about telling what Granny taught him such as chess, building with legos, and to "think". He also mentioned remembering her to tell him to get off the video games (as he smiled). Then he told about how she was having headaches and then the tragedy that happened. He also told me he wrote about remembering standing next to his PawPaw watching a machine place her into the ground, seeing his grandpa cry and him not knowing what to do. It made my eyes tear up, that's for sure. I can't wait to read it. He also recently won 1 of only 4 awards for band. He had to play a song in front of a judge he didn't know and the judge critiques his playing, hand positions, mouth posture, etc. He received a 99.9%. The picture shows both certificates he received as a result of these accomplishments!

One more day of school for us then we're off for spring break! We'll be staying here and cleaning out my garage and painting the floor of it. Then maybe doing a few other home improvements, or maybe not. I plan to relax and try to catch up on my sleep. haha. That's all for now, more to come.....

Free hair cut!

2009-02-06T20:08:00.003-06:00

Cameron took it upon himself to cut his hair this evening. I had told him earlier that I needed to cut his hair so I guess he couldn't wait for me! He now has a much shorter "do!" Check out the picture!

New dog!

2009-01-30T14:10:00.003-06:00

Yes, we adopted a new member to our family. Cameron named her Allie. She's a good dog and a good companion for Jake. They love to play with each other and see how many times they can run around in circles in the backyard and not hit the playset! Jake is faster, but Allie is smart in that she cuts corners so she can catch him! She came from the local shelter. She's already had kennel cough and been to see the vet. Not so cheap, I might add. Now both the boys have a dog - which Cameron will tell you they are "both our dogs".

We were out for 1 day this week because of the ice. Not too bad, although I was in the bed pretty much all day with a horrible headache. So, I wasn't much fun to hang out with on a non-school day! Luckily my sister was able to take the boys to a movie in the afternoon so I had a little peace and quiet!

Austin had a band concert last night, which was pretty good. All the area elementary schools gathered to perform songs together. Packed house, couldn't see anything, but at we least got to hear it! He "tries out" for baseball on Sat, which is just for fun since he is already frozen on the same team from last year. We just have to go through the mechanics I guess. And he's playing outdoor and indoor soccer this weekend. The weather is supposed to be so much nicer than earlier this week - they're talking in the low 70's - how weird is this?? That's Texas for ya!

That's all for now - this is 2 times in 1 month! I'm getting better!

2009-01-19T15:59:00.002-06:00

Well, it's been about a month - maybe a little longer, since I posted so I guess I'll post! As things get busy around the house, I don't make the time to update as much as I should. So, I'm off today from work and decided it was time to blog. Plus, I was made aware that I hadn't blogged in a while, so this is for you , Dad. I think you're about the only one who reads this since you're the only one who says anything to me about it.

We had a good time in Arkansas for Christmas. Although we didn't have Cameron for 5 days, he was able to join us for the Lodge and Christmas with PawPaw. We had a very nice Christmas with lots of gifts! We were very blessed this season!

Austin is playing goalie for an indoor soccer team and will start outdoor soccer again in about a week. Baseball will start in a few weeks too. He will play again for North Garland Little League on the same team, Tigers. Today I took him to see the movie Valkerie. It was a good movie. Austin had already known about the col. Schafenberg (I think that's how to spell it) from watching the History channel. He was informing me of things about to happen during the movie. He is a WWII history buff and is a sponge when it comes to history. He also is very much into flying planes and wants to take flying lessons. He keeps saying he wants to be in the Navy.
Cameron is getting into the playstation addiction. He's beginning to play the games Austin had when he was younger. Right now his 2 games of choice are Lego Star Wars and Spyro. Dad, you'll be proud to know that his favorite book to read to himself on his new tag system is Walter the Farting Dog. There are a tons of fart sounds all throughout the book and it just makes Cameron laugh hysterically! You either have to laugh with him or walk away thinking it's gross. If I had more etiquette, I would probably walk away, but it's pretty funny. I think it's funnier watching Cameron get such a kick out of the farting!
I'm adding some pictures also, just read above them or below them for captions. That's all for now, I'll try to update more often, maybe.

2008-12-18T20:35:00.003-06:00

1 More Day! Whoo Hoo! We're so excited about getting a 2 week break! We'll have our own little family Christmas early this year since Cameron will be with his dad on Christmas. The boys are excited about getting to open presents this Saturday morning when Santa comes! We leave for Arkansas on Sunday and return the following Sunday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. We had some recent ice this week, but no school closings. Our district does not close for weather unless there's 6 feet of snow or something like that! Over 200 wrecks reported in Dallas but our district didn't close! Some surrounding districts closed or opened late, not ours!

Not much news worthy to report, just thought I'd post something because it's been a month since I posted. So, for the norm, I needed to post!

Austin is doing well in school, makng A's and loving trombone. The area director of band for the district told me that Austin was a natural trombone player and that he was made to play the trombone! I said his piano background must have helped, she said, yes, but even if he hadn't had the piano, he woud still have a natural talent to play. As I write this, he is at the Dalas Stars Hockey game that I am watching on TV. The Stars are ahead 4-3
Cameron is learning to write his name and doing pretty good, is it too early to get worried about dyslexia???? haha Can't seem to shake his runny nose, probably allergies. I guess having a dog doesn't help matters, especially when the dog sleeps with ya!

Well, we hope everyone has a restful and very blessed holiday season. I probably won't post again until next year! I am planning to have a NYE party at my house, so that should be fun!
Merry Christmas!

2008-11-19T21:22:00.003-06:00

This past weekend the boys and I had a little fun. We went shopping and did the Santa thing! This was the best time to go see Santa! NO WAIT, NONE whatsoever! I couldn't believe it! We walked into the mall (around 5:45pm Sunday - Santa closed at 6pm) and walked right up to Santa, Cameron told him all that he wanted, I had my camera with me and took some pics, and that was it! In and out in 5 minutes! I couldn't get Austin to sit on Santa's lap though. It was hard enough to get him to sit with the big brown bear that was just sitting around the mall looking lonely! Then we found the cool car and you can tell by the look on Austin's face, he was Oh So Excited to be sitting in the little green car!

Austin has another soccer tournament this weekend so that's what we'll be doing. Woo Woo! Then next week, only 2 days of school for all of us then it's off to Hermann! Woo Woo! Long drive but we get to see Uncles, Aunts and cousins, and PawPaw. Gonna get some good use of the dvd player in the van!

2008-11-15T08:46:00.003-06:00

Well, a long trip to say goodbye to a lifelong friend. I'm back in Dallas from Arkansas where I attended the funeral of one of my best friends. Bobbie Jo Cothrine Hernandez was obviously very loved based on the massive turnout to her visitation and funeral. She will be missed by all.

On a brighter note, Cameron's last soccer game was cancelled this morning due to the weather (very cold and windy). So, I have a little time to post! But not much to say. I'm ready for the holidays - not ready as in have all my shopping done, just ready to be out of school for a break! This fall is going by fast!

Karen got me involved in facebook this week so I'm now on that as well. One good thing about it is I found a friend from college that is in NY doing voices on cartoons, acting in movies, all kinds of stuff that I knew he would do! He's a very talented artsy person.

I think it's time to go shopping for Christmas gifts, I need to get that done so I won't wait until the last minute!

Posting again!

2008-10-23T22:08:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's my monthly posting. Things just get busy and I forget to post. Sorry!

Soccer is in full swing. Cameron's team didn't have a coach, so I volunteered his Aunt Jess to volunteer coach and she accepted graciously. Cameron has not yet grasped the concept of 'dribbling the ball' and 'shoot and score'. He likes running around and chasing the birds on the other field or racing his teammate down the field when the ball is going the opposite way. Our team is made up of 4 boys and 4 girls. I have to say that the girls definitely "get it" while the boys like to fall down (on purpose) and run around. and around. and around. It's definitely a spectator sport, since the spectators are the ones laughing so hard or yelling at the top of their lungs "go the other way!!" We are half way through his games. He misses 2 out of the 6 games due to visitation with his dad and then his uncle getting married, which happens to be next weekend. Cameron will miss out on Halloween trick or treating, but we're planning on going to a couple of festivals so he can wear his Iron man costume, or his Spiderman or his Superman. He's not certain as to which super "dude" he wants to be.

Austin's soccer team is doing very well. He has been playing forward, defender and goalie. His regular season is over, but he has 2 tournaments coming up. Starting tomorrow night, his team is in a tournament so we have at least 3 games this weekend, maybe more if they advance to semi-finals and the to finals, plus a baseball game, plus a trip to the high school to demonstrate his "invention" from invention convention in which he won 3rd place. I guess I'll go grocery shopping around midnight! He was nominated and inducted into the Beta Club at his school a few weeks ago. And, he is about to start chess club. He has asked his principal about starting a chess club and the principal just happens to be a chess player himself, and has actually taught chess, so Austin is excited about the chess club! He is still enjoying the trombone. He can actually play a few songs now and is sounding much better than when school started!

That's about it for now, look for me to post again in about another month! Maybe I'll post earlier, I need to get some pics this weekend and I'll post them. Hopefully.

Weekend fun!

2008-09-21T20:17:00.002-05:00

This weekend we went to the Addison Octoberfest with PawPaw, Peggy and Lane. Yes, Octoberfest in September, welcome to Texas. Didn't get any pictures except on my phone, but I don't know how to send it from my phone to my blog! So, we went to the Dallas Aborritum today with Grammy where they had all the pumpkins out! They even had a 15ft pumpkin house! I did remember to bring my camera!

Austin has started soccer games and his team has won 2 out of 2 so far. We have another game tomorrow night. Baseball is slow to get started since Ike interferred one weekend and then we had a schedule change another weekend so no games so far, but that will change this coming weekend. Cameron hasn't started his soccer season yet, but I'm hoping we get a call sometime this week since he is registered, but in a different association. They start the little ones a little later. It's back to school tomorrow, yeah! 2 more weeks then we're off for fair day, every student and teacher gets a free ticket to the state fair. Can't wait to see what the fried items are this year! I've heard there will be fried jellybeans and fried coke, just to mention a few; that just sound really weird to me!

Hey, I'm posting!

2008-08-29T17:24:00.004-05:00

OK, I know, it's been a while. We've been a little busy. School has started and we are back into a routine, sort of. Before school started, we were able to go to the Ft. Worth Zoo with Uncles John and Justin, Aunt Amanda and all the girl cousins, except for Esther who was home with her mom trying to keep well before school started. We also have a new (used) van. It is a 2008 model and the boys are so much quieter during all our travels now that it has a drop down DVD player which also has adaptors to play video games in, AND is complete with wireless headphones, way cool! Austin has started in band and absolutely loves it. Cameron awoke this morning to the sounds of the trombone! I need to find my ear plugs.......
Austin has also been taking private lessons from minor league professional baseball players/coaches, in order to learn a bit more about the hitting and pitching game. He will play fall ball this fall with the little league he played with in the spring, which consists of teams, but very casual - just having fun and keeping up their skills. He likes 6th grade much better than 5th, so he has told me all this week. We'll see if that enthusiasm continues....
And finally, we have a new roommate, Jessica, my sister, has moved in with us and is trying to find a job. She helps me out trememdously with the boys which is great - instant babysitter and housekeeping helper! Gotta run, band practice is nearing....

Bye Bye Jeep

2008-08-07T18:07:00.002-05:00

Well, I sold the Jeep today. Wouldn't ya know, the driver was uninsured so I took the insurance to pay off most of the Jeep, called the uninsured driver and he agreed to pay my deductible, and called an auto broker who has a body shop and sold it today. So, it all turned out OK, just that I own no vehicle now. My mother has a car that I can use and I may end up buying it from her, but not sure. It has a lot of miles on it.

The boys are great. Austin is getting bored and is actually ready for school to start! Cameron is just full of himself all the time. I have 2 days of workshops tomorrow and Monday then start the 18th. The kids start the 25th. We're looking forward to tax-free weekend shopping! Austin needs new shoes AGAIN! His feet are growing so fast that I told him we were going to the local thrift store to get shoes. He didn't like that thought at all. We did go to one recently and I told him that it's a good place to get name brand stuff real cheap! It's just like a yard sale. He was embarassed that we even walked in to the store! So, I guess I'll only save $ on mine and Cameron's new wardrobes because Austin just wouldn't dare wear anything from there! I told him that a lot of his clothes he wore when he was younger were from yard sales and it didn't hurt him at all!

Summer is growing much shorter, but the days keep getting hotter and hotter. I think we've had 26 straight days of over 100 degrees! I am going to try someday and put a video on here, but haven't learned how to upload onto youtube yet. I'll work on that. Later.

The Jeep is hurting.....

2008-08-03T16:13:00.003-05:00

Yeah, it's wrecked. Thank goodness all of us involved are OK. No injuries, just a little shaken up on my part. Austin was at home so he wasn't involved. Cameron and I were on our way to Starbucks and as we approached an intersection, this pick-up decided to turn right in front of us. My light was green and he thought he had an arrow. Fortunately, no one was hurt and my car got most of the damage, although his truck was bashed in on the right rear panel just behind the passenger. It didn't phase Cameron at all. I told Cameron that we were going to hit him and after we did he asked hit who Momma? When the police arrived all Cameron wanted to know was if he could sit in the policeman's car! I had 2 witnesses that helped me calm down, use their cell phone as I had left mine at home, and write down information for me as I was temporarily unable to hold a pen in my hand! Luckily the guy had insurance and he admitted it was his fault and he apologized. He was a young hispanic male and I'm sure not wanting to see his insurance go up, but I told him that's why we have insurance, it could have been worse! So, we'll see what the insurance adjuster tells me and go from there!

Birthday Party!

2008-07-29T23:50:00.001-05:00

Cameron turned 4 years old today and we celebrated by having a Power Ranger Birthday Party and a local park. Cameron was soooo excited to finally have his party. We had been marking days off on the calendar and the day was finally here! He got lots of cool things and new toys to play with. He was especially surprised when Spiderman came to his party! He had no idea that Spidey would show up! (Later this evening Spiderman also showed up at the house to tuck Cameron in his bed with his new Prince Caspian sheets.) You see, Cameron has been in the habit of sleeping in his mother's bed since we moved to Texas. He will take naps in his top bunk, but refuses to sleep alone at night. So, when he turned 4 the deal was that he would be big enough to sleep in his own bed. So, with a little help from some new sheets from a recently seen movie and a quick morale booster from Spidey, he's attempting to sleep tonight alone. The Spiderman suit in the picture that Cameron is wearing is one of his most favorite presents. It was the first present that I actually let him open early or I was going to have to buy it, knowing that he was getting it from Uncle John and Aunt Ashley and Esther and Emelia. He absolutely would not take his suit off for at least 3 days. He slept in it, went out to eat in it, went to Target in it, etc. Austin got to watch himself on video and proclaimed himself as a horrible actor. But, he tried and all the kids thought it was great to see Spiderman. Even several non-party kids from the bigger pool came over to see Spiderman! All in all, the party was a success and enjoyed by all.

Summer Fun!

2008-07-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

We had a blast in Arkansas visiting family and friends. Austin said camp was the best time he had ever had in his whole life! He definitely wants to go back next summer! However, he injured his elbow on a tubing incident and thanks to cousin Cody, we now have his arm in a splint for 2 weeks. Don't think it's broken, but Dr. C says elbows are hard to read and we will need to have a pediatric ortho take more x-rays in 2 weeks to see if a break is healing or if there is a break. He still complains that it hurts and it's been almost a week since he injured it. Due to that, he will not be able to participate in the 2nd all-star team that he was made a member of (while he was away at camp) and was extrememly excited to be playing ball again. But, his arm must really hurt for him to not play! He's becoming rather bored since he can't swim or do much with only 1 arm. He's now getting into reading again (after a trip to the library) and building really cool stuff (with 1 hand) with his THOUSANDS of legos. Cameron is always willing to help him with that task, however, the 'help' is not always welcomed. Ahhh, brotherly love.

I myself am a little tired of driving. I put over 1600 miles on my car in just 1 week! So, it's good to be home and be able to sleep in my own bed again! I'm posting pictures are from our visit and Austin's camp. I think I'll go find somewhere cool today, the high is only supposed to be 101!

NGLL All-Stars, 2nd place champs!

2008-06-28T18:02:00.001-05:00

Well, it was a close game, but Austin's team came in 2nd for the tournament. Austin played catcher, then left field, then finished the game as pitcher. He was pretty hard on himself since the winning run was a steal from the other team one of his pitched balls that the catcher missed and Austin tried his best to cover home plate, but didn't get the ball in time to get the runner out, end of game. His team was up 9-0 in the 2nd inning, but the other team came back and ending up winning 14-13. Austin did score a homerun! The ball went clear out to the outfield fence and he was bookin' it to home! Got it on video in case anyone wants to see it. I don't know how to put a video on you-tube yet, but maybe my brother or sister-in-law can help me with that! Now we're packing up and getting ready to head north!

Another win!

2008-06-27T22:55:00.000-05:00

Austin's team won tonight! They led 6-0 in the 1st 3 innings, then it was 6-3, 7-3 and a final score of 7-5. Close game at the end with bases loaded 2x for the opponent with 2 outs. It took a nailbiting but the final out was a pop fly to right center and it was caught! Game over after 6 innings. We play the same team again in the morning at 10am. Nice and HOT, Can't wait!

And the winner is....

2008-06-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

Another win for the All-Stars! It was close for the first couple of innings, but Austin's team managed to come out ahead in the end for a 12-6 victory! Austin played catcher for the last 3 innings and did a great job! Now we have another game tonight which is the team that beat us earlier this week. If we win, it's on to the championship game Saturday night against the same team. So, we may end up playing this same team 3 times for a championship! Whoo hoo!
Then it's off to Arkansas we go.

2008-06-26T00:46:00.000-05:00

Well, the second all-star game was a loss, but only by 2 points. Austin was the 2nd relief pitcher in the middle of the second inning when the score was 8-0, NOT in our favor. However, with his pitching, only 2 more runs were scored for the next 31/2 innings! We rallied in the 5th inning but couldn't get those last two points needed to tie or 3 to win. The final was 8-10. He did a great job pitching for 3 1/2 innings! So, now we get to play again Thursday night. We play the winner of the loser's bracket. If we win then we will play the same team we lost to at the championship game on Saturday. If we lose, it's all over! More to come......later!

Take me out to the ball game....

2008-06-23T23:10:00.000-05:00

OK, first all-star game- a WIN! Austin played catcher for 3 out of 6 innings! We have another one tomorrow night. And yes, we did get to switch camp for the following week, they just happened to have a spot available... yeah!

Cameron just got a haircut and loves to tell everyone about it and ask them if they like it. Such a ham. He wanted to be the star when I was filming the all-star game the other night. But tonight, he had his very first t-ball "game". How quickly I forget how hilarious it is to watch first-timers ages 3 & 4 play t-ball! Like a swarm of little bees to the hive! Cameron hit that ball past 2nd base on his first try up to bat! Then ....... he just stood there and watch his ball go into the out field with all these parent telling him to run run run! He finally caught on and ran to first base. They make them stop on first base until the next batter hits. Then it was on to 2nd base, he did well with that. But for 3rd base, he ran, but straight to the pitcher's mound (which looked like a base since they layed an orange base there), and finally he ran home and touched the plate for a "score" Although they didn't keep score. He also got to play catcher just like his bubba! Which meant he got to pick up the ball and put it on the tee for the next batter!

These boys are getting plenty of baseball these days - as am I! Austin's team looks good and plays well, and Cameron's "team" looks kind of like Bad News Bears, too funny, but so cute!

Growing Boys

2008-06-15T16:21:00.001-05:00

I forgot to mention that Austin is now 5'3" and weighs 112, wears a size 10 (mens) shoe!

Cameron is 3'6" and weighs 40lbs he also wears a size 10 shoe, but not men's yet!

Anyone want to contribute to the growing boy fund? Clothes, shoes, FOOD!!!! haha

All-Star Austin!

2008-06-15T16:03:00.001-05:00

Well, Austin made it through regular baseball season and has now made the North Garland/Richardson city All-Star team! Last night was closing ceremonies for regular season where they received awards and announced nominations for All Star Baseball Teams. Austin received his 3 ribbons for placing first in the pitch-hit and run competitions, plus a silver medal for placing 2nd in the sectionals of the pitch-hit-run. He also received the coaches award for the best attitude for his team. Now our only dilema is seeing if he can go to Kanakuk later in the summer so he can play in more than 1 game for the All-Stars! We won't know until tomorrow when I can ask about that. He is pretty excited that he made the all-star team!

Cameron is learning to swim! He can put his head under water all the way and float on his back (with someone holding on of course). He loves to "swim" in Grammy's pool with a swim ring. He kicks all over the place by himself! This is a major improvement from last year when he was deathly afraid of the water! His t-ball is going great as well. He can really hit that ball off the T! His catching skills need a little improvement, but his throwing skills are pretty good! We may have another all-star on our hands!

We are keeping pretty busy with summer stuff. We go to the water park, movies (we absoutely LOVE the Studio Movie grill where you can order food and eat it while you watch a movie!), Dave and Busters to play games, the mall to walk and cool off and window shop, take Jake on long walks, check out the library, go to summer musicals, continue with baseball and then football will start in late July. We're going to see the musical STOMP next week. I will also be doing small projects around the house (hopefully).

Austin just completed a week of chess camp at Univ of Tx at Dallas where he placed 2nd out of the advanced class! He really enjoyed this chess camp as compared to last year's camp at a different location/school (totally different program).

Not much else to chat about so I'll sign off, let me here from you! Hope everyone is having a great summer so far!

2008-05-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

When does football start?????? These 8pm games are getting old! Austin's team is 8 and 6. He did well last night during a game. He started at pitcher and pitched 2 innings, almost had a no-hitter for both except for 1 guy who just had to get on 1st base! He also hit like a mad man. We took the face plate off his helmet and what a dfference it made! He can actually see the ball! His words were " Dude, I can see the whole field!" He played center field and short stop as well. He was tired because his school had field day yesterday and his face looked like a lobster! We have signed up for a select football team (it's select because it ain't cheap!) and it will start in August. Austin has also signed up to play the trombone next year. Band is a part of school (a class) in 6th grade and he can't wait to get his instrument! We are renting one to make sure he wants to play it long-term.
Cameron has started t-ball and is learning all about how to throw the ball and use his glove. He really likes it, especially so he can be just like his "bubba". He had a long weekend, he went to Arkansas to visit his other family. He's getting to be a real talkative little fella, so much so that I sometimes have to tell him that he needs to let his tongue rest a little so it will feel better. He doesn't buy that and just tells me "no mom, my tongue's not tired, it feels good" I may look into acting or advertising for him, he's quite the ham lately! He makes us laugh quite often!
Only 4 more days of school! Yesssssssss! I think I can hold on to my sanity for that long!

Baseball baseball!

2008-05-18T19:59:00.001-05:00

Austin had a great weekend! His baseball league held a Pitch, Hit and Run competition on Saturday. We got a call this morning around 10am telling us that he was the all-around champion for his division! In addition to that, he was also the Hit champion and the Run champion! (He got the best scores in hitting and running) So today we went to Rockwall and participated in the regional competition and he placed 2nd overall for his division! However, only the 1st place gets to advance, which meant a national competition held at Texas Rangers stadium! He was bummed (only because he wanted to go to Texas Rangers Stadium), but I think he did very well! He missed out on going with Uncle Justin to an FC Dallas soccer game that he was looking forward to seeing in order to participate today, but he gave it his best and I was very proud of him! Cameron learned that throwing dirt from the baseball fields on windy days can be hazardous to yourself! He did pretty good today considering we were out there for 3 hours! Not much other news going on here, trying to hang on until school's out. We went to a festival this weekend and had a picture taken like they were on the front cover of the Rollin' Stone Magazine that I will try to attach if I can, it was pretty cute!

OK, I'm posting!

2008-05-07T16:10:00.001-05:00

OK, I was told that I don't blog much, so I needed to add something. However, I have misplaced my compac flash for my camera so I won't be able to add any photos until I find it, which may be after school gets out!

Austin is busy playing baseball and learning how to become a true "tween" He seems to be getting that 'mouth' on him, and getting grounded more frequently and having those "games" etc. taken away! I think he's ready for school to be out, as we all are. Piano is about to come to an end. He just doesn't have the drive to practice anymore and I'm not paying $20 per lesson for him to play the same songs over and over because he refuses to memorize them (or says he can't)! He wants to take band next year. His instrument of choice is either trumpet or drums/percussion. So, we'll see how that turns out! He will be going to Kanakuk Kamp the last week of June. He's looking forward to it and I hope he will be able to get a lot out of it, bring it back and carry it with him as he matures. He was sick today with fever headache and stomach ache. He was at school until about noon today, when the fever came.

Cameron is becoming quite the communicator. He definitly has the gift of gab. He's learning great stuff at his school and tells me about it every day. He will be taking swimming lessons starting in June and I think we might be able to do some t-ball for most of the season before he has to do visitation with his dad. Both are through the Y here and are good programs. We still don't know about when he will be with his dad this summer.

We welcomed a new neice/cousin on April 23, Caroline, she looks a lot like her sister! Cameron and I got to see her after she was just a few hours old! She's a cutie!

Not much else going on here, we're ready for school to be out, our last day is June 4 (I'm supposed to go June 5) and that seems like a late day for school to be getting out, I guess since we started in AR, but TX started about 8-10 days later, we really are going longer this year since we get out later doen here in TX, it seems like this year has been really long! Lots of changes went on this past year, but now that we're more settled I think things will be better, heck, they already are!

Spring Break/Easter

2008-03-23T17:40:00.000-05:00

OK, what a break we have had, I think we need a break from our break! We had a super time at Great Wolf Lodge. The indoor water park was way cool, lots of rides, a wave pool, tubes, kiddie area, etc. too much to mention. Then there was the MagiQuest game throughout the whole lodge. You buy a wand and a game and go all over the hotel looking for quests in order to become a Master Magi. Austin didn't give up until he was a Master! Cameron didn't feel too great and wanted to go to bed early, which is how I knew he didn't feel good. There were crafts to do, a place for teens to go and listen to music or get on the computers and play online, guitar hero contests, etc. They really know how to cease boredom! There was always something happening at the Lodge. We also ate at the Rainforest Cafe, which was really cool. It's as if you are sitting in an actual rain forest, complete with animals and sounds! Then we came home and I had my yard sale and finally got rid of a bunch of "treasures". The next day we drove to Arkansas and stayed a few days and got to see just about everyone we wanted to see, except it was rather wet and we almost had to buy a boat to get across the river! This past Friday night, I took the boys to Medieval Times which is a dinner and tournament place where you eat with your fingers and watch the show full of knights jousting, participating in tournament activities, etc. Austin said it was way cool and wanted to have his birthday there. They announce your name for birthdays and anniversaries and they can even Knight you! Austin was knighted before, on his 4th birthday, but he didn't remember everything about the place. Cameron thought it was cool too, but was ready to go at the end. Now it's Easter and we had a good morning. Cameron kept wanting to hide the eggs (all day long, then Jake started eating them before we could find them all!) Yesterday, I took Cameron to a church Easter festival, he got his face painted, had an egg hunt, a petting zoo, boucne houses, etc. He had some fun! Jake was glad to see us back home since he spent a few days with "Grammy". As I sit here typing, the Hogs are not doing well in the NCAA tournament against UNC, horrible in fact, I can't see the game just the score popping up while the Memphis/Miss st game is on, which is a good game. Gotta run, Happy Easter!

Spring Break!

2008-03-11T22:15:00.001-05:00

Yeah! Spring Break is almost here! I'm taking the boys to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine for 2 nights/3 days. We leave tomorrow after school. It has the largest indoor water park in Texas. You can also do something called the Quest in which you have a magic wand and go all over the lodge and seek different quests in a certain amount of time. I think you can also interact with different things/make them do fun stuff within the hotel with the wand. Some of the rooms have little private cabins within the rooms that have a set of bunk beds and their own tv in them. Austin can't wait. We are taking 1 day off early from our break - we actually get off this Friday, but since the rates were drastically cheaper during the week instead of the weekend, I decided to go 1 day early, which is very much needed. I'll try to take some pictures and post them later, but if I don't get to, the web has some great info about it. I'm just glad they have a Starbucks right there in the lodge! Cameron is trying to get sick again, running a little fever and has a little cough this evening so I hope he gets over it real soon! He has added the word "actually" to his vocabulary lately, It's pretty funny to hear him say it and use it correctly in a sentence! That's it for now, gotta get some much needed sleep!

Snow?

2008-03-04T22:21:00.001-06:00

SNOW! Yes, we do have snow in Texas! Not much, but we did have some! The boys played out in it today before having to go to school. Jake was so excited he was trying to eat it as it was falling from the sky last night (first timer for snow). Austin has started ball practice - 3 days a week! Not sure yet what position he will play, but his coach asked him to bring his catching gear next practice. He has the dredded TAKS test tomorrow for reading. Which is the Texas standardized assessment that all students have to take. If you don't pass the TAKS, you don't move onto 6th grade so he is not so excited about it. On another note, we added another animal to our house, a pet rabbit. We had her for about 2 weeks but returned her to her previous owner since no one wanted to clean out her cage and I kept having to do all of it. Her name is Radar since she has big ears and likes to raise them up whenever she hears a noise. But, she was too much with all I have to do and not getting much help from Austin. He liked her, but didn't want to clean up after her and rabbits poop a lot and he didn't realize it was going to be a chore to clean out the cage! Plus, Jake kept looking at her like she was his next snack, so we decided to wait on the rabbit for a while. We are coming to Arkansas March 16 to stay a few days so hopefully we will get to see everyone!

Found the camera!

2008-02-11T21:12:00.000-06:00

OK, OK, finally found the camera, then I couldn't load the pictures until I found the card reader so I could upload the photos! Now we're in business! Everything is going well here in D-town. We're trying to get all settled, but all those boxes just keep starring at me and me not wanting to open them. So, this weekend is the big yard sale, giantic proportions, make-me-an-offer kind of sale, can't wait to get rid of a lot of stuff. Boys are fine, Austin keeps injuring his knee over and over. Went to the orthopeadic Dr. here and had x-ray and MRI, but result is the same - bad bruise. I think the real reason is to get out of school for a day or so. He is really missing his friends, but I keep telling him that he will make new ones. He got drafted last weekend for a team that a coach saw him during try outs and called that same evening and wanted to "freeze" Austin for his team before the official draft which is in another week or so. Baseball is a little bit more professional-like down here in these parts, I guess. Apparently each team can freeze only 2 players before the official draft and this coach wanted Austin. He's very excited about it, to say the least. I was like, where's my Escalade???? Uncle Justin worked with him one weekend and gave him a few pointers before tryouts, thanks Uncle Justin! Cameron is busy with Power Rangers now, everything is Power Rangers! Loves them! He likes his outside playground too, see the pictures! Jake is getting bigger every day and loves to play and chew and chew and chew! Not much else going on here trying to stay grounded and healthy. I'll try to post more pictures more often now that I have my camera and card reader!

2008-01-10T22:28:00.000-06:00

Well, we have officially moved into our new house. When I can find the camera, I can post some pictures of it! Austin is growing his hair out and trying to see how long he can go without water and soap touching his body, I think. Cameron is being himself and not wanting to follow directions all the time, but who does? Cameron has a playground in the back yard that is really cool - it has a rock climbing wall, 2 swings, a swinging handle bar thing, a slide, a house/fort thing, a sand box and wood chips surrounding it - so it's safe too! I just stay busy raising my 2 boys. I really don't have much of a life right now, but that's just fine with me. (Who really does when your raising 2 boys solo????)I keep busy with the new house and being a mom. We have plenty of room now for guests so anyone wanting to come to big D, come on down! I try to unpack 1 box per day and hopefully i will be able to find my camera. I am missing my phones also. We only have 1 phone in the whole house and no answering machine yet either, so if you try to call, you may have to keep trying or call my cell. We really had a great time over Christmas visiting everyone, although it was short and kind of hectic and tireing (did I spell that right? tiring just didn't look right) with the big move. Thanks to my awesome brothers and dad, I was able to get most of my stuff moved down here. They can really pack a U-haul! I hired 2 guys to help me unload and they told me I got my money's worth for that U-haul! Gotta go get some sleep now - more later, hopefully with some pictures!

Getting ready for Christmas!

2007-12-01T21:13:00.000-06:00

WOW! This past month has been pretty exciting! We found a house and have a signed contract! We are very excited about it, but no looking forward to the move. It appears that trying to get my family to move me one more time may be in the not-so-distant future. I know all of you are in the spirit of giving this month, so save some for me the week after Christmas. I will need all the able bodies and strong muscles I can get. I just can't afford the $4500.OO estimate to have movers come load and haul my stuff away. It's a tad bit out of my price range! The house is 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2 car garage with a nice fenced-in backyard complete with a playground! Austin & Cameron will be in new schools which are both within 1 mile of our new house. Austin started this past week and he says it is sooo much better than his other school down here, I think because he doesn't have to wear uniforms now! Cameron will start his preschool on Monday. It is a learning center within a Lutheran church. Since I have been promising Austin a dog for the last 4 years, the first thing out of his mouth when our offer was accepted was "let's go get that dog!" You see, earlier that day we had been to the mall and the SPCA was set up just in time for Christmas and we saw the cutest dogs there. Austin fell in love with one so much that he cried when I said "not right now, we don't have a house yet". Sooooo, away we went to the mall and we now have a cute, lovable shepherd/rotweiler mix named Jake. Austin is doing great taking care of all his doggie business! That was our agreement that he take care of the dog and I pay the vet bills! We went to the mall this weekend to visit Santa. Cameron actually wasn't scared of Santa this year as he had been in previous years. He was very excited to see him. Well, this is getting to be a long post so I'm going to sign off, peace.

Halloween!

2007-10-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

Things are going well in the Big D. Cameron is adjusting to his new school and Austin is meeting new friends. He says school is easy, so maybe he will do just fine. Halloween has been fun this year with Cameron. He is Superman - see side photo. He's very excited about it! He has already been to 3 carnivals, 2 at local churches and 1 at the YMCA. Then there is the actual trick or treating! wow! Can't wait for that sugar high! Austin decided to go scary this year, which he thinks is really cool. He says he wants to scare all the trick or treaters that come to the house by standing by the side of the house and run towards them (in the dark) screaming! UGH!

Big D

2007-10-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

We are now settled in Dallas at my mother's house. Austin has started school, but recently got strep throat so he is out of school today. Which is alright, since most of the 5th grade went to Sky Ranch for 3 days for a camping trip. Sky Ranch is in East Texas about an hour and a half from Dallas. Unfortunately, we were a litle late getting in on the registration and all the spots were filled and counted for. So, he's sleeping soundly today. Cameron started his new school yesterday and tells me he doesn't want to go. However, it's a private school and there is an indoor swimming pool, a roller skating rink, horses to ride and a great curriculum and staff. He did have fun playing yesterday, but he misses his old "new" school. I have had 2 interviews with 2 school districts here and hopefully will have some news that I have a job soon. It's kinda weird not working, when that's all you've done most of your adult life! I had my 20 year high school reunion this past weekend and had a good time seeing everyone. The men changed the most - they got fatter and balder! Some got a ton of gray hair! Man, I feel old!

na na na na hey hey hey

2007-09-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official, no more football. No more TaeKwonDo. The leg has been put out of misery, no just Austin's desire for sports has succombed (did I spell that right?)to his injury. He has been trying to dislocate his knee. He is doing some physical therapy and still using crutches. Tonight he told me that he thought he could walk with the brace and without the crutches. So we'll see how tomorrow at school goes. Cameron is helping Austin by putting ice packs on his knee for him, and then I get the ice pack for my knee, and then he puts the ice pack on his own knee to make it feel better. What a little helper I have!

2007-09-20T17:09:00.000-05:00

Well, talk about injuries! Austin injured his right knee again today on the playground. It was pretty swollen so I had to run home and get the brace and crutches from before. He was scheduled to go on a filed trip to Little Rock for World Fest, but I don't think he will make it. Not even sure if he will play this Saturday's football game. Cameron finally got a hair cut so now when he sweats from playing outside, he doesn't get so hot! He was really telling everyone at school about his new hair cut this morning!

Football!

2007-09-15T23:20:00.000-05:00

Well 2 losses today, Austin's football team and the Hogs. The Pioneers also lost last night to Newport, so I guess you could consider this a losing weekend. But, Austin had a great game. He made some awesome tackles and even an interception on defense and ran the ball for a number of yards on offense! He played the entire game, defense and offense. But it wasn't enough to beat the other team from Melbourne, who were made up of both 5th & 6th graders. They beat us by a touchdown at the last minute. It turns out that the coach for the other team actually played football with Uncle Justin at Highland. His dad also coached and was a coach at Highland. We'll be ready next weekend when we play Mt. View. Austin is very tired and a little sore this evening. It was 53 degrees tonight when we drove home from PawPaw's. Brrrr!

2007-09-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

Change in the weather! It's been beautiful lately! Cameron said it was cold this morning when we left the house to go to school! One more day of school and then the weekend! Austin has his first football game this season on Saturday and he is looking forward to it. However, since he injured his knee last week, his coach does not want him running the ball on Sat, but he might get to play a little defense. Austin was disappointed, but understood that another injury might possibly put him out for the season. I'll post more pictures later, don't always have the camera handy at the opportune moment, but will try harder in the future. And the great event of the day today was that Cameron decided this evening while he was "pooping" that he would pour my Clinique liquid make-up all over the toilet and in it. I might have enough to cover my face tomorrow morning! Good night all...

NO TIME!

2007-09-10T21:38:00.000-05:00

Will there ever be enough time in the day to do what is needed? This day is sooo long for me and the boys. To begin with, it's Monday. Don't we all just love Mondays?? After trying to get 2 not-so-morning-persons boys out of the bed, dressed, fed, teeth brushed, lunch & backpacks ready, and then try to look like I tried to brush my hair (after my shower of course), grab something quick to eat from the fridge and haul all of us out the door, then our day starts and we're off to school. Austin is pretty self-sufficient, with a few reminders. I keep forgetting to make him a visual chart, which I'm sure will help his daily routine, once I remember to tell him to read it. He can dress, fix, and feed himself, and make his lunch. Cameron also does his part by putting on the bottom half of his wardrobe. He hasn't figured out how to take off and put on shirts yet. Anyway, after school is over, we pick up Cameron, who has decided lately that biting ( a past behavior that got him almost kicked out of Montessori)is his way of telling others he is mad. This is the 2nd day that he has bit another child in less than a week. Any suggestions for biters? I thought we had passed this behavior after he learned to speak in sentences and use his words rather than actions. Back to Monday routine - we run home to allow Austin to change into Taekwondo (which is in Southside) uniform and get his football pants and cleats that he changes into as we drive from Southside to Cave City (about 20 miles or so) for football practice until almost 8pm. Then we get home, bathe, try to do last minute homework if it hasn't already been completed or have a fight over it because I don't explain it to Austin in terms that he can "get it" and then fall into bed. Eating, oh yeah, it is usually in the car on the road, but at least we're eating together! So, Monday's aren't necessarily blue, just a little long! I will say good night from one tired momma!

2007-09-08T20:31:00.000-05:00

So, if anyone out there is seeing this, please let me hear from you. Any ideas on what to change or any ideas to help me are welcome, but please make it worth reading, nothing inappropriate!

My first post

2007-09-08T20:30:00.000-05:00

OK, just seeing if I can post something on my own blog. I'm learning this stuff without any help.