Oh.My.Golly.

My maternal grandparents have expected to pass away for years now. They are quite healthy, it's just that no one in their family has lived much into their 70s. So when they started making plans, they asked everyone to make a wish list of any of their things we want. I immediately put in my bid for a vanity/dresser that I used to play with growing up. There were other things, but I figured their children would also request them. Again, this was probably 10 years ago.

At Coastie Brother's wedding, my granddaddy was telling me that he brought Coastie Brother some of the things that he had requested. My grandmother asked again if I wanted the vanity and was there anything else I wanted. They are downsizing and preparing to move into a retirement community in Dallas. I mentioned that one thing I wanted, my uncle had dibs on. My grandmother then informed me that he didn't really want anything anymore. My granddaddy was upset that he didn't know because it was already boxed up and he could have brought it with him. Since I'm not a vulture, I never thought to ask if Uncle still wanted it.

I came home from work today and had a package waiting for me. Remember the red item that I covet? It is now MINE. I still can't believe it.

Thank you GG and Sir!!!! I am so appreciative and will take great care of it.

For Aunt Polly

Growing up, when my paternal grandmother's sister, Aunt Polly, would visit, we'd all groan. Not because we didn't love her but because she was ALWAYS taking pictures. Who wants their pictures taken ALL the time?! She would be so happy & excited to see us that she'd just squeal and whip out her camera. Then squeal some more. And take more pictures.

Now that I'm grown up, I suddenly see why Aunt Polly always had her camera. I am now compared to Aunt Polly when I whip out MY camera. And, it's not a bad thing to me to be compared to Aunt Polly & her camera. As a matter of fact, I would love to see her photo albums now. I have precious few pictures from my dad of me growing up. When my mom's 2nd husband left, he took a box labeled 'family treasures'. Those treasures were all the things my mom had saved from Coastie Brother's and my childhood. Pictures included. I imagine there are pictures of me all through my youth in Aunt Polly's picture collection.

Last night, Aunt Polly passed away. I can hear her squealing in Heaven as she meets Jesus and sees Aunt Mary & her other family members again. I'm sure she has her camera with her as well.

Today's lensday word is corporate. I'm going to skip it and honor Aunt Polly with a picture of just a few of the family she loved dearly.

Family, I'm sorry I didn't get permission to post the picture first. If you have a problem with it, let me know and I'll take it off.

Honey, I'm Home!

We got that Coastie Bro married! He looked so dapper in his Dress Blues and his bride looked stunning. Punkin, Bro's daughter, was so beautiful too. She was a jr. bridesmaid and was loving every minute of it!

We got home yesterday but I still haven't recovered from the traveling. Ten hours Saturday and then another ten hours home again. We actually left Sunday night and stayed in Jackson, Ms. to help with Monday's travels. Anyway, all that is another post when I'm able to think clearly.

Congrats Coastie Bro & Coastie SIL!!! I hope that your lives are filled with much happiness, love, & laughter!

Best Laugh of the Day

Watching American Idol, Lamb & I had to bust out laughing when they showed a clip of girl saying: I'm going to Hollywood and I'll show Simon that I'll be the next America's Top Model.

Wrong show, sweetie, but thanks ever so much for the needed belly laugh.

Old Fashioned

A one room schoolhouse in League City that was built in 1898. It was used until 1936. Now it's a museum. The 2nd graders used to always go on a field trip to the schoolhouse. Until Lamb was in 2nd grade, that is. She was so disappointed. We have always wanted to tour it but haven't yet. I think I need to put it on my 2008 to do list!

Toodles

Tomorrow, I'm off to the homeland to get that Coastie Brother married! We'll be home sometime Monday night.

Ya'll be good and stay sweet! And please pray for safe travels for all the traveling family members.

Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?
Are you kidding? Most of you have heard Bear stories. I laugh several times a day.

Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?







Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Savannah, Georgia. That just seems like the place to go in a train. I don't aim very high, do I? ;)

Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.
The opportunities that my kids have here.

Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?
Why mess with God's perfection? I can't imagine it any other color.

Baby Loves What?

So I was listening to a local radio station and the topic being discussed was this new club in Houston & other parts of the country. A club where children from 6mths to 7 years could go and dance with their parents and other kids. In a nightclub. With a licensed bar. Of course, it's during the afternoon before the 'true' clubbers come out to dance. But, a licensed bar? With young kids? Bleh.

Once again the line between being a child and an adult is blurred. I'm all for having fun with your kids. Shoot, I even get down & boogie with them at times. I just don't think this venue is appropriate for young children.

Discuss.

Pretty

The girl or the car? You decide. ;)

Heath Ledger

1979-2008

Someone else gone way too young.

Science Fair! Fini!

Science fair projects give me the hives. Believe me when I say I'm not one of those mothers who takes charge and does the project/board for the child. I do not. I don't even TOUCH the board. But, the whole drawn out process annoys me. Truly it's over a month long process. I know they do it so as not to overwhelm but, good grief, it still overwhelms me. It's not the actual experiment that I despise. Those are actually quite fun sometimes. It's just the process. Yes, yes, I know the process is the whole point. And the only reason my children know I feel this way is because they are standing over my shoulder pretending not to read this.

Luckily, Bear is super self-motivated. Even more so than self-motivated Lamb. This is the 1st year for his project, and I have not had to nag him once. He has done all his research, his data collection, and his typing all on his own. Tonight, he finished his presentation board. A WEEK EARLY! This makes Big D happy because he was really bummed that Bear's teacher has all of Lamb's old science fair boards. He thought we could just recycle one of them. ;)

This is Lamb's 5th year. Usually, her daddy & I have to be right on top of her. Reminding her over and over again what's due when. She's an awesome student. She's just like us in that we hate this time of year. Knowing that this past weekend was our last weekend to work on it, we had to hurry & conduct her experiment. She wanted to know if different types of turf affect speed at all. Her variables were field, track, and concrete. She lined up her runners: herself, Bear, Big D, and the BFFs. So we all met up at the school and it was COLD. The wind was fierce and the degrees were low. But, everyone was a trooper and we got it done.

And, added bonus: Lamb can do her presentation on power point! No pesky science fair board to deal with this year. Alas, her power point isn't done yet. But, my mouth is firmly closed. She knows what needs to be done and when.

It has been so refreshing to just sit back and let them keep up with the time frame.

Next year, I'm hoping we are back to just one science fair project.

Important

Dog tip #1524: It's always important to provide your dog with yummy to his tummy water.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?
Caffeine Free Diet Coke

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

1. piles of paper
2. hubby's work tape measure so he doesn't forget it tomorrow
3. my tickets for Hannah Montana and Bon Jovi (separate shows)

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?
about an 8; I'm a truth screamer ;)

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?
I'm not creative enough to answer this and my brain is too tired to try.

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?
Just about anything stresses me out. I'm the type that freaks first and then thinks. My husband and prayer calm me down. I wish I could say prayer calms me down more, but, really, hubby's voice and arms do the trick faster. I'm working on it tho!

Sunset

My Heart is Sad

I don't usually talk about my job for a couple of reasons. One, I work with children who have varying degrees of disabilities (learning, I should add) so there is a confidentiality issue. Two, I have no idea who from work would read this. I didn't give anyone the link, but you never know who links back to me. So I don't feel comfortable venting.

However, I am too sad not to talk about it. One of my favorite students moved away. I said goodbye to her today. (Melissa, it's V from your class.) I worked with her some in 2nd grade and last year, in 3rd, I worked with her practically all day. This year, pretty much the same. She is a sweet, hard working girl. She just has trouble retaining, focusing, and reading. Sure, it may take us 20 tries in Math, but I guarantee she'll eventually get it.

It just scares me for her. She has come SO FAR. I don't want her to backtrack. I know the area she's moving to. It doesn't make me feel better.

10 on Tuesday

Here are 10 movies that have disappointed me. I tend to forget things almost as soon as it's happened so this was a challenge! Here are 10 movies right off the top of my head that disappointed me:

1. Flowers in the Attic - I adored the book. I remember as a teenager being so excited that the book was being made into a movie. I'm sure V.C. Andrews was rolling in her grave. That movie was awful. A.W.F.U.L.



2. Eyes Wide Shut - Oooo, a controversial movie about sex. With pre-crazy Tom Cruise. Intriguing. Not. If the plot didn't get you, then that dang piano note would.



3. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 - Sorry, Bubba's Sis, I know you enjoyed it. The ending depressed me to no end. I still can't think about it without getting riled up.



4. Superbad - Yikes, I guess I've grown up. I found it to be quite super bad. Not charming or humorous in the slightest way. We even gave away our copy of the dvd. Super Bad!



5. Monty Python & the Holy Grail - I never saw this in it's heyday. However, last year, my mom took me to see Spamalot. We laughed and laughed. When I found out it was based on the movie, I was gungho to see it. Yeah, Spamalot was funnier to me. Big D agreed that thru the years it somehow lost its appeal.



6. City of Angels - Another movie with a horrible ending! Sorry, Anonymous Lisa, I know it's Nic Cage and all, but what a disappointment. UGH.



7. Ghost Rider - Another disappointing Nic Cage film. The hubby & son love comic book heroes and were eagerly awaiting this movie. For some reason, we missed it at the theater. When it came out on dvd, we decided to just buy it. Big mistake and a big waste of money. That bad.



8. Live Free or Die Hard - I do love my action movies. I was excited about seeing this but Big D was not so we missed it at the theater. Saturday night, we rented it. I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped it would. I don't know if it was because it wasn't on the big movie screen with surround sound, because Big D would break out periodically in laughter, or because I was tired. Bummer.



9. Scandal - This movie was based on a true story. It had all the ingredients for high interest & intrigue. Big D & I were bored silly. The movie was very disjointed and felt like, to us, a lot of the movie was left on the cutting room floor. This is the only movie we ever walked out of the theater on.
   
   
10. Cinderella II - I have no words. Total disappointment.

This just in from Bear:
When I found out Babycakes was writing this, I wanted to put in my comment about this horrible movie. Mama would go on & on about how much she loves this certain movie. So we had a family movie night and watched it. And at the very beginning, I could tell it was not going to be a good movie. It was so corny and looked so fake. I hated Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley. Thanks for being a good therapist. Yours truly, Bear

From Babycakes:
I am shocked and dismayed. How could a child of mine NOT like Blue Hawaii? Where did I go wrong? Thank God for Lamb who DID like the movie. All my hope is not lost.

Rock On!

Found this cool Band Meme over at Bubba's Sis' blog - since this is the year of concerts, I just had to play along!

Here's how it works - You are about to have your own band's CD cover. Follow these directions to the letter.

Go to......


1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first article title on the page is the name of your band.

2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.

3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.


I present to you my band's fantabulous debut CD:

You just might see us at the H-Land Family Nightclub!

Skinny

Skinny Elvis' Army uniform on display at Graceland.



January 8th was what would have been Elvis' 73rd birthday.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

What is your middle name? Would you change any of your names if you could? If so, what would you like to be called?

Leigh; I probably wouldn't change any of my given names. However, the last name is so unusual, at times I wish I still had my maiden name.

Soup

If you were a fashion designer, which fabrics, colors, and styles would you probably use the most?

Gosh, I'm really not into fashion at all. I'm a total jeans & t-shirt chick. I would probably use cotton a lot. I like bright colors. Not sure about the styles, but I do prefer my clothes to not fit too baggy. Yeah, told you that I'm not a fashion diva.

Salad

What is your least favorite chore, and why?

Can I say all of them? I hate to clean toilets. Always have and now that I have a son, I REALLY hate it. Luckily, he's old enough that his toilet has become HIS chore. ;) I used to hate laundry, but that's Big D's chore. Hee!

Main Course

What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?

I hate to go anywhere by myself after dark. Looking back, I think I know the cause, altho, it's not the same situation at all. It's not my story to share so I'll just leave it at that.

Dessert

Where are you sitting right now? Name 3 things you can see at this moment.

Obviously at my computer, but it is in the living room. I see Grey's Anatomy paused on the television. I see my cluttered desk and I see a picture of my favorite beach.

Distorted

It's "lunch time" at the John Hancock building.

10 on Tuesday

A little late but I saw there was an optional topic! Here are 10 photos from 2007 in no particular order. :)
1. Hooray! We got to see Wicked.
2. Even more exciting, we got to visit New York City.
3. The Best Friends
4. The Cousins
5. Bluebonnets in April
6. Bear doing what he loves best.
7. A star is born!
8. We said good-bye to some fan favorites. Craig Biggio
9. and Jeff Bagwell
10. The kids and I also went to the Houston Rodeo for our very first time. We had great fun!

It's Been Real, It's Been Fun, And It's Been Real Fun

Tomorrow marks the return of work and school. I've been fortunate as the kids & I are the last to return. Big D & Coastie Brother went back on the 2nd. I am ready to see all the students again but I'm not ready for the daily grind. I have thoroughly enjoyed this short break. However, I think the pets are ready for their alone time and routine to get back in order. Usually, they are in whatever room the family is in. Truly, we can't be anywhere without a pet joining us. Tonight, however, I found them all alone. Cleo resting on my bed and Ty in the hallway with his bone. Yeah, I think they are tired of us.

Delicious

Something delicious and sweet from Cinderella's Castle

or

some delicious and spicy Memphis bbq!

Your choice!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?

Well, just Thursday, in my email! The opportunity to purchase 4 Hannah Montana rodeo concert tickets. Oh.My.Golly.

Soup

If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?

summer home somewhere in Florida, probably along the Emerald Coast.

Salad

Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.
Cherry (maraschino); oh? That doesn't count? Ok, fresh pineapple then.

Main Course

Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.

Nice piece of clothing? Probably the dress I wore to my sister's wedding. I had some kick butt shoes to go with it too.

Dessert

If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?

The day we had to evacuate due to Hurricane Rita. The hurricane that never happened in Houston. We left because we didn't want to be stranded without air, food, & water. The irony is not lost on me that we spent the day without a/c, food, & water with a million other people. Big D could walk Ty on the interstate. Lamb was upset because Cleo was left behind. Big D was upset because he was scared he made the wrong decision regarding that. Good thing he did cuz she probably would have died. Literally. Bear was eaten alive by mosquitos when we slept in our car in the Target parking lot. In Houston. After over 12 hrs of trying to get out of Houston in what would normally have been a 40 minute trip. Yes, I would love to forget that day.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

So, back in December, Bubba's Sis passed along an email about Hannah Montana coming to the Houston Rodeo. To make it fair, there was going to be a lottery to purchase up to 4 tickets. One entry per email address up to 4 entries per family. We got busy signing up for it. Once that was done, to be honest, I forgot all about it.

Til today. I remembered that the lottery winners would be notified by email either yesterday or today. I knew that I never got an email. I was kinda bummed but really, didn't expect to be picked. Then, while IMing with Bubba's Sis, just because, I checked Big D's email.

What??? Is that??? Could it be??? Oh.My.Golly. I'm shaking from pure excitement. Oh.My.Golly.I don't think I can open it. But, open it I do. Oh.My.Golly. This Saturday from 8am to 8pm, I have the opportunity to buy 4 Hannah Montana tickets for March 9th!!!!!! Guess who I'm taking with me?

I don't usually show pics of the kids' faces. But, this is too irresistible to pass up and I was shaking so it's not a good quality picture (& yes, the tree is STILL there). To put that look on my daughter's face is the greatest feeling. I know that, in the near future, most looks will probably be scowls, so I'm cherishing this one.

We are going to see Hannah Montana!!!!!! Finally!

We Are The Griswalds

• While watching Christmas Vacation with Lamb, we had to laugh at how like the Griswalds we are. There were several times during the course of the movie that fit our family perfectly, right down to Big D having a cleft chin like Clark. It made the movie all that more funny & enjoyable.
  
  
  
• I had my 1st giggle of the new year. Another instance that fit us perfectly happened at our local Barnes & Noble. Our store is set up where you walk into a foyer filled with bargain books then you open another door that leads into the store. We were in the foyer with a man browsing the bargains. As we were opening the door to go into the store, a lady walked out. As we passed her, we heard her say to the man: Did we mean to come in here? Big D & I looked at each other and burst into giggles. I could so see that scenario playing out between us. Earlier that day, I had wondered to him if I had mentioned a thought out loud or merely kept it in my head. I, of course, had mentioned it out loud to him. I think he's worried about me now. ;)
  
  
• I only have two days left of weekday vacation. I have mixed emotions about that. It's been such a lovely break. I wish the kids could go back to school and leave me at home for a couple of days. ;)
  
  
• The Christmas tree is almost put away. Bubba's Sis and I have decided that Big D has ADD. I took all the ornaments off the tree. Big D went behind me and took off the lights. He laid them on the floor then walked off. Silly me assumed that we went to get the tree box. Several minutes later, he never returned. I figured I better go rescue him from the clutches of the clutter in the garage. What do my eyes find? Big D playing video games in our room! I can't complain too much. I started putting away some of the decorations and then stopped as well.



• Audio Up has been performing at the H-Land Family Nightclub since last night. They are just as entertaining as H³. Their signature song is Wanted Dead or Alive but the crowd favorite is Gimme Some Shelter by the Rolling Stones.

Good Times so far....

Beginning

The beginning of our lives as D² Forever.