Rhonda

Today was Allan's last day with his Nonna (Rhonda). She has been his childcare provider since he was about two months old. She use to also care for Brandon, Ricky and Elena. We have known her for approximately eight years.

After being on a year long waiting list to go to Calvary Baptist, Allan's name was next up. FINALLY!!!! Parents put there unborn child on the waiting list while they are pregnant. I know, it's crazy!

While I'm sad he will leave his friends and Rhonda, (I know he will miss them.) it's time for him to do more than play. At Calvary, he will have a curriculum, A Beka. In this day and age, you have to stay ahead of the game.

My Cutie Boottie

Tonight just I as I was starting to download my pics and blog, Allan said, "Take a picture of me!" Then, the cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing started. He didn't want me to take just one pic. Here he is hamming it up in his undies. Oh yeah, he's POTTY TRAINED! He's been doing so well. I don't want to jinx it. But, FINALLY!!!

Memorial Weekend

Scott, Allan and I drove down to Lake Whitney to spend our long awaited weekend on some R&R. Even thought I'm the driver and we're in the car for an hour and a half, I really enjoy driving and spending adult "alone" time with Scott. (As alone as we can get with four kids.) Our conversations are usually about our work, family and just life. I feel like we have an even deeper connection on our little road trips. At times, when a song is on the radio, we reflect on what it takes us back to.

We were the first of his siblings to arrive at his parents property where his parents where awaiting us. Allan was disappointed there was no candy in the candy dish. By the way, his cousin, Nathan, broke it while playing with Allan.

Then..............................the next day, his brothers and their family arrived. So long, for the peace and quite! Scott's brother Jay and his wife brought their three biological children, one adopted child and two additional toddlers. Plus, his teenage daughter brought her boyfriend and his friend. Mike, Scott's oldest brother then arrived with wife, Lynda, and their four children. His college aged son, Dan, brought is girlfriend. The family feels like she is "the one." He's brave to bring her around the family. (Those who know me, know what I'm speaking of.) Mike's teenage daughter brought her boyfriend too. We had a crowded house to say the least...................but we had fun.

Allan drinking D.P.

Allan playing with Nathan. Nathan will be a future baseball player.


Allan with his cousins.

Lynda making homemade ice cream with Bobby. Bobby a.k.a. "Joe Dirt" is a good kid.

While, we were out there, there was a bass fishing tournament. The winner received a $27,000 bass boat. I went to an estate sale where I bought a safe, clock, carpet shampooer and Scott bought a Black and Decker skill saw for FIVE dollars. Now, we'll see if he uses it.

We drove back home on Sunday. I was pulled over for speeding. (Thanks Gina! You passed the torch to me.) Thank God I had my get out of jail card with me,...............my husband.

Monday, I went to Grapevine Mills all by MYSELF!!!!! I haven't shopped alone in Lord knows when. I probably shouldn't do that very often. I spent $200. on house stuff. I bought dishes I have been wanting for eight years now. I just have never wanted to spend the money on them. I mean, I have china, but those are for looks. (Scott doesn't understand that.) Now, Scott and I have "our" dishes. For the most part, I can't wait for the next holiday.

5th Grade Bash

Funniest Boy Award

Ricky and Ms. Overton

Tonight was Ricky's 5th grade bash. The kids danced to music and ate hot dogs, chips, and cake. Ricky is a growing boy. He ate FIVE hot dogs!!!!

Ricky was voted funniest boy by his classmates. I didn't know he had a funny side to him. I'm sure they probably meant class clown. I do know he acts silly at times.

Ice Cream Man

Allan came in running in the house excited, "Mommy! Ice ceam man!!" I gave him a dollar and he ran back outside. He knew what to do. How do kids know? I mean, he was in the backyard playing and he had already eaten one from our fridge after dinner.

Watching the ice cream truck drive down the street.

Hard Worker

We had someone come and tear down our deck and fence. The fence will be replace with a new one. With no deck, Allan will now have a back yard. There were shrubs along the fence, my parents wanted since we didn't. Ricky will do anything to get out of his room where he has been in confinement, even if it means physical work. At his choice, he dug up the shrubs. He really is a hard worker. I have no doubt, he would have pulled them up, even if he wasn't in trouble.

Hurricane Harbor

Today was Hurricane Harbor's opening day. That means summer time is fast approaching, Texas triple digits and no school. Where does the time go?!

I told Elena and Brandon I would take them this afternoon. (Ricky is still grounded! I felt bad he didn't get to go, but tough love is what all kids need. I made an exception on Mother's Day, so he could spend time with me on my day. He made the poor choice regarding his report card, not me. He'll thank and appreciate me when he's an adult.) Anyway, it wasn't crowded at all. Elena and Brandon were able to walk up and not wait in line for the rides at all. The weather was nice too.

If you know me, you know I'm a non-swimmer and not a fan of amusement parks, especially water parks. (I just do my parental duty.) The water is congested with funky people I don't know. I 'm aware I soon will have to partake in this glorious adventure with Allan. YEAH, ME!!!!

While I was there, I saw one of my pregnant patients. I managed to avoid her. It's bad enough Gina, Lisa and her family have seen my in a tankini, but I'm not about to let someone who is not my friend or family see me in it.

The highlight of my time there, was finding $10!!!!! I used it to buy an over priced souvenir cup......................which cost $12.99 before 8.25% tax. (What a rip off!)

Bitter Sweet

The tank Scott wears to every game. He says it's his good luck tank.

Scott started coaching Elena's soccer team when she was five. That was 7 1/2 years ago. Some of her teammates have been on the team since that time as well. When Scott started out, he didn't have a clue about this sport. He just stepped up to the plate and volunteered. We were the Bad News Bears. The team was horrible!! They never won a game their first season. He's managed to shape these girls into a winning team. They have managed to be in the top three. At times, even first place. Today was possibly their last game to play rec. All the girls are in junior high and will be playing sports for their school. (They all go to different schools.)

New Do's

I have been going to the same person for fifteen years to get my hair cut, Joey of Joey's House of Style. Even after I moved to the city, I continued to make the hour drive to see Joey. I have tried at least five different people in the area. I find myself returning to Joey. I didn't like the way the "new" people cut my hair. I even asked one lady to stop. I found it difficult to find someone I trust with my hair. I know it's only hair and it will grow back, but in the interim you have to look like an idiot.

Well, after eight and half years, I believe I have finally found someone I like! She was a referral from a patient. This new girl, Nancy, is and Asian girl. I have a difficult time understanding her but I just need her to cut my hair. While I will miss catching up on the small time gossip with Joey, Nancy is two miles from my home.

When I walked in the door from getting my hair cut, Elena said, "WOW! Mom I really like your hair. It's cool!" I was amazed. I mean she's a preteen and doesn't like my taste of fashion at all. Then, I started to doubt myself. If she likes it, do I look like an idiot? I seriously, like it though.

She wanted to "try her out." I warned her not to be upset, if Nancy screwed up her hair. After all, she's Asian. How many Asian girls do you know with curly hair? Elena loved her new hair style, especially since she straighted it.

Take a Picture

Allan is in the process of "trying" to be potty trained. He wet his shorts that matched his shirt this afternoon. So, Dad told him to go get another pair of shorts to put on. Well, as you can see, he looks like a bag of skittles. Allan gets his inability to coordinate from his father. (That's why he's a shorts and tank kinda of guy.) Allan also decided he wanted to wear tennis shoes instead of the sandals he originally had on. Allan picked and put on the socks on himself.

A Day of Fun

On Mother's Day, as a season pass holder to Six Flags, (I live five minutes from it.) you could bring a friend for free. My brother and his two kids shared the morning with us to enjoy the rides..................gratis!!!

Mother's Day

As Mother's Day gifts to me, Ricky being the hard manual worker he his, decided to spruce up the back yard for me. He worked hard and did an awesome job at it, especially, under the 90 degree Texas sun.

In art class, Elena designed a card for me. She etched it.

(See, you don't need money to make Mom's day!!!! It was perfect!)

Da Moon

Allan is fascinated with the moon. Usually, every night before it's time for bed, he says, "Onna see da moon." Either Scott or myself will take him outside so he can admire it.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Ricky mentioned to me last night before we went to bed, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Just like a boy to not give advance notice. Now, I have to think of a week of gifts to send on Friday, since he's not here tonight. Any idea anyone?

I know if I were a teacher, I would appreciate some alcohol and anti-anxiety medication!!!

Angie Harmon

I just finished reading my beloved Bible, People magazine. I'm a faithful reader. This weeks issue is People's Most Beautiful People. It included Angie Harmon in an article which states she looks 10 years younger than her actual age of 35. I agree she is an attractive Greek woman. However, I have met her and who ever wrote that article must be blind. The sun has aged her so much, she looks more like 45.

Santa?

While we were at the ballpark tonight, Allan kept pointing at this man.

Allan: "Mommy gook! Who'd dat?"

Mom: "I don't know Allan. Who is that?"

Allan: (cheesing and excited) "Santa, Mommy! Onna say, hi."

We walked over to this man Allan believed was Santa so he could say hi. Of course, Allan buried his head on my leg, as usual when he meets a stranger. The man was really nice and played right along.

No diapers

Tonight was same ole, same ole. Scott had to coach Elena's soccer game in Desoto, which started at 6. The same time Ricky's baseball game started in Mansfield. Brandon's started at 7:45. I figured I wouldn't have much to blog about. WRONG!!! You guy's know I always have something to say.

Allan only had ONE diaper in his back pack. (You know, that's my responsibility. Why on earth would I count on anyone else to take care of this?) I so desperately want him to be potty trained. Well, he soaked through his shorts. Luckily, I had some clothes in the truck of my Honda. I was changing his diaper in the back seat of my car, with the car seat in the middle. (You Mom's know what I'm speaking of.) Well, I tugged on the diaper a little too tight and the tab broke. Good thing, I had a pair of training underwear in the back pack. All evening, I was praying he wouldn't wet his pants because then he would have to go naked from the waist down. Well, wouldn't you know it, he wanted Gatorade another kid had. He was eyeing it. The child's parent offered him some. I explained why I was trying to dehydrate him so he couldn't have any.

Allan walking through every water puddle on the way to the car. By the fourth kid, is it really going to hurt? No, Mom and Olivia, I'm not becoming a softy!

Surprise Visit

Today, my brother, David, and his wife, Amie, came over to visit. I know what you're thinking, "WHAT?" I was surprised too!!!! (David is the oldest of my three brothers. We use to visit and call each other all the time.........our lives just became busier. Then he met and married someone who really makes him happy, so no time for big sis...............which I totally understand. Pretty much, we just see each other @ my parents. I haven't seen him since Easter which I know wasn't too long ago, but we only spoke briefly due to the crowd.) They recently celebrated their one year anniversary by going to Eureka Springs for a week. (Congratulations!) They came bearing gifts for the kids, which was really thoughtful of them. We all enjoyed them coming to visit. My kids love their Uncle David. We were all so glad to see them and spend time with them both.

Brandon really LOVED his souvenir & wore it all afternoon.

Chief Elena.

Perfect for Ricky.

Mommy's Little Helper

Allan has this fascination with vacuuming. He starts whining and crying when he isn't allowed to. If I could only get my older kids to volunteer to do the same..............vacuum.

Baby Pic

Allan: (with his baby pic in hand) "Gook Mommy. Iz (it's) me. I cute!!!!"

Mom: (smiling) Yes, Cutie Bootie, that's you and yes, you are too cute.

Ricky's Supporters

Allan and Brandon braved the cold this morning to cheer on their big brother. Who can predict this crazy Texas weather?

Ricky has definitely come a long way. He can really crank that ball out on the playing field.

Pedro

Elena's math teacher, Ms. Green, told her she would vote for Pedro, if she knew who he was. Obviously, she's never seen Napoleon Dynamite which came out a couple years ago. She isn't missing much. I didn't care for it. My husband and kids, on the other hand, thought it was awesome.