Britta the Vice Chancellor of Sunshine

2009-12-17T16:11:00.004-06:00

Mom, me and Dad at Chimy's before Carol of Lights. Shiner, Chimy'smargaritas and hot chocolate with rumplemintz is NOT a good combo. Especially for a WEdnesday night.

Paddy and the cucumber (pickle) ornament. P sayd "Let me tell you something, Cucumber."

Feeding the camel at the Science Spectrum.

Decorating Ginderbread cookies at the Science Spectrum.

Granpda's 90th birthday. Yes, Patrick wore that mask ALL DAY! He was The Dread Pirate Roberts.

Me and Josh in Austin
Me and Chrissy watching the Tech OU game in Austin

Mr. Muscles

Paddy as Buddy Holly for Sock Hop day at Murfee

Wolverine for Halloween

Tech vs. Kansas

Walking across campus post-Kansas game

the day when Patrick did his own hair

P with his medal from flag football

Uh. . . first post since August. . . sorry

2009-10-26T15:45:00.002-05:00

TTUs first football game
Sleeping and quiet angel

f;ag football and pumpkins - does Fall get any better?

Lovin' my little Black Tiger

First day of Kindergarten at Murfee

2009-08-25T15:49:00.003-05:00

I took a picture in the same spot 29 years ago. Go MURFEE MOUNTAIN LIONS!
Doodah and the special SPACE blanket she made him for kindergarten nap time. I'm so jealous of naptime!

We love our RED RAIDERS!

2009-08-25T15:19:00.003-05:00

The annual TTU Football Autograph night is one of our favorite events to attend together! GO RAIDERS!

B's Birthday and Josh's Graduation weekend in Austin

2009-07-29T11:10:00.003-05:00

Pool time tickles
Mom and me enjoying some sun and drinks
Paddy giving Papa J a run for his money in the pool. "Do it again, Papa J!" We heard that for hours!!
Josh, Me and Meghan at the Hula Hut celebrating my #34
Me and Michelle at the Hula Hut - I didn't want to leave!
Josh getting pinned at his graduation ceremony
Big Trouble & Little Trouble

Is it just me?

2009-07-16T11:55:00.005-05:00

Is it just me, or do J and Paddy look scarily alike??!! Well, other than the fact that my son has regular haircuts. (ha ha That was for Mom!)
Josh first day of kindergarten
Paddy last day of kindergarten

P with cousins Em & B
J's 1st grade picture

Craft time!

2009-07-13T11:51:00.004-05:00

I bought stone making kits for me, mom and Paddy for Mother's Day. We finally got around to making them yesterday. They are about $12 at Michael's. It was a fun family craft time for us. Selecting stones & creating teh design.
My design for the east Herb plot.
Paddy's rocket design
Doodah's design with Paddy's handprint. He wasn't so sure about putting his hand in the cement. I was kidding with him afterwards that he was lucky it didn't get stuck. (I'm so awful!)
One last picture from archeology day - P excavating.

Archeology in Action - Lubbock Lake Landmark

2009-07-13T11:43:00.003-05:00

The Lubbock Lake Landmark hosted Archeology in Action this past weekend. Patrick has been TOTALLY into archeology thanks for Curious George. He wasn't as thrilled about the "lectures" (in his defense there were three 25-minute lectures OUTSIDE in the heat). He really enjoyed seeing an actual dig site and the activites afterwards. Me and the little archeologist.
Look, Mom! I found a bone!
A stick can be a gun. . .
. . .or a conductor's baton (thanks Looney Tunes!)
Yes, I bought this shirt specifically for this outing. I am "THAT" mom.

He's a Mess

2009-07-13T11:39:00.002-05:00

He had already drawn "whiskers" on his face in blue marker, so I decided I'd go ahead and finish the job by writing "I'm a Mess" on his forhead. Is there a more true statement?!!!

Let SUMMER begin!

2009-06-01T16:29:00.003-05:00

Crabtree - complete with facemask, football WITH laces and his correct jersey # (nevermind that it's backwards).

Doin' SPIDERMAn at the park

Showing everyone his muscles

Paddy the Sandbox "shu-shi" chef.

Goodbye pre K. . . here we come Kindergarten!

2009-06-01T16:22:00.003-05:00

Patrick on his first day of pre K
and his last day.

I am so proud of all he learned, both socially and knowledge-wise. I feel blessed that he is so full of wonder and discovery. I just hope I can keep up!

My Pride and Joy

2009-05-27T13:13:00.002-05:00

No matter what challenges or heartaches or shadows Life throws my way, this little man always seems to know how to make his mama smile.
I'm so proud of my little Lugnut! Is there anything cuter than a 5 year old butt in baseball pants?
P hanging out in the blow-up pool, leg kicked over the side of his chair, makin' a mess with the dippin' dots.
Messy messy boy doing some kind of Sha-na-na pose.
P's 5th P-ARGH-ty!
Our annual birthday picture with the Tech baseball coach. This was our first year with Coach Spencer. GO RAIDERS!

Patrick at 5

2009-04-20T12:20:00.003-05:00

Where did this baby go? I can't believe Patrick will be 5 on Wednesday.
Favorite color: Blue & green
Favorite food: Chocolate & bacon
Patrick with all the pirate Leggos he got for his birthday.

Favorite toy: "All 5 of my light savers" (aka light sabres)
Favorite movie: all the Star Wars and Spiderman
The Chances met us at the TTU baseball game on Friday night.

Favorite thing to do: Read books
Favorite Red Raider: Crabtree, but now I like Baron Batch
We had hotdogs and tater tots for Sunday lunch the day of his party. I couldn't find a T in the tots so I had to go for PADDY.

Favorite thing about school: Going to PE
What do you want to be when you grow up: A Jedi or a Clone Trooper
I got him a new SPiderman big boy bike for his birthday. I hope I have the patience to teach him to ride without training wheels.

HA HA HA!!!

2009-04-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

St. PADDY's Day wishes & prayers

2009-03-17T09:30:00.002-05:00

In Patrick's school folder was a shamrock with a little wish poem on it.
I keep three wishes handy,
In case I chance to meet
Any day a leprechaun
Coming down the street.
On the back it said "I wish my mom was a teacher." I asked him about why he wished that and he said "I wish you were a teacher at Preston Smith so I could have lunch with you." Out of ALL the things he could have wished for, THAT's what he wished. Ah.

I will take for my surities
The POWER of God to guide me,
The MIGHT of God to uphold me,
The WISDOM of God to teach me,
The EYE of God to watch over me,
The EAR of God to hear me,
The WORD of God to give me speech,
The HAND of God to protect me,
The WAY of God to go before me,
The SHIELD of God to shelter me.
~ St. Patrick

Random

2009-02-25T14:42:00.002-06:00

Paddy crashed out after a day of Guiness World Record-breaking pancakes and a trip to the Science Spectrum with Palmer and Harrison, still holding on to his cotton candy.
Brocky - a Decepticon named by Mr. Patrick - on the Left. Optimus Prime on the right.
Paddy with the Heckler Chicken 2.0 at opening day of Tech baseball. I don't know where this new "cool dude" pose has come from. . .

TOTAL Q.P.M.

2009-02-19T09:34:00.003-06:00

I had a TOTAL QPM (questionable parenting moment) that involved Patrick's HOMEWORK of all things. This week they are studying the letter Qq. His homework was to color specific pictures in quilt squares. #1 - a yellow sun, #2 a green circle, #3 a brown leaf. etc. I was busy making lunches and cooking dinner as I was reading to Patrick what went in each square. I told him #6 was a black line. After I thought was was done drawing it, I walked over and saw something that certainly wasn't a line. I asked him what it was and he said. . ."WINE." My son had drawn a GLASS OF WINE right smackdab in the middle of his homework instead of a LINE. So, of course, I had to take a picture.

This one is SO going in his book.

XXX - a true story

2009-02-07T19:44:00.004-06:00

Patrick and I were working on his Valentine's and his teacher Valentine presents. I asked him to draw some pictures and write on the brown paper sacks that we were putting his teachers' gifts in. Earlier this week, when we were decorating a heart for school, I taught him XOXO. But when he wrote it on his teachers' bag it translated to XXX. As innocent as it was, I just couldn't let it stay that way, so we added extra OOOs before and after the XXX.

Overheard Thursday night while watching The Disney Channel
Me: Patrick, who do you think is the prettiest - Hannah Montana or Alex from Wizards of Waverly Place?
P: "Needer" (aka Neither.) But I think you're pretty.
MY HEART SMILES!!!
P: Mom, look the Jonas Brudders (aka Brothers.) Which one do you think is the handome-est?
Me: Well, Patrick I don't really think any of the Jonas Brothers are handsome. (I really don't, I just like one song.)
P: But you think Obi Wan is handsome. . .
Me: Yes, Patrick. I do.
For a mom and her 4-almost-5-year-old, we have way too many conversations about the Jonas Brothers and Obi Wan being handsome.

Two-way Street

2009-02-06T09:36:00.003-06:00

Patrick's "signature"

Parenting is a two-way street.
As you take them by the hand, they will take you by the heart.
-- Judy Ford

Muffins with Mom

2009-01-29T11:43:00.002-06:00

The PTA at Patrick's school hosted Muffins with Mom on Tuesday morning.

Paddy and his buddy Aiden. These 2 also play baseball together.

January randomness

2009-01-16T09:36:00.002-06:00

Patrick dragged out all his super heroes and trapped them under this bat.
Then The Thing saved them. Seriously - he had all his super heroes and all the villians out in the kitchen!
While we were making cookies last Friday night, he put a stamp on his cheek, then asked me to put more on him. And this is what we got.
No idea where these faces were coming from.
Patrick keeps telling me he wants to be a fireman, so we visited a fire station on Saturday and took them cookies. They let him sit in the driver's seat and wear the hat. They told us the one to visit was the one by Irons because they had the biggest truck. Guess we'll be making more cookies. . .

More Christmas pics

2009-01-08T09:31:00.002-06:00

The JIM TYE birthday cheer. Surprise! He didn't know what hit him! We missed you, Kim!
Santa brought Patrick 12 books at my house!
As well as an art/writing easel and an Optimus Prime helmet. This was "Optimus" and the picture he drew of himself and his name spelled out.
We made reindeer peanut butter sandwiches - Blitzen and Rudolph.

First blog of 2009

2009-01-06T11:27:00.003-06:00

A picture is worth a thousand words.
Patrick made "Buzz Lightyear wings" one night out of a cardboard box and I attached them with curly ribbon. Here is "Buzz" flying across the living room.
The "Buzz wings" backside view.
This was one Sunday at my parents' house. He literally just fell asleep right where he was, so I got him a pillow and his favorite Cheerios blanket and he took a nap between the livign room wall and the couch.
He also found my elf costume. He was hysterical acting like an elf! And yes, I wore this at work one day.
This is Patrick and his cousin Emily. What dolls! He's gotten this new "I'm surprised" smile going on these days.

This was an entry on my "The Secret" calendar towards the end of 2008, but I think it's a great message to start off 2009.
Make it a habit to bless everything. Bless and appreciate your home, each member of your family, your work colleagues, your friends, food, nature, animals, and everything that surrounds you. Bless everything in your life, and as you do you will have ignited the law of attraction into powerful action for all good to come to you. The law will respond by delivering unlimited blessings into your life through people, circumstances, and events that will have you stand in awe. Bless you!

2008-12-25T16:19:00.002-06:00

Things to be thankful for in 2008
1. Watching the wonder, awe & discovery of Patrick in pre-K
2. Patrick insisting on writing his own name and knowing how to spell mine
3. Patrick’s first seasons in soccer & tee ball
4. Coaching a game of Patrick’s tee ball and getting pictures
5. Discovering that I am a RUNNER
6. Finishing 3rd in the Turkey Trot
7. Year end workout totals – over 700 miles
8. Finally reaching single digit sizes - totally skipping size 8 – hello size 6!!!
9. Cleaning out my closet and giving away double-digit clothes
10. Being a bridesmaid in Jennifer and Eric’s wedding
11. Being nominated sassiest bridesmaid
12. Pink zebra print shoes
13. Being a bridesmaid in Stacy & Champ’s wedding
14. Pink leopard print wine glass hostess gift from Stacy
15. Tech win over #1 Texas – Triumphant "I Hate Eric Fisher" Day
16. Amazing family pictures (Thanks Jamie!)
17. Becoming a full-fledged “texter”
18. Getting an iPod
19. Strengthening friendships
20. Rekindling old friendships
21. Beginning new friendships
22. Taking the FaceBook plunge
23. Learning how to enjoy “alone time”
24. Re-discovering Dr. Seuss & sharing his rhymes with Paddy
25. Asking Coach Leach to be my Valentine
26. Being there when Coach Hays announced his retirement
27. Spending special moments with Mammy before she “made her date”
28. Completing the annulment process, it being affirmed in the Lubbock Diocese
and sent on to San Antonio Archdiocese
29. Michael Crabtree, Graham Harrell, Baron Batch and Stephen Hamby
30. My homemade Tech tshirt dress with the skull and cross bones ruffle made by my mom
31. Listening to Patrick’s versions of “Crank that Crabtree” and “The Matador Song”
32. My Trailblazer being paid off!!!
33. Sunday “dinners” with Grandpa/Great Papa/Daddy/Walter

I'm sure there are plenty more blessings I have to be thankful for. . .know they are in my heart, as are you.
MAY THE BLESSING OF THE LORD BE UPON YOU!!!!

All aboard The Polar Express!

2008-12-17T10:13:00.003-06:00

The Ploar Express came to Lubbock this year! So Mom and Dad treated us all to the trip. Patrick reading the book before we left.
Us with the conductor. Patrick now wants to be a conductor when he grows up. And a fireman.
He was most psyched about the hot chocolate.
The chocolatiers and the elves encouraged dancing in the aisles. They didn't have to encourage Patrick much. He danced all up and down the aisle. And played air guitar.
Watching Patrick talk to Santa was the best moment of the night. His TRUE BELIEF and innocence brought tears to my eyes. Then I laughed because P was convinced that we went through Africa to get to the North Pole - and he told Santa this.

My next favorite moment of the night was when Doodah made up her own version of the 12 Days of Christmas 8th day. She sang - loudly - "8 Lords a-milking." Uh, okay Doodah. So we sang the rest of the verses like that. She also had her own version of "Up on the Housetop." Apparently the reindeer in her version were Nixon and Dixon instead of Vixen and Blitzen. Love the holiday Marsha-isms.

Random pictures from the Fall

2008-12-02T11:00:00.003-06:00

Patrick as the "keeper of the keg" at the Baylor game. He makes me proud.
Me, my folks, Josh and Patrick (with his eyes closed) at the Will Rogers statue before Baylor.
Me, Josh, Meghan and Patrick (again covering his eyes - he hates being in pictures these days) at Will for Baylor.
Meghan decided to wear shoulder pads to the game (she was Crabtree for Halloween and had them). Before the game she decided to take them off, and this was her attempt at doing it on her own. She was all flailing around the tailgate looking like the Headless Raider Fan. We laughed HARD!
The Tyes and the Kittens post game.
Me and Patrick at Halloween. Me in the Darth Momma shirt.
Luke, I am your Mother.
I LOVE this SMILE! So him!
Who needs blocks or legos when you have grapes and toothpicks! Patrick made about 6 "airplanes" with toothpicks and grapes at the Homecoming tailgate party.
Look at those sticky fingers!

Turkey Day with My Turkey

2008-12-01T15:45:00.002-06:00

Patrick started "hunting turkeys" on Tuesday evening. His catch is in the pickle jar.

He forgot his apron, so he had to put it on to cook them. Then he decided that chefs don't wear shirts when they cook. I told him Uncle Josh was probably the only chef who cooked without a shirt. But he had to wear his turkey hat he made at school.

Then we needed more turkeys - the stuffed beanie baby-sized one wasn't enough. So he colored and cut out more.
And then grilled them. This was Tuesday night. We had to take the (water)gun he used to hunt, his "turkey finder," grill, apron and jar of turkeys to Doodah & Papa J's to help cook Thanksgiving Day dinner.

This was all going on while I put together the Christmas trees - without directions. The branches are color-coded and the directions weren't in the box, so it was pretty much a guessing game. Yes, I tried going by length, but they were all very similar. It seriously took me 2 hours to put 6 layers of branches together. Once I got the branches where I thought they went, the plugs didn't line up. Two hours and several glasses of wine later, I came to the conclusion that Christmas tree decorating and PMS aren't a good mix.

Mommy I'm Proud of You and 2 more WOWs from today

2008-11-27T21:04:00.002-06:00

This is going to be a long post.
1. Patrick and I were driving home from my parents' house after Thanksgiving day. Out of nowhere he says "Mommy, I'm proud of you." As I tear up I say why, and he said because you won your race. Which leads me to #2. . .

2. I ran in the 2 mile Lubbock Turkey Trot. I came in 3rd place in the 30-35 age range. I just wanted to run, I never expected to place. Adling was the one who encouraged me to stay until they announced the winners. 19:02 is what I ran. As cheesy as I am, I wore my medal all day around my family. I am still surprised I didn't have to surrender it to Paddy. But back to #1, he is proud of me. And it makes me smile that I make him proud.

3. This is the real WOW moment of the day. Long story short, I called 911 for one of my neighbors. I checked in on her today and I told her I was glad she was able to spend today with her family. She held my face in her hands and called me an angel and said she was able to spend the day with her faimily because of me. WOW! WOW!

Ther are so many things - little things and BIG THINGS that I have to be thankful for. . . my son, my mom, my dad, my brother, my loved ones), my faith, my house, my health, my job and the list goes on and on. . . I hope this feeling of gratitude continues to fill my heart - and yours.

This one's for Michelle. . .

2008-11-18T14:58:00.002-06:00

10 Years Ago I . . .
1. lived and died working for Tech athletics. I kinda missed those days. . .
2. drove a red Eclipse. It's true that red cars attract police and you get more tickets. Atleast that's my story. It know couldn't have anything to do with the driver.
3. worked for Tech Athletics. Getting paid to watch baseball.
4. took a roadtrip to the Big XII baseball tournament in OKC while on crutches with Matty. He was such a good man to put up with my antics.
5. discovered the art of heckling. Thank you Snead, Gus, Dr. Gus, et. al.

5 Things on Today's To-Do List
1. Trekking class - finally I can go back on Tuesdays!
2. Event checklist for Groundhog Shadow Day
3. Watch the 3 episodes of CSI:NY I have DVRd
4. Finish laundry
5. Bake some chicken

5 Snacks I Enjoy
1. Honey Teddy Grahams
2. Grapes
3. String cheese
4. Goldfish (I'm glad that Patrick shares)
5. Clementines

5 Places I've Lived
1. 79th St, Lubbock
2. 93rd St, Lubbock
3. 324 Wall Hall, TTU campus
4. N. Erskine, Lubbock
5. the apartments that Adam managed on 4th street (I can't remember the name)

5 Jobs I've Had
1. Cocktail watitress/back-up singer at Kyle's
2. Red Raider Camp/First Year Experience Coordinator
3. Development Officer, Covenant Children's Hospital
4. Science Teacher - just kidding (Mandy, that one's for you)
5. IT Division Event Manager

Now the rest of you, TAG!

The New 'Do

2008-11-17T12:29:00.002-06:00

I cut 6 INCHES off! I am still learning how to "do" it - I've never been goo at hair. But I am loving how sassy it makes me feel!

I also went shopping this weekend for size 6s. MAN did THAT feel good! Away with the 10s. HELLO 6s!

OS who???

2008-11-10T10:16:00.005-06:00

Patrick loves playing in the truck beds at tailgates! This game he played with this skeleton the whole time. He was hilarious.

He also found the roasted corn. This was his first ear.

This was his second ear.

And then he had to have popcorn.

Me and Jenn tailgating. This ice sculpture made it almost not like we were in a parking lot!

These are the people that sit behind us. The guys were talking about taking Patrick hunting and camping. He was all about that idea. We were also invited on their bus trip to Norman.

Last day being a Little Buck

2008-11-10T10:13:00.002-06:00

Patrick's last soccer game was Saturday. Here he is with his team and their trophies.

He's so proud of his trophy. His favorite part is that the ball spins on top.

This story has to be told

2008-11-07T17:42:00.002-06:00

I ordered my "Christmas dress" from Ann Taylor online this week. It came today and it was TOO BIG! YAY! Officially a size 6!!! But that's not the story.

I called Ann Taylor to see if I could do an even exchange for a size 6. The guy on the phone was so nice. After he confirmed my address as being in Lubbock, he asked if I was at the Tech-Texas game last week. I said I SURE WAS! And so we talked Tech football and Crabtree and Harrell and Heisman. He said he watched it - in Cincinnati!!! He said it was the game of the year. Then I asked him if he was going to watch tomorrow and he said yes and he was pulling for the Red Raiders to go the whole way! I LOVE IT! I am making Red Raider friends all the way to Cincinnati by exchanging my Christmas dress. GO TECH!! GO B in a SIZE 6! (Sorry for the shameless self plug. I'm really excited!)

Happy Birthday, Meghan!

2008-11-07T09:11:00.002-06:00

HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY, MEGHAN!!!
One can never have too many pictures with Raider Red!
And what birthday blog before this momentous RED RAIDER football game would be complete without a picture of Ruffin (I still LOVE that name) and Larry Brown??!!
How 'bout it Red Raiders, let's give Meghan a W for her birthday!
Hugs from Raiderland, girl!

Is he a Rock Star or The Count?

2008-11-05T12:44:00.003-06:00

I know one day my son will hate me for this post, but it's too precious - and TOO PATRICK - not to. Please don't question my parenting for posting these pictures. Paul sent me these. Apparently Paddy busted out singing the old Spiderman cartoon song and rocked out with Paul's Guitar Hero guitar. Paul referrenced Risky Business. Yeah. That's my Paddy. I think I have my hands full. (Any one else see a little bit of Uncle Josh in these pictures?)

Last week in school they studied the letter Nn and noctural animals. And his obsession with bats started. Along with the #5 crab and the Double T scoreboard, Patrick has been coloring and cutting out bats. 11 to be exact. Eleven. Ah. Ah. Ah.

ATLC Basement Halloween Hauntings

2008-11-04T16:26:00.003-06:00

I forgot to post the picture of me and my co-workers who dressed up.

And my favorite picture of Patrick on Halloween. This was 2005 - his 2nd Halloween. It's going to be hard to beat this costume. Ukulele and all. (He looks so little. Far cry from Luke Skywalker this year.)

How about those #2 RED RAIDERS

2008-11-03T09:34:00.002-06:00

Spotted pic! Can someone tell me who is ERIC FISHER??!!

The scoreboard with the almost final score. I too distracted with the W to get the final!

Had to take a sec and tailgate with the fam

Post game at Crossroads with Averi

Me not necessarily hating Eric Fisher.

Halloween

2008-11-03T09:25:00.003-06:00

Here is Paddy as Luke Skywalker. (You can tell by his green light sabre.)

We went to the Science Spectrum for their Spooky Science Carnival. He was all about the xylophone. He must have spent 15 minutes rocking out!
He loves riding these little cars.

On the way home, we stopped at Jenn and Eric's. He was sad Ava wasn't there. His sugar high crashed quickly. But not before he got a picture with Jennifer. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of Patrick's sign he made for Eric. I said ERIC FISHER HAS COOTIES! And had a picture of Crabtree. He was very intrigued by the smoke machine.

I made myself a shirt that said "Darth Momma" on the front and "Luke I am your mother" on the back. I am so proud of Kim for wearing the mail carrier costume! AWESOME!

Pumpkin time

2008-10-30T10:14:00.003-05:00

We were a little late in picking out our pumpkins this year, so the most creative picture I could think of was to actually put Patrick IN the pumpkin bin. As a rambunctios 4 year old, he loved this!

He was acting like he couldn't get out. There was a bus load of elderly people there from a nearby assisted living facility who really thought he was in danger. So this of course, made him ham it up even more.
They really weren't impressed with me letting him stand on the pumpkins. But I thought this Camptain Morgan-esque pose was a must since he was wearing his pirate shirt.
Patrick's 2 jack-o-lanterns are the ones with faces. Mine is the Double T. Every year I try carving - or scarfing as Paddy says - a Double T and it never turns out right. This year a part fell off and it's being held on by a toothpick. Note to self for next Halloween - don't try carving another Double T even if it IS Tech-UT weekend. GO TECH!

Crabtree's biggest fan

2008-10-30T10:09:00.002-05:00

I'm telling you this kid is drawing Double Ts and Crabtrees all over the place. This is what he drew in the bathtub last night. Crabtree (the player) on the top right. Double T scoreboard in the middle. And a crab with #5 at the bottom.
This morning he woke up humming the Fight Song and hummed it ALL morning! This kid LOVES TECH!
Patrick might be Crabtree's biggest fan. He drew the Double T Scoreboard with "lots of scores." And then drew a crab with the #5 on it (at the bottom.) He told me wanted to send it to Crabtree, so we wrote him a letter and I put it in campus mail today.

Josh update

2008-10-27T20:30:00.002-05:00

Josh called a few minutes ago from Miami. He said 20 out of the 250 initial interviewees were called back. They each got a 20 minute taped interview. He should know something in 3 weeks. They asked him more situational questions than culinary questions. He got to bring up being a soccer goalie ad a Marine, in addition to talking about his restaurant and culinary school experiences. One of their questions was "Do you think looking like Ken will get you on the show?" His answer was "It can't hurt to get me on there, but only my hands and culinary skill will keep me on the show." They also asked him if he has any nicknames. Apparently he said "Vanilla." They called him Vanilla - as in Ice - in high school. The interviewers asked if he could sing and he said maybe, but that he could dance- and then he danced like Vanilla Ice. I sure hope I get to see this interview tape some day. My brother danced like Vanilla Ice for his Hell's Kitchen interview. Killing me. I'll be sure and keep you posted.

Call back to Miami

2008-10-25T18:25:00.002-05:00

Josh called today and he got a callback for Hell's Kitchen! He is headed back to Miami on Monday! I can't believe it. I mean, I can because he's Josh and things like this just happen to Josh. But I still can't believe it!

Wicked Awesome update

2008-10-23T08:38:00.002-05:00

1. Josh heads to Miami today for his Hell's Kitchen audition and interview tomorrow. He is also going to interview with another resort while he is there that one of his professors set him up with.
2. Patrick's favorite new phrase is "wicked." As in wicked awesome. He and Paul watched Incredible Hulk last night and he called to tell me it was "wicked."
3. I am officially wearing all single-digit pants and skirts! What an amazing feeling FINALLY!

A is for Artist

2008-10-17T14:40:00.002-05:00

This week's letter is letter Aa. We've been talking abuot all sorts of things that start with a - apple, Ariel, ant, anteater, aardvark, Amy, artist, acrobat. This is what my little artist drew just looking at his Optimus Prime action figure. Maybe he'll be my TTU baseball player/Art major.

Sandman Look Alikes

2008-10-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

In helping me pick out his clothes for today, Patrick declared this green & brown striped shirt his "Sandman shirt." He even ran to get his Sandman action figure to show me that the shirts match.

You be the judge. . .

(We were in a hurry this morning to take these pictures, so I had to go with the full-length with the eyes closed.)

Even if it was an overtime, it was a W with GOOD FRIENDS

2008-10-14T16:56:00.002-05:00

Me and Jennifer Ann in our matching retro Raider Red shirts.
Our new friends who sit behind me and Paddy took this picture. I gave into the cotton candy once again. You can still see the purple stickiness on his face. I've also decided that it's my goal for Patrick to spell RAIDERS by the end of this football season. We're almost there!
Me, Todd and Jenn listening to the Victory Bells ring. Happy 1 year anniversary my friends! I am so glad y'all chose to spend your 1st anniversary with me!
Patrick feel asleep in the 2nd quarter and napped all during halftime. He was still sleepy after halftime so we went to Frazier so he could keep napping and I could sit down. He gets heavy! But he woke up as soon as we got there and another Tickle Fest ensued - this time with Jennifer Ann.

C'mon Friday!

2008-10-09T10:03:00.002-05:00

C'mon FRIDAY! I can't wait for Todd and Jennifer Ann to be here! I am so ready for Homecoming festivities and spending the day with the Fishels and Patrick tailgating and cheering on the RAIDERS! Go Tech! Beat the Huskers! I am painting my nails Britta Red tonight!

Bunny leg, rabbit's foot - whatever

2008-10-06T13:10:00.003-05:00

"Guess How Much I Love You" has been one of my favorite children's books for a long time. For those of you not familiar with the story, it's about Big Nut Brown Hare and Little Nut Brown Hare. The 2 rabbits go back and forth through the book proclaiming that one loves the other one more. It's a GREAT GREAT story. I decided since it's one of my faves to read to Patrick, I got us matching green rabbits' feet as a reminder of each other when we aren't together. I put mine on my key chain and Patrick's is on his backpack. I tried to explain the relationship between the book and the rabbit's foot to Patrick and that it was a reminder that I loved him even when I wasn't with him. Not sure if it made sense to a 4-year-old. This morning on the way to school he said "I see your bunny leg, Mom." Rabbit's foot. Bunny leg. Whatever. I still love him "right up to the moon and back."

7:02 baby!

2008-10-06T09:07:00.002-05:00

I ran in the Race for the Cure on Saturday. I ran the mile in 7:02. Who knew? Not only did I run, but there is a picture of me "streching" on the AJ's Spotted page and I was quoted on the front page of the AJ. http://lubbockonline.com/stories/100508/loc_340443927.shtml

T is for TICKLE

2008-09-30T11:01:00.002-05:00

Patrick's class has started learning a letter each week. This week is Tt. Each day the class lists things that start with T and encourage parents to brainstorm lists at home with their kiddos. I must admit, it's kinda of a fun game to think of things that start with certain letters. Our T list included Transformers (of course), T Rex, train, truck, teeth, tounge, tummy, toes, toast, thank you. . . and so on. He was playing in the living room last night and I thought to myself, "Tickle starts with T." So I told him "Tickle starts with T" and then totally launched into a total (another T work) TICKLE FEST and continued to ask him what letter tickle started with, while he was laughing! We had a mini-tickle fest as we walked into the school today. I think we are both loving that Patrick is in school!

Follow Your Enthusiasm

2008-09-24T13:31:00.001-05:00

"Follow your enthusiasm. It's something I've always believed in. Find those parts of your life you enjoy the most. Do what you enjoy doing."

-- Jim Henson

U MASSacre

2008-09-23T10:40:00.002-05:00

I LOVE MY TECH TSHIRT DRESS! I really wanted one, but they are like $80. I knew my mom could make one for less than that and I could customize it, too. It literally is an XL tshirt, tapered and with some elastic, and 3 ruffles. If you look closely, the top ruffle is skull & crossbones fabric. Argh! I am glad she paid attention in 4-H! And has finally realized that I am not cut out to be a seamstress. I traded doing her ironing for making this dress. I might not be a seamstress, but I can drive a hard bargain!

And more of Patrick and Ava. I'm so glad these 2 got to see each other again.

Go Little Bucks!

2008-09-23T10:28:00.002-05:00

Patrick's first soccer game was this past weekend. It was so thrilling to see all those little dudes out there running. Some still need a little coaching on which goal to score in, but the coaches can work on that. I am proud to report that Patrick aka my little Beckham scored 3 - YES 3 - goals!!! He was a fast son-of-a-gun, too!
I couldn't resist taking a picture of him in just his shorts - they are soo big on him!
And in his ORANGE jersey. I am getting one, too. At least its not burnt orange.

I love that he still holds my hand.

even in heels

2008-09-22T13:45:00.001-05:00

"Honor your talents and act like a woman--a smart woman--who knows how to jump over business obstacles, even in heels."

--Nancy Clark

What would your answers be. . .

2008-09-19T13:23:00.001-05:00

Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death they would be asked two questions and their answers would determine whether they could continue their journey in the afterlife.
The first question was, 'Did you bring joy?'
The second was, 'Did you find joy?'"

Dr. Leo Buscaglia
American Author and Speaker

Would you be allowed to continue your journey?

You're my favorite deputy

2008-09-18T09:16:00.005-05:00

Not to steal Woody's famous line, but I'd have to say this is one cute little deputy. Today is Western Day at Patrick's school. Doodah, of course, stepped up to make him a western vest just like Woody's. And it's reversible, too! It's only fitting that Doodah would make Patrick his first Western Day outfit since she is a former Slaton High School Western Day Queen herself. If only I have that picture digitally!

YEE HAW!

A Story about GOD's HANDS told by Papa J

2008-09-18T09:16:00.001-05:00

Last Monday I picked Patrick up at school. It was my first time to do so and I was reluctant to leave – his after school counselors had all the youngsters outside on a beautiful fall day playing tag on the outdoor basketball court. I was able to watch from a short distance for a few minutes before Patrick noticed me and he was having a great time – interacting with the other children as if he had known them all his life.

We got in the car, I got him buckled in and as I was backing out of our parking spot, out of the blue he says, “So, Papa J – how was YOUR day?” This does not come as a surprise as he regularly tells me he loves me and asks about my day, but I am still amazed that, without any prompting, he asks how my day went.

A few minutes later, we are driving down a busy 82nd Street and he says, “Papa J, just how big are God’s hands?” Like I’m ready for this one. So I told him that God’s hands were really big as he had to be able to reach all the way around the world. He thought about that for a minute, then asked how long his legs were……..I managed to stumble through that one and then he asked me how long God’s arms were. By now I had a little rhythm going so I said, “Well Patrick, his arms must really long because remember he has to be able to cover the whole world.” Reasonable enough I thought. I’m looking in my “Patrick mirror” and he is just gazing out his passenger window and you literally could see the wheels turning. After a couple of more minutes, just kind of humming and looking out the window, he said,” I see, God has really big hands and really long arms so he can reach down and fix trouble and help people who need it.” All I could say was, “Patrick that is exactly how it is.”

For someone whose deepest thoughts until about the age of 16 dealt with what time recess was or what the next snack would be, I am amazed at some of the things he thinks about and his ability to express himself.

Moments that make being a mommy THE BEST

2008-09-17T12:29:00.003-05:00

Last night at bathtime, Patrick was reaching underneath my sink. I asked him what he was doing down there. Then, I saw that he was changing the toilet paper roll all by himself without being asked! In MY bathroom, nonetheless. HUGE step forward for all of MANkind! I did all sorts of praising him, telling him how proud I was of him and what a good job that was. He was very confused why this was such a big deal.
I said, "Good job, buddy! What made you decide to change it?"
And he replied,very matter-of-factly, "Because it was empty, Mom."
If only all men shared the same logic.

Then later, while I was getting him out of the tub, he said, "Mom, I love you all my heart." (Yes, he skipped the "with.")
I said, "You love me with all your heart? What does that mean?"
P said, "It's like 'I love you THIS much!'" (stretching out his arms as wide as they can go.)
I said, "Oh, okay."
I asked him where he heard "I love you with all my heart," and he said that Jean, his previous sitter, and her grandson said it. I hope I get to hear it a lot more.

Thought for the Day

2008-09-17T08:41:00.001-05:00

"If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time, because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure. It transcends all barriers."

-- Ed Sullivan

Great quote from Dr. Suess

2008-09-16T09:50:00.003-05:00

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

-- Theodor Seuss Geisel

Just last week, I realized that the Tech library has chidren's books. Yesterday at lunch I ventured upstairs and checked out 4 Dr. Suess books for Patrick. We read "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The Cat in the Hat" last night. He decided that he wants to ask Santa for some Dr. Suess books because they rhyme.

As we were reading "Green Eggs and Ham," I'd read the first line and most of the 2nd, then he'd fill in the rhyming word.
me - Would you, could you in a BOX? Would you, could you with a. . .?
P - FOX!
and so it was with the whole story! He had so much fun with the rhyming!

TOTALLY random dream

2008-09-16T09:41:00.003-05:00

Seriously this dream is so random, but I just had to share.

It was a Tuesday. Kim (just plain Kim not Kim the Hot Cookie), Stacy, me and 10 other gals were practicing a homecoming pom-style dance in a dirt lot, that may have been in the McDougal redevelopment area east of Jones Stadium. There was a lot of discussion about our routine. From what I remember, Kim was leading this dance session. Then it was Thursday, and we were performing for our families. I don't remember any husbands being there, just our parents and siblings. I distinctly remember Charlie, Mary and Gabe Bentancourt being there to watch us perform in the dirt again in some kind of sparkly black **little** outfits. We were all about our homecoming pom dance.

How random is that??!! I wonder if it was a premonition for this upcoming weekend. . .

It's the Little Things - installment #11

2008-09-11T13:46:00.002-05:00

ELVIS T at The Spoon on Friday. Who's in???

100. Grease 2
101. Jennyanydots, a character in Cats & family cat
102. Writing loving messages in dry erase marker on your bathroom mirror
103. BLTs
104. Windows facing east that let in the morning sun
105. Wildflowers blooming right by your house
106. Waffles
107. Owning a new “upside-down” fridge
108. “Large fun”
109. “Bricklayer’s Beautiful Daughter” by William Ackerman

GOOOOOOOOOOAL!

2008-09-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

Patrick is about to start soccer. We got his soccer shoes, shin guards and his soccer ball on Wednesday night. Last night I promised him we'd go to the park to play soccer after we went to the gym. So we did.

His team was the RED team. And his teammates were Aiden (a friend from school who was also on his tee ball team), Marin (a girl from school who has obviosuly made an impression), and of course Blaise. He showed me where they were all standing and then told me as an aside that he was "just pretending."

My team was the PURPLE team. My teammates were Ava, Kim the hot cookie (said in one breath as if it was her real name) and Blaise's Dad (meaning Champ.) Again whispered with an aside that I had to pretend.

And then we played. That kid can actually dribble. Now his skills might be a little different when there are 20 kids on the field, but I was pretty impressed. And I was pretty impressed with my own soccer skills -not that I am ready to go play or anything, but I atleast have skills to practice with him. Stay tuned for pictures from his first game next Saturday. . .

Paddy musings

2008-09-04T09:43:00.004-05:00

Several times this week Paddy has told me "You're the silliest woman in my life." What's that all about? But it's probably true. . .

We went shopping for new shoes yesterday. My little man is wearing a 12 1/2!! 12 1/2??!! Here's hoping he's going to be tall enough to compliment these feet!

We played hard on Labor Day. Legacy play village in the morning and in the backyard pool all afternoon. He fell asleep watching car(n)toons on my floor in his wet swim trunks, wrapped up in a towl waiting for me to finish my shower.
Paddy, Ava and Blaise from the Tech vs. Eastern Washington game.

It's the Little Things - installment #10

2008-09-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

90. Learning to appreciate jazz
91. Watching “The Best of Eddie Murphy” before TTU football games
92. The “quiet” sounds of the TTU Junction campus Pecan Grove
93. Taking risks & being creative
94. Charades
95. That song that always makes you cry
96. That song that always makes you laugh
97. Sending Valentines as an adult
98. Yelling at characters on TV, especially Joey on “Dawson’s Creek”
99. Saying “what the hell?”

Ohhhhh yeah. . . .

2008-08-29T21:21:00.002-05:00

It's the Little Things - installment #9

2008-08-28T10:19:00.000-05:00

80. Chinese symbols
81. “Synchronicity”
82. Being an official member of the Great Cosmic Happy Ass Society
83. Getting the “only insect we would want as a boss” award for being Queen B
84. “Casey at the Bat”
85. “Guess How Much I Love You” with Little Nut Brown Hare & Big Nut Brown Hare
86. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein
87. Being honestly surprised
88. Honeysuckle
89. Waving at black cows for good luck

Knight of Columbus Tech Kick Off Knight - round 1

2008-08-28T10:16:00.003-05:00

Look closely at who has the beer in this picture. YES it's the BISHOP!
WOO HOO for Tech!

First Day of PreK

2008-08-27T13:41:00.004-05:00

I still can't believe my baby started preK. He was very non-chalant about the whole thing - arriving that morning, saying goodbye and the re-cap were all pretty matter-of-fact. And of course, I cried. He has been with Paul this week, so I am anxious to hear his stories next week.
My mom made him his nap mat - aka Paddys' Pad. It barely fits in his locker, but it's one-of-a-kind complete with his name on it. He said it was "super cozy" for his Monday afternoon nap. I wish I still got to take an afternoon nap.
This was him in front of the house.
In front of Smith Elementary.
By his locker.
Sitting at his desk - which just happens to be right in front of the teacher's desk. He was all ready to learn he told me.

Football Autograph Night

2008-08-27T13:32:00.004-05:00

We waited in the Leach-McNeil-Crabtree-Harrell line for 2 hours and only made it a quarter of the way there. It's tricky to stand in line and corral a 4 year old for that long, so we finally gave up. Patrick did have lots of fun running around the field and playing catch with the other boys who were waiting.
Of course, we had to get one with Raider Red!
Patrick with Hamby, the Center
with Barron Batch - what a cool name!
pouting on the field - telling me he is ready to go!
and at the North End Zone goal post

I love these cats!

2008-08-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

It's the Little Things - installment #8

2008-08-18T15:13:00.001-05:00

70. Re-reading old cards
71. Smiling at someone who never smiles back
72. Smiling at someone who ALWAYS smiles back
73. Taking baths
74. Heart-to-heart talks
75. Shit-eatin’ grins
76. Porches with porch swings & patio furniture
77. Warm Ovaltine
78. Dressing up as an elf and sewing 88 bells on to your costume (and walking down the hallway while the Board of Regents meeting is going on trying to be quiet wearing 88 bells)
79. Double plays

More Leo birthdays!

2008-08-15T09:59:00.003-05:00

Happy birthday, Jennifer Ann! I am so excited for your new job adventure! Micheal's is lucky to get you! And, selfishly, I like you living in DFW more than I do in Austin.

MAN, this seems like so long ago! I think it was football season 2000. . .???

HAPPY BIRHTDAY, Daniel! I hope your friends in Connecticut treat you with as much LEO royalty on your birthday as we would. CHEERS!

It's the Little Things - installment #7

2008-08-15T09:27:00.002-05:00

I told you I had over 150 on my list. . . this is going to go on for a while. . .

60. Socks with patterns
61. Men who wear patterned socks and braces (like suspenders)
62. French blue shirts with French cuffs
63. Standing in the shower and letting the water run all over you
64. Green Kool-aid
65. The Vice Chancellor of Sunshine
66. Wearing a batting helmet for no apparent reason
67. Looking at the stars & spinning around until you fall down
68. St. Jude medals
69. The lyrics to 80s songs

It's the Little Things - installment #6

2008-08-12T16:28:00.001-05:00

50. Ragging on pockets at baseball games
51. Slinkies and silly putty
52. Having the courage to take pictures with NYC cops
53. Madrigal Dinner Boy
54. Ben & Jerry’s Southern Pecan Pie Ice Cream
55. Cracking yourself up
56. “RENDEZVOUS”
57. Driving South
58. Getting tattoos with an friend you can talk into anything (speaking of. . .)
59. Socks with patterns

Happy Birthdays Amy & Eric

2008-08-11T10:06:00.003-05:00

Happy birthday to my fellow leos! ROAR! I can't wait till Saturday! Watch out Lubbock!
Eric - my favorite Longhorn (and that takes SO much for me to say that!) And dear friend who gives good hugs! And who can resist that laugh!

Amy - my favorite Slatonite under 5'! And dear friend who always knows when I need a little word of encouragement!

It's the Little Things - installment #5

2008-08-08T08:44:00.002-05:00

41. Having to get a smaller size when clothes shopping
42. Your senior prom dress fitting better at 26 than at 17 (obviously this one made the list several years ago)
43. Leopard print bras
44. “Life is not a chair of bowlies”
45. Pas de deux’s
46. “Tape” by Kyle Abernathie
47. “John Deere Green” by Joe Diffy
48. Twirling spaghetti on a spoon
49. Singing loud and out loud to a good song playing in the grocery store, and not caring who hears (this one is for Kyle Lancaster who ALWAYS busts me singing in MarketStreet! And it always seems to beto Erasure)
50. Kerry Hodges (former Tech baseball player)

Story of My Life

2008-08-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

Kinda also made me think of Jake's head. . .

Prayers & Blessings

2008-08-07T10:38:00.004-05:00

Please pray for sweet 18-month old Lucas, his parents (my sweet friends from Tech who are in New Jersey now) and his doctors. He has a really bad infection in his pericardium (sac around his heart) and pneumonia. They are draining LOTS of fluid from his pericardium and he must stay sedated.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY blessings to Mr. & Mrs. Pat Lewis! Can you believe I don't have a picture of the bride & groom? This one of big Patrick and little Patrick is one of the only ones I have, but it so them! More and more I am impressed with "true love." You guys are lucky to be best friends and love each other so much. Well, it's not luck. It's God-blessed

Perspective

2008-08-07T10:11:00.002-05:00

Last night while I was watering flowers around 9, I managed to step on this piece of "lawn art." Why do I have this P.O.S., you ask? We acquired it about 4 years ago in the "Chinese Christmas game" we play in Slaton. And yes, it was always this rusty. Since then, both ears have fallen off and I have just left them sitting next to the dog, as if they were going to magically re-attach themselves. Back to last night. . .in the dark, I managed to step on some part of this rusty canine. Patrick showed his true compassion and ran inside to get me a towel so I wouldn't bleed on our carpet on the way to the bathroom to check out the damage. He was facscinated with the hydrogen peroxide and was truly, truly compassionate. (Our bathtub conversation last night after this was about what it means to be compassionate.) He kept saying, "I'm sorry you hurt your foot, Mom."
Lessons I learned/Things I have to be thankful for
1. NO ONE needs rusted lawn art. It's going to the dumptser TODAY!
2. I am glad my tetnus shot is up-to-date. (Thanks to slicing my thumb in March.)
3. I am glad I wasn't holding a glass of wine (like I usually am when I water flowers) because then I would have glass somewhere in my body and possibly my lawn, and a broken wine glass.
4. I should water flowers when there is still light outside.

HAPPY late B-DAY KATIE!

2008-08-06T08:48:00.002-05:00

AH. . . I am a day late! But nevertheless HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Liberace-Anne Murray-Celine Dion-listening, AquaNet-using, Danny Amendola-loving, big hearted RED RAIDER of a friend! You are a true blessing to me!

It's the Little Things - installment #4

2008-08-05T11:21:00.003-05:00

31. Just sitting next to someone you care about, not having to “do” anything
32. Having someone run their fingers through your hair
33. My cheesy cowboy hat with the red bandana
34. Really cold schooners – so cold that the beer freezes and “grows” up the sides of the glass - Caprock Cafe's are the coldest by far!
35. Homemade white wine sangria (and remembering to add the mixer, Michelle)
36. Singing patriotic songs on Canada Day in your front yard while waving giant sparklers (This one's for the Colonel)
37. Funnel cakes
38. Biscuits and gravy
39. Body glitter
40. Having exact change

It's the Little Things - installment #3

2008-08-04T10:20:00.001-05:00

21. “Hullabaloo”
22. “Rigmarole”
23. “Pass it on” cards
24. Pens with feathers, pens in the shape if flowers or animals, pens for holidays, pens that light up
25. Candlelight baths listening to Johnny Mathis
26. Laughing a joke so hard that you can’t finish the punch line
27. A first kiss
28. Drinking champagne for no special reason
29. Newly painted “Britta Red” fingernails and matching toe nails
30. Crossing off items on your to-do list

It's the Little Things - installment #2 - and July Re-Cap

2008-08-01T09:04:00.001-05:00

11. Grandma’s sweet rice
12. Mammie’s beans and cornbread
13. Dancing with someone you know how to dance with
14. Not knowing why you are laughing
15. Collegiate fight songs
16. The smell of sheets that have been washed in Downy
17. Cozy sweaters
18. Good hair days
19. “Chaos & Mayhem will ensue”
20. “poppycock”

MAN, was July a doozy. Let's see. . .
3 Jake’s head goes BUMP!
5 Jenn and Eric GET MARRIED! And my cousin Trish’s birthday
10 Marsha’s birthday
12 Cyd’s birthday
13 Jake, Kim and Kerry’s birthdays
17 Mary Kate’s birthday
19 Snead’s birthday
24 My birthday
25 Brooklyn Elizabeth born! Welcome, precious child!
28 Jon Mark’s birthday
31 Rylee Elizabeth born! Welcome, sweet baby! And I reached 60 miles for the month.
Am I missing anything? Whew. Hello August!

Ladies, GET YOUR GUNS UP!

2008-07-31T08:25:00.004-05:00

Katie, Elizabeth, Kathleen and I attended the TTU Women's Football Clinic last night and had SO MUCH FUN! Our schedules said there was to be a "fahion show," which was really watching a few players put on full game attire - pads and all - from their boxer briefs. Next year we are going and wearing matching shirts.
Of course, we had to get a picture with Coach Leach. This one is going up next to my Valentine's pic with him.
And one with Coach Ruffin McNeil. What a cool name - RUFFIN.
Us in the weight room with Rylan Reed (6'7", 305), who just Monday set the TTU benchpress record with 625 lbs!!! http://texastech.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072808aaa.html
This is us with the O Line -
77 Okafor, offensive lineman(6-7, 322lbs) and 71 Hamby, center (6-3, 289 lbs). The guy in the back is a true freshmen meaning he graduated in May and came straight to Tech.
We took this up in the press box. Lance Fuller, safety, on the left, and Cutie (I didn't catch his name and he's not on the roster) a freshman kicker on the right.
They had us doing offensive and defensive drills. This is Katie taking down Hamby during our offensive drills. He let her tackle him. Sparkly flip-flops and all.
This is the sign they all slap as they leave the locker room headed down the field.

Hairy Birthday, Britta!

2008-07-30T13:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, you are seeing what you think you are seeing. It IS a Tom Selleck birthday cake. I sent some of you a picture of a Tom Selleck birthday cake I saw online and jokingly said I wanted one. I sent the same picture to my student designers. I thought they knew I was joking, but today I was surprised with a real Tom Selleck birthday cake, complete with chocolate frosting chest hair.
Aren't they just too creative??!!
I got the chest hair piece, all right.
Me being TOTALLY surprised!
This was the making of the cake - they were using the picture I sent to decorate it - see the laptop?
Yes, it says HAIRY BIRTHDAY BRITTA. My cake was quite the talk of the basement of the library. I have heard it is also going to make its way into our Division end-of-year slideshow.

It's the Little Things - installment #1

2008-07-30T09:34:00.002-05:00

I have been keeping a list of "little things" that make me happy since 2001 and I am up to 141. At this time in my life, I REALLY need to focus on the positives, so I am going to post my "little things" in installments of 10. Enjoy. . .some of them are really random. . .

1. Being told “it’s ok to throw your whole heart into everything even if you get hurt”
2. Vanilla Dr. Peppers
3. Fiddle songs
4. Finding “the perfect gift” or the “perfect card” by chance
5. Waltzing
6. Saturday afternoon college baseball games
7. Baking cookies for others
8. Flip-flops with flowers that don’t match anything in your wardrobe
9. Talking to your beta fish, knowing he isn’t going to talk back
10. Giving gifts and cards “just because”

In honor of my Sweet Mammy - March 28, 1918 - July 23, 2008

2008-07-29T09:14:00.006-05:00

For those of you who don't know, Mammy - Dad's mom - passed away around 4:45 Wednesday, July 23. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some one-on-one time with her that afternoon, just sitting and holding her arm. She passed away in peace and with no pain.

Earlier Wednesday, July 23, she had this conversation with my Aunt Jane
Mammy: What time is it?
Aunt Jane: 9:15
Mammy: I have a date.
Aunt Jane: With who?
Mammy: Bill (my grandfather who passed away 7 years ago)
Jane: What time?
Mammy: 11:30
Jane: Where?
Mammy: Turkey (Texas)
Jane: Oh yeah?
Mammy: We're going to the dance to hear Bob Wills

So Mammy made her date. A little late, but that was typical for her. It makes my heart smile to know she is there with my Daddy Bill. I will always remember this story. And when I hear Bob Wills.

The casket flowers were ALL PINK flowers. They were gorgeous and filled the room with such a sweet smell. My dad's cousin and Mammy's nephew is the owner of College Flowers, and he designed these himself.
On the way to Floydada on Wednesday morning, Patrick was cold, so Doodah covered him up with newspapers. As you can tell by the look on his face, he was about as thrilled with the newspaper blanket as I was.

Random birthday pictures - long blog

2008-07-28T11:08:00.007-05:00

Although last week had its down points, I did celebrate my birthday. Patrick and I went to see Kung Fu Panda in the afternoon, then met Mom, Stacy and Blaise for putt-putt. I had my 5th birthday party at putt-putt 28 years ago.
Patrick gota hole-in-one on hole #2. Then every hole he got a "hole-in" something. .. 2. . . 5. . .
Then Doodah got a hole-in-one.
Then the birthday girl got hers.
Then Stacy.
And finally Blaise, withn silly Patrick behind him. Not sure what Paddy is doing. . .
Silly boys.
We took pictures by the waterfall.
Not sure why my son thinks he is Fonzie. . .
Then we all went to dinner at Orlando's. Mmmm! This was after we ate my bday rum cake. Patrick with a chocolate soul patch.
Mom and Dad got me a new grill for my bday. I got some sales lady at Wal-Mart to take this. I'm sure she was impressed.
Patrick took this one of me and Josh grilling. Josh was in town for the funeral, and so he cooked gourmet burgers for us on Saturday evening. Carribbean jerk and bruschetta burgers. We also had mango chipolte grilled shrimp and stacked tomatoe and avacado salad. It's good having a chef for a brother.
Another picture a la Patrick.
Patrick playing kung fu with race tracks.
After dinner, we played Leggos. This one is way out of focus, but I wanted to include it.
All in all it was a great birthday and I was glad I could spend it with family and friends.

Only one BRITTA TYE - anyone surprised?

2008-07-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

Overheard at Doodah & Papa J's

2008-07-18T08:43:00.001-05:00

Overheard while playing Candyland at Doodah and Papa J's. . . Patrick was winning. . . I was about 3 spaces behind him

Doodah : Patrick, you better hurry. Mom's on your tail.
Patrick: (in all seriousness) Doodah, I don't have a tail.

Fight, Raiders! Fight!

2008-07-17T15:44:00.002-05:00

Check out http://www.wordle.net/ to make your own word art!

Happy Birthday, Mary Kate!

2008-07-17T09:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday, my angel friend, Mary Kate! Would you believe I don't have a picture of us since Zach's baptism! This one goes out to you, like it always does. I hope Zach and Chad spoil you today! And I can't wait to hear about the little miss! My prayers are with you today on your special day and as you prepare for baby #2!

So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your jobs a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.

It's like you're always stuck in second gear
And it hasn't been your day, your week, your month,
or even your year but..

I'll be there for you When the rain starts to pour
I'll be there for you Like I've been there before
I'll be there for you 'Cuz you're there for me too...

You're still in bed at ten
And work began at eight
You've burned your breakfast
So far... things are goin' great

Your mother warned you there'd be days like these
Oh but she didn't tell you when the world has brought
You down to your knees that...

No one could ever know me
No one could ever see me
Seems you're the only one who knows
What it's like to be me
Someone to face the day with
Make it through all the rest with
Someone I'll always laugh with
Even at my worst I'm best with you, yeah

It's like you're always stuck in second gear
And it hasn't been your day, your week, your month,
or even your year...

I'll be there for you
I'll be there for you
I'll be there for you
'Cuz you're there for me too...

Random Summer Paddy Pics

2008-07-16T09:58:00.003-05:00

Playing Ninja Turtles and not caring ONE LICK that we can see his undies.

Playing pirate digging for buried treasure at his sand table. He dug in the sand for a good hour!

He found a typewriter while we were cleaning out my grandmother's house and thought it was so much fun. We also found an old phone that he thought was pretty novel.

Hand in Hand

2008-07-11T13:50:00.003-05:00

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I am a sucker for a passionate, well-danced pas de deux - I cry every time in The Nutcracker. But this one is especially WOW! The first thing you'll notice is that the ballet dancers are physically handicapped - one missing an arm and one missing a leg. But the way they move together and make up for each others' handicaps is AMAZING! And what athletic skill and balance they must have to compensate. WOW!

Weekend Birthdays

2008-07-11T10:41:00.005-05:00

The most wasted of all our days are those in which we have not laughed.
~Sebastian Chamfort
KIM This is one of my all-time favorite pictures. This was the UT game from like 2001, I think. It was one of the best days ever.
JAKE What a motley crew this was - but how fun!
ANNE (on the left) One of Jennifer Ann's bridesmaids who spent July 3rd with us at the lake. She works at Coach in Austin. What I especially like about this picture is that Anne and Linda have their bouquets and Jeffrey and I have a beer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIENDS!

Happy Birthday, MOM!

2008-07-10T10:53:00.002-05:00

To the ultimate party girl. If I had to learn from someone, I'm glad it was you! Happy birthday to Trish and Cyd, too.

This was me at the Round Rock Express game rolling down the hill with the 3rd graders. This at least explains one bruise.

Me rolling into the wall on my SECOND trip down the hill.

3rd of July at Lake Travis. Michelle, Anne, Donna, Jennifer Ann and Me. Todd was a CHAMP that day for driving us around in the boat and putting up with our silliness. And I can only hope that Patrick thinks I am as cool as Joshua (Michelle's 17 year old) thinks she and her friends are when he is 17. Thanks for a great 3rd ladies!

Mid-year totals

2008-07-09T09:26:00.003-05:00

Here are my mid-year totals for running, walking, biking, eliptical, etc. . .
Hours 96.61
Miles 414
Calories 40,720 - that's 287 Shiner Bocks!!!

I must say I am pretty impressed with myself. I never thought that I'd be working out like this. It feels so good to do it! The life changes that got me here weren't so joyous, but I am glad that I have chosen this healthy path of reinventing myself versus some others. Thanks for all the support you all have given me about working out and through my other life changes

So I leave you with this. . .
We must be willing to get rid of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
~Joseph Campbell

From the mouth of babes

2008-07-08T22:06:00.001-05:00

"Mom, when I get bigger like Uncle Josh can I drive a monster truck?"

REALLY?????????

Jenn & Eric's Wedding Weekend

2008-07-08T14:17:00.004-05:00

At the Hula Hut on Friday. How is this the only picture I got that day?

Me and Stacy in the bridesmaid's room getting ready which apparently smelled much better than the boys' getting ready room.

The quartet and flowers, with Blaze's head.

Jenn, Bill and Dusty

Jenn & Eric saying their vows. I LOVE THIS ONE!

The Stamps recessional

Bryan and me. I am so glad Bryan decided not to smoke as we walked out this time. He was SO smoking as we walked out during the rehearsal! And oh can I say again I LOVED MY SHOES!!!

Jim, Jenn and Marsha. I am so glad they were able to make it. I seriously don't think we left the dance floor other than to get more drinks!

This picture just spells trouble. But what fun trouble can be!

Me and Jenn sharing a moment at the "after party." There always has to be an after party.

Me with Eric. I LOVE that he was so into the wedding thing.

My mom took TONS of pictures of me dancing with Josh. I really don't think I stopped dancing that night. Maybe that's why I didn't gain any weight over my vacation.

I'm sad to see this period of wedding celebrations end, but all the parties and showers and weddings are going to make for good memories and stories to come for many years. And yes, Jake, 20 years from now people will still remember your head wound.