back to basics

Wow... my life is so full these days I'm having a hard time keeping true to this website but I am determined not to let it die. I have decided, though, to go back to the basics of journaling instead of trying to make this into some sort of informative site. I still may throw some random information at ya but mostly, I'll just be talking about me - hee hee. For my own sake and that of my children, journaling is very important to me and I feel more like myself when doing so on a regular basis.

Lately... I have been highly involved in many things: Kids, Bridges, YMCA, Zumba, 29Gifts...

First and foremost are the kids who take up most of my time. I make sure to spend time with Macy in the mornings before she's off to Kindergarten. It's been hard for me to break the habit if getting her up and dressing her but I really need to let her grow up. She has asked that I let the alarm wake her up and is very excited to come out of her room and surprise me in the mornings. She has also been picking out her own clothes which is hard for me because I love the "artistic expression" of dressing my kids. She is, though, her own person and I need to let her express herself. Her tastes are definitely different than mine, but she does well on her own. She loves Kindergarten, as I've mentioned in previous posts. Mike drops her off every morning and she is now walking in by herself. Mike told her he'd walk her in as long as she wanted to, but she has noticed that the other kids do it on their own and is taking their lead. She has expressed that she feels "like she's going to throw up" when she's walking in - but we have explained to her that this is just nerves and it's okay and very normal and will go away very soon.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays Nicky and Stephen go to Colonial Hills Baptist Church for "Parents Day Out - Preschool." They both love it and have sweet teachers who love them. Stephen's teacher whispered in my ear the other day, "Stephen's my favorite." Nicky's teacher says he's the smartest one in his class. Well... duh!

I continue to Volunteer with Bridges to Life and spend each Tuesday night at the Beto Prison in Palestine. My group is quite a bit more challenging this year. The men seem more calloused and hardened and the majority are in on murder charges. There are a couple of men who stand out - one because he is truly changing his life and on the right track and the other because he just doesn't get it - but if and when he does it will be quite remarkable. He is so charismatic and influential - if only he would use his powers for good. He's my special little challenge.

I have joined the Whitehouse YMCA and spend Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings there with the boys. They play in child care and participate in "Kids N Motion" while I use the elipical, attend toning classes and/or lift weights. The boys enjoy their time to run and play while I get in some quality time sweating and actually getting to listen to some grown up music (with bad words, even!) on my MP3 player. I have also enjoyed getting to know some of the other moms that frequent the Y on a regular morning basis.

ZUMBA! I have been doing Zumba since February and am now offically addicted. Thanks to my friend and amazing Zumba instructor, Leah, I had the inside scoop that the Y was in need of more Zumba instructors. I expressed and interest, she told her boss about me, I auditioned and now I have officially been asked to become certified and teach. I'm very excited because I have fallen in love with it and am thrilled to make it a bigger part of my life. My fears are the usual - looking foolish. I don't look like a dancer (at least not right now). Leah has reminded me that it is all about having fun and being a good role model for the students. She's totally right and I will go in with renewed energy and enthusiasm to bring Zumba to the world:)

Cami's 29Gifts Challenge has blossomed into quite an international event. I have volunteered as one of the members of her "Welcome Crew" and spend an hour or two on Saturdays attending to the website, welcoming new members, posting giving suggestions and responding to members entries. I enjoy it and believe in it's impact tremendously.

So those are my most recent endeavors. I hope to fit a few more things into my schedule soon like donating plasma/blood on a regular basis, Volunteering at the Crisis Center and visiting nursing homes.

Last but certainly not least is my dear, wonderful, beautiful husband who takes the back burner all too frequently. He continues not only keep on moving up and up in his career, but also support me in all my (non-paying, often costly) projects by taking care of the kids, the house, the yard and never complaining. I definitely need to move him up a zillion notches. I'd say he deserves a little more of me.

quick little update

We made it through our first week of school - success! I'm feeling much better now. I guess I didn't realize how anxious I was about Macy starting. She has made a friend - Elizabeth - who she talks about a lot and wants to invite over for a sleepover sometime soon. She doesn't talk much about any of the other kids but I'm sure that just takes time. I can only compare it to what I remember of Kindergarten and the small-town experience I had. Things will be much different for her and I have to keep that in mind.

Nicholas and Stephen did great at Parents Day Out. And on the days they were home, there was a strange calm over the house without Macy's energy. Nick spent a lot of time playing with his motorcycles by himself and Stephen finds lots to keep him busy. Their calmness allows me to get stuff done and, inbetween chores, I find myself sitting down and playing with them or just watching them - it's nice. We do miss Macy, but she is better off now being able to express her creativity and use up her energy with peers.

Mike and the rest of the ETMC crew are preparing for Hurricane Gustav. They have sent crews (including Levi) down south to Houston and San Antonio to help with hospital evacutations and whatnot. Tyler is sister city to Beaumont and we are already hosting many evacuees from that area. Ol' Gustav may just come right over Tyler as a category 1, as well. That means 70-95 mph winds. I guess we can say goodbye to our patio canopy... and remind me to park the van in the garage, will ya.

As for me - I have an audition for Zumba Instructor at the YMCA next Saturday. If all goes well I will get certified in Ft. Worth on the 28th of this month and then start in teaching my own classes shortly thereafter. I'm very excited about this new venture.

first day of school 2008

Macy started Kindergarten Monday and Nick's first day of "Parents Day Out" was today. Macy did great yesterday and woke up excited to go again today. Contrary to how Nick looks in this picture, he was thrilled to be at his new "school" and I had not problems dropping him off. It was Stephen and I on our own to the Y this morning...

detox

The YMCA child care is closed all this next week so I have been trying to think of something healthy to do at home, sans exercise. I have decided to try some sort of detox, God help me. I have just started doing some research on the proper way to do this and think I may have found something from the Natural Health website called a 7-day Detoux. Lots of liquids, fruits and vegetables... wish me luck!

the comeback

As I was school shopping with Macy today, we made the obligatory stop at Walmart. Macy and I were having a wonderful time, just walking along, when we came upon Old Ms. Free Sample who was handing out microscopic slivers of the Atkins Diet Bars. Macy wanted a "treat" so she walked up to the table. Ms. Sample immediately snapped at me, "I wouldn't let my child eat this." To which I asked rather nicely, "Why?" "Well, they're diet bars, they'll stifle her appetite!!" I looked at her, said, "Oh," grabbed a sliver and handed it to Macy as we walked away. I was flabbergasted at the what had just happened and it took me a few minutes to cool down. Eventually, though, I began thinking of all the things I should have said, like, "are you this rude to everyone?" or the practical know it all approach, "I beg to differ, these bars are full of protein and low in carbs - you should know a little more about your product before you start handing out samples." Well, I'm not really good at comebacks, as you can see, but I really wished I had said something besides my measly little "oh." I even turned around to walk back in her direction at one point, but thought better of it and just kept on shopping. I had to smile, though, when I compared this situation with that of one of my favorite episodes of Seinfeld - the Jerk Store. So I guess all was not lost - I got a chuckle and a good story for my neglected blog.

By the way, I am doing most of my posting on the 29Gifts website. The link entitled "my giving challenge" is on the right hand side of this page. Come on... join me!

why i love grandma

I missed my aunt Linda's 40th Birthday bash this weekend, but sweet grandma tied one on for me... (dramatazation. grandmother in above picture is not actually drinking beer. She's just holding the bottles to look cool and fit in.)

2008 olympics

Last night's opening ceremonies was the coolest thing I've ever seen. I think I may have to root for the Chinese this year:)