Melanie's daily grind

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO?

2008-11-13T21:38:00.002-06:00

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY PRAY - PRAY - PRAY!!!!!! A good friend reminded me of this great advice! Why do we forget and "lean on our own understanding". I am acknowledging my imperfect ways and am prepared to let Him direct my path! I am quite certain that I will repeat this many times over my lifetime, but right now is the time I am in and God is leading! Awesome!

Tagged

2008-11-10T20:55:00.002-06:00

I've been tagged...one word only!
ONE WORD FOR EACH ANSWER. IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK!!!
1. Where is your cell phone? van
2. Your significant other? handsome
3. Your hair? greying
4. Your mother? loving
5. Your father? caring
6. Your favorite thing? harmony
7. Your dream last night? sad
8. Your favorite drink? coke
9. Your dream/goal? Christlikeness
10. The room you're in? den
11. Your fear? hurting
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Belton
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? confrontational
15. Muffins/donuts? Donuts
16. One of your wish list items? vacation
17. Where you grew up? UMHB
18. The last thing you did? drive
19. What are you wearing? sweats
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pet? outside
22. Your computer? humming
23. Your life? dreamy
24. Your mood? gloomy
25. Missing someone? Desperately
26. Favorite pastime? talking
27. Something you're not wearing? shoes
28. Favorite Store? none
29. Your summer? hot
30. Your favorite color? red
31. When is the last time you laughed? Yesterday
32. Last time you cried? Today
33. Who will/would re-post this? mary michele - you better
34. Four places I go over and over: Lakewood, Church, work, wal-mart
35. Four people who e-mail me? Mom, Grandpa, Mary Michele & Clients
36. Four of my favorite foods? Crablegs, Lobster, Cheesecake, Brownies
37. Four places I would like to be right now: Bed, Family, Vacation, Spa
38. Four people I tag? Heather W., Mary Michele, Anyone who wants to!

UMHB Homecoming and campus crawl

2008-11-09T20:41:00.002-06:00

The boys rode with Mike in the Campus Crawl - caravan from UMHB to the football stadium before each home game. Mike was pulling the band in his trailor so the Boys rode in the cab with Mike. They thought they were so big and had a great time. After mike having to work all morning he went home to catch up on things there so I stayed at the game with the boys and tried to catch up with some friends. We hung in there until half time and the score was in the 40s to 0 and we were winning. The boys love the idea of football games but do not actually watch. They spend the time running around and it is usually exhausting for me so we left and came home where Noah sported this lovely outfit. I love his confidence.

Halloween Activities 2008

2008-11-09T20:30:00.003-06:00

The boys totally picked out their outfits this year. Noah was a hard sell. I wanted him to dress up as Noah and pull a wagon full of animals. How cute would that have been - NOPE - Spiderman won! Liam went as the cutest motorcross guy ever. He loved it. We spent the evening going to our Church's fall festival and then trick or treating the neighbors and then coming home and answering the door to our own trick or treaters. We also carved our Winnie the Pooh pumpkin and had a wonderful time. We recently painted our small pumpkins but since it was officially not halloween anymore we just called it a fall craft. I will post pics of those later. Enjoy the show!

Calling all Family and Friends - Missing Tooth to Report

2008-11-09T20:17:00.003-06:00

On Thursday, October 30, 2008 I had a first. Yes - a first as a mom. I am now a mom of a boy with one missing tooth. It came out at school right after recess according to reports from my ultra brave 5 year old Liam. According to an afadavit delivered by the aforementioned subject the tooth had been loose for several weeks and despite the subject in question's father's best attempts to lour his son into schemes involving door knobs and string the son was not disuaded. The missing tooth was found as it fell backward into the subject's mouth and the tooth was quickly obtained and logged as evidence in the nurse's office while the subject reportedly smiled the biggest smile possible. The subject decided upon an orange tooth treasure chest for safekeeping and subject's mom tried to hold it toghther as it was proudly displayed at the close of the school day. After careful consideration and much detective work it was decided that pressing charges was way out of line. This thing happens all the time. So in the best interest of the parties involved it was decided that a specialist would be called in to dispose of the evidence - in this case the front lower left tooth. Our specialist - aka: the Tooth Fairy - arrived sometime that night to remove the tooth and left a mighty fine compensation for Liam. It is noted that we now have one more loose tooth so our specialist may have to be called in for a followup rebuttal visit. We will see. Right now we are just glad it was settled in a peaceful manner. And as always - no one got hurt.

Kids at work

2008-11-09T20:07:00.002-06:00

Lately the boys are obsessed with cleaning. Some of you may say - This is fabulous - can things get any better -well before you go ahead and name me the luckiest girl on this planet - hold the phone. Cleaning to a 5 and 3 year old is not what you might say - totally helpful. When I had them help me clean the kitchen floor they got down to their underwear and began dumping spongefulls of soapy water on my floor as fast as I could wipe it up. Also, Noah helps clean by taking sponges around the house and cleaning anything he desires. This includes fabric on the couches and the wooden chairs around the kitchen table. Not to mention the woodwork on the wall. It is also translated to the out of doors. By this I mean the brick on the house, the garage floor, my car - you guessed it. This is an area where this might be helpful, but alas - they love to use soapy sponges - they are not that great at the prewash - the rinse or the dry. Also, Liam loves to clean windows, but does not understand that once you soap them up it is just as important to dry them and even more important to clean your sponge so you are using clean things to clean with. Oh well - they are so sweet to want to help I correct where I can and where I am laughing too hard to do that I take pictures. I love my sweet McCarthy Brothers Wash Car ( Noah is naming their business this name).

Kitchen mini makeover

2008-11-09T19:56:00.004-06:00

Earlier this fall Mike and I finally tackled the kitchen - well mostly mike - or all mike. We finally got rid of the not too pretty wall paper and painted. This is what we came up with - we painted and did trim work. Now all that is left is - flooring, window blinds, countertops, cabinet hardware and lighting. Fun hun - but it is a start and already looks tons better. By the way - the art work that is in the one picture - Mike made it from a picture we found on line. He is so talented and I am convinced that there is not anything he will not try if he wants to.

What Noah Does while Liam plays Soccer

2008-11-09T19:51:00.003-06:00

Ok - some have asked what Noah typically does when Liam is playing soccer. Sometimes he pics flowers, sometimes he plays with Jessica (friend) and sometimes he just kicks back - litterally. This pic was at the game we played against our great friends son Keagan. Too funny! Thanks Heather for pointing it out to me so I could capture this for some fun!

Things you think about while you are sick in bed

2008-10-06T13:48:00.002-05:00

So when you are home in bed you think about a lot of things amongst the napping. You think about what others are doing on the "outside", what you are feeling and when is it going away, what are you going to do about the things you are enivitably (Sp?) going to get behind on and then you decide to write. Yep - I decided I would write the 5 favorite things in my life because for me the glass is half full most of the time and this is what God gives me to keep me positive. So without prompting from anyone - these are my favorite things. If you are not ready for a sappy blog - do not read - I am hyped up on medication and this is definately me uncensored - do not worry- I will not regret it later on:

1. My hubby - Mike - I love him more than he will ever know. He is my best friend in this world. He takes care of me and is not afraid to tell me like it is. Sincerity is definately a gift of his. He knows when to help and when to let me work it out - even before I do. He is a truly wonderful man of God and I love him for that. He keeps me honest with myself and is my true accountability partner. He genuinely loves me for me and I do not have to be anyone else - just me and that is huge!!!!!!!!!!!! He knows that sometimes I burn the dinner and forget that there is a load of laundry in the washer and still thinks to thank me for my efforts. I could go on and on but I will only say one more thing here - he is the hardest worker I have ever met. Lazy is not in his vocabulary and he still wants to do more. I love that guy!

2. My two wonderful kiddos - Liam and Noah - they are amazing. They represent the best of Mike and I - they are so full of energy and love. Just yesterday Liam was at the store with Mike and Liam asked to get me flowers - because Mommy takes good care of him even when she does not feel well. What a sweetie. And my Noah - oh so funny - He is truly a ham. Happy most of the time and loves to be loved. He is my cuddle bug. He loves to be close and loves to have you there playing or reading or just holding his hand. Do not get me wrong - they are all boy - celebrating in the back yard yesterday that they were the brothers who play with no shoes on. Most of all I love that they love eachother. They are most of the time content to wrestle or make believe together instead of playing with toys. I hope they are always so close!

3. My family - I love them all. My fam is the best in the world. They are fun, loving and so supportive of all I have ever done. The only thing I would change is that I would put us all closer together. From Connecticut to Indiana to Dallas to Illinois to San Antonio to Belton we are spread out and I wish we were able to see eachother more. My fam has always been a family of talkers. We can talk about nothing and everything for hours and it is fun. That was something that was hard for Mike to get used to early on because we talk a lot. We talk about everything while many things are going on, but that is just who we are. Even today I catch myself talking while doing many different things like watching television, typing on the computer, folding laundry, etc. Now it may be about something very deep and then again it may be about the crowded parking lot at Wal Mart or the rising cost of gas at the pump. Whatever - I love it and I miss you guys!!!!

4. My Friends - you all know who you are and I love you. I love that I have many different friends with different personalities. Some loud, some quiet, some who love to get out and go and some that love to stay at home, some who love to talk and some who would rather work on a project together, some with wild kids like mine and some with kids who are just out of a storybook (I envy you with those kids). The think I love about my friends is that they are honest and sincere and I can be that way with them. Thank you for allowing me to be my quirky self and not at all perfect in your presence. You are truly my gifts from God!

5. The Lord my God - we had a discussion in Small Group Bible Study yesterday that has really stuck with me (thanks my Mike) and I have to share. I title this one that way on purpose. We serve a God that allows for a personal direct relationship with Him. No go betweens, no need for lofty actions to earn His approval, no need for sacrifices to get closer. He is MY God - and YOURS for that matter. In 1st Samuel - chapter 12 I believe or 15 Saul has a problem obeying God to the full and Samuel calls him on it. Saul refers to the Lord when talking to Samuel as the Lord Your God - not OUR GOD or MY GOD but YOUR GOD. Whew that hit me. He is the Lord My God and I would not be able to get through the day without Him. Praises be to the Lord My God.

Ok - there it is - it is my list!!!

Love to you all!

Saturday and Sports and RIP the crock pot of old!

2008-10-04T12:31:00.002-05:00

Another Saturday and more Soccer. Liam scored another goal and is having much fun playing. He has a great attitude and it is a fun family event. We are now home resting and waiting to join some friends at the game - UMHB game that is. What does a girl do when she marries one of the only men in Texas that really does not enjoy football? Well - first things first - I praise the Lord and thank my lucky start because on Sundays and other evenings and days I am free to watch other things and do my own thing. The second chapter to this is that if our boys are going to enjoy this game (which I happen to kinda like) then it is up to me to get them exposed to it, so off the boys and I are to the UMHB games. We love them!!! The boys think it is exciting and we usually go early to hang out with Mike becuase he always (almost) has to work right up until the game starts. That is another reason he does not go to the games because after being up since 5:45 AM and not getting home last night until after 10:30 he is wiped. It is family weekend at UMHB and this year his office is responsible for this event so he is working all weekend up until the game. So - the boys and I go to the game - he gets to come home and clean up and become human again and then we get home and - TADA - everyone likes eachother.

The one down side to the afternoon game is = no naps! We will have an early night to compensate.

Ok -to the most exciting part of my day (beside's Liam's goal in soccer) I got a new crock pot. I was using my Mother's old one she gave me which was an upright one and it always left all of my meals dry for some reason. I was talking with a friend and she said I should try a newer model as they have come a long way. So - after a trip to wal-mart this morning for soccer snacks for the team - we ventured over to the small appliances and we got one. I am cooking roast and potatoes and carrots and it smells yummy. I am super excited about it - sad I know, but true. Will update later as to how it turned out. I gave the other one a proper goodbye and said a thank you to it for 10 years of effort for me and who knows how many years for mom and gave it the heave ho!!

Ok - I do have pics to post but the camera is in the car and I am too lazy right now to go out and get it so I will do those later. Hope your Saturday is filled with good family time! We will have some after the game!

Soccer Update

2008-09-27T11:42:00.002-05:00

Well - it is done and we had fun!!!!! As my boys would say - those are rhyming words. WE had a great time at the game. Liam played hard all the time he was in the game and that is all we ask for. Bonus - he scored a goal!!!!!!!! He also had several almost goal blocks for the other team. Offense and Defence - Go Liam!!! The team did well and we scored several goals (3 in all I believe). Not too sure how many the other team scored but it was very close to that + or - 1. As a professional peewee soccer analyst I have decided that our team is definately a 1st half of the game team. We usually score in that time period and then tend to run out of steam. They stuck with it today and did great!!!! Go Sharks.

Now is is home time for playing and naps and then my favorite part of the day - Date Night!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!! Mike and I are going to see the movie Fireproof tonight and are super pumped!!! Any time I get to spend with my hubby I love!

GAME DAY!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-27T08:17:00.001-05:00

It's game day - that is 4/5 year old soccer game day. We have had a hearty breakfast, unloaded the dishwasher, changed the laundry, averted the crisis of having brownies for breakfast (fast energy - no real staying power), watched an ample portion of cartoons on PBS and now are attempting to get our game faces on. This looks different for each member of the fam.

Me - just not looking like I just rolled out of bed - shower - a little makeup - sportswear - water bottle in tow.

Mike - helping coach today so - help a friend move before the game to get the blood pumping and wear your black shirt so you can stand with the team and look the part. Bring the schedule the awesome coach sent to make things easier and play ball

Liam - uniform, comb hair, bring water and ball - try to not get hit in the head again this week.

Noah - wear clothes. Try and not wipe snot all over everyone as you endure your ever present allergy nose. Take the Allegra (I should get a kickback for the product placement in this blog).

Well - that is it - off to the madness that is Saturday morning soccer. We play at 10 and it is 8:30 - let the countdown begin. I feel like there should be music - not sure what is appropriate. MMMHHH - suggestions anyone! Have a glorious Saturday and remember to take time to rest - that is what it is for!

Soccer - The Sharks Attack

2008-09-25T08:20:00.003-05:00

Liam is now in his third season of Soccer and he loves it. He has a much better attitude about staying with it this season and is excited to play however he is still not a guy who loves to play when it is 95 degrees out. The first week they did great - I have a riddle for you on the scoring of that game- lets see who can figure it out first - you can have the bragging rights:

We scored more goals but the other team ended up with more points!

Hehe - my sad humor strikes again.

We missed our second week because of the Hurricane that did not hit our area but everyone thought we would get bad winds and rain - got neither but it did offer a nice weekend off.

Last week we played again and had a great time - while the kids looked exhausted and had very red cheeks at the end of the game it was still fun. Liam did not "get into it" as much because he said he was hot - I can understand - black shirts make it a little tough to be cool while playing. You will see from the pictures the kids picked the name the "Sharks" and it kinda fits. I think the Ninja's is more appropriate as they are all dressed in total black - with the exception of one of our sweet girls that is sporting the Pink soccer cleats - too cool if I do say so myself! Anyway - Liam has defnately improved and believe it or not I am actually able to watch some of the games this season becasue Noah is staying off the field and finding ways to entertain himself without getting into too much trouble.

Oh - funny story (kinda) First game - first kickoff - Liam is on the receiving end of a ball straight to the left side of the face. He was so stunned he just stood there and then waited for the croud to gasp and then started crying - he was ok after a few minutes and got right back in there - but man - what a way to start- a header right to the face. He was tough and played the rest of the game as Coach Josh asked! By the way - we have a wonderful group of friends and parents on the team and that is just bonus! Go SHARKS!!!!

Grandma's Birthday - Let's have Cake!!!!

2008-09-25T08:06:00.005-05:00

For those of you that miss me - I'm back!!!! It is hit or miss with me and I now know that I just need to accept that within myself and stop beating myself up about keeping up with everyone. I am not a daily blogger - never will be - but I try and it's the effort that counds right? That is what I will tell myself unless someone tells me I have to think differently :). Anyways - I digress. We spent the first weekend of September at my parents house to celebrate my Grandma's 94th Birthday. She is still such a spitfire and we love her so much. She swears that this was the 2nd cake she has ever had in her life (the 1st being on her 93rd birthday) so I am sending out a message to all of you out there that have parents or grandparents still with us. Get them Birthday cakes - apparantly it was not a big deal in her family, but just having a cake is so cool for her. So - without any other excuse - Let's have Cake! We did have fun and the kids enjoy any reason for cake so it was a hit!!!! The kids love going to Grana and Papa's house so it is fun to go and just hang out. Mike had to stay home and work on our kitchen - pics to post after it is done in a few months (have to save up in incriments for this one) so he did not get to participate.

Here are a few pics of GG and her cake and presents. We love you GG!!!!

So many things - so little time

2008-08-28T15:57:00.003-05:00

Ok - I know I know. I promised to be better and I am still trying. If you want to see pictures right now look me up on facebook. I will journal here and add pics later.

Ok - since we were together last -

Liam on the 6th of July asked Jesus into his heart. He has been asking questions for quite some time and expressing that desire, but we were so unsure since he is only 5. We allowed him to pray with us on the 6th and then sat on it for about 3 weeks to make sure he was sincere, understanding and ready. For further confirmation we went to see Bro. Andy on July 23 and we then decided that he was in fact sincere and understanding what he had done and the celebration has been ever since! This is what we have prayed for and are truly worshiping the Lord that He broght Liam to His heart!

After that emotional Sunday we were off that following Tuesday for Florida.

Yep family vacation with driving 2 days and a week at the beach. It was awesome and not nearly as difficult as I imagined. We were able to stop several times and saw some interesting things. I love road trips!!!! Mike does to so that makes us a perfect match don't you think! Florida was wonderful. We got a 1 bedroom condo so the boys slept on the pull out couch and Mike and I had our own room. That was wonderful for those nights that I did not want to go to sleep at 9pm but the boys were exhausted. We did so many things. Played in the sand, swam, rode go carts, ripley's believe it or not, gulf world (kinda like sea world - much smaller) etc. We even stopped in New Orleans on the way home for a taste of the World Aquarium and some wonderful steak at Ruths Cris - sp? Yes you read correctly - it was my birthday and the kids went as well - would not do it again, but you live and learn! While in Florida we did get to hang out with Steve and Lori and sweet Brodyman. It was so much fun and I think the adults had as much fun if not more than the kids - Thanks guys for a wonderful time - it made our whole vacation to get to see you all. Miss ya!

After vacation we have started gearing up for the fall. Mike goes back to his crazy schedule and we go into school mode. We purchased school supplies, bought back to school shoes, went to MEet the teacher and have had our first day of school. Liam is loving it and I am getting used to it. I did make it out of the building the first day before the water works began and I have not cried since. Today we came home with our first fund raiser. Man those schools do not waste any time. I guess that is just the way it is.

Noah is adjusting well - he asks where Liam is when I pick him up first and I tell him - in school - lets go get him. We are all adjusting. Mike has even gotten up early the last two mornings and cooked breakfast for us all! Way to go my man!!!!!!

As for me - I am not on 8-2 days and I love that there is a deadline to make me leave. It makes me more efficient and I have more time with my boys. It does make for a smaller paycheck, but in the grant scheme of things - no sacrifice!!!

Mike and I are getting away for the weekend to Denver this weekend - don't worry - the convention leaves tomorrow - so that should be a blast. Mom and Dad are keeping the kids and have already planned a full schedule of FUN! Thank's guys.

Well - that is the long and the short of it for the last month. I will try and get regular now that I have the bulk of the catching up done. I will add pics as I have time!

What flies?

2008-07-22T18:26:00.001-05:00

Ok - if you were in sunday school with mike and i this week you already heard this, but too funny not to post.

On our way to dinner on Sat. we were having one of our deep family discussions.
Noah - Daddy - pigs fly
Daddy - No Noah - pigs do not fly (except in jokes)
Noah - oh
Daddy - Noah - do dogs fly
Noah - no
Daddy - Noah - do cows fly
Noah - no daddy
Mommy - Noah - do people fly
Noah - no Mommy
Liam - unless you sprinkle a little pixie dust on them!!!!!!

Ok - we have retired Peter Pan for a while! Seriously - can we get him onto Last Comic Standing at this point?

Wedding News

2008-07-21T20:05:00.002-05:00

This weekend was full of fun. Mike performed a wedding on Saturday that was the first wedding that the boys were able to sit through without having to go ahead and leave out the back after the first 5 minutes. Noah did well and only asked where the cake was two times. Liam was wonderful - sat and listened the entire 20 minutes. Yes - that is 20 minutes. The Bride and Groom wanted it to be a "petite" wedding and there was only one song that was coupled with the processional so while Mike's speaking portion was wonderful as usual and the same length overall as usual - the wedding in it's entirety was rather short. Then we went to the reception where we had snacks and took these pictures. It was a wonderful day.

We then went to a birthday party of a friend of the boys on Sunday afternoon and rounded the weekend with some fun at home. Happy Birthday TJ!!!!!

Just good clean fun.

I spent the better part of today at the car dealership handling subsequent problems from the accident where the girl hit me. Man I hate dealing with insurance and car places. Talk about out of my element, but I did it! I did not have Mike come up there but believe me I wanted it at one point but he talked me down from the ledge and I made it through. Women can do this - I promise!!!!!!

Have a great day!

Lost and Found

2008-07-16T15:53:00.002-05:00

Do these belong to you? If so - email me and I will return. They remained at my house since Sunday after the party of all parties. That for another day! Have a great one!

Random Thoughts and senses

2008-07-16T14:15:00.003-05:00

Ok - I had this incredible whitty and in my opinion hillarious blog typed and guess what happend when I went to post. Nothing - ERROR!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRR! I will attempt to recreate my creativeness, but who knows - first time is usually best.

I have only two things to post about today.

1. All who desire to cook fish or seafood at home should be aware that when cleaning up it is necessary and recommended to run your dishwasher with those dishes in it and to run your garbage outside as well as your garbage disposal if you have one. Otherwise - WOW that is a strong smell the next day when entering your house. It only goes to prove that you do not always know you are living in stink until you are out of it and then re-enter. Oh my!!!!!!! I now sit here typing while hearing the dishwasher going, the garbage is out and the disposal has been run with some lemon dish soap and ice for a while. I also could not resist the clorox wipes as well as the febreze swiffer for good measure. I think I meet health code again.

2. When you have conversations with others there are those that do talk and process much slower than me. I am not talking about your occasional distraction, pensive moment as if to say - I better watch my words, etc. It is that unusually long pause inbetwen exchanges that might pose a lesser person to ask them to turn up their battery, go get a soda while waiting, move on to something else thinking the other party is not interested, etc. No my friends - I am talking about long pauses that make you think - this would make a hillarious Sat. Night Live skit - the ones that make you ponder the spots on the wall behind the person you are speaking to, the ones that make you think - man I have to go use the restroom - is there time. Well welcome to my life - I have a client that this so difficult with I have made myself start counting to ten before firing another sentence just in case he is ready to say something back because if not - I confuse him. Can this be taught - or is it a gift. Lord help me on this one. I know I have been accused of beinga motor mouth in the past, but come on - is this my punishment. Pentence -perhaps.

On a side note - the boys are doing well in their combined room and I think we like it. I will post pics after the angels clean the room - I can not and will not post dirty room pics of my two precious boys' room on my perfect blog:) It may be 2010 before those get on here but I will try.

Whew - I did have a lot to say - perhaps it is a result of the lack of words spoken today - refer to #2

Home Improvements

2008-07-11T07:52:00.003-05:00

Well - since the last development we have a new roof. They started Thursday morning at around 7:30 and were done at around 3:30 - too fast. It is nice and I love getting to get rid of the brown orange roof finally after 3 years of living with it. Now the only issue is that the trim color we just painted looks too light now - we need contrast apparantly. The problem is that I am not good at this one so back to the drawing board. Mike was sweet enough to say that he would paint it again if I wanted. What a sweetie! I hate this process but the outcome does make it worth while.

Liam and Noah begged to stay home yesterday so they could watch the roofing. That was a big no, but we did drive by several times to "check on it" and all was well then.

We did move the kids into one room and are in the process of converting Noah's nursery into a playroom. Pictures later - have not had time to take any. They have slept for two nights in the same room and so far - pretty good. A few glitches but nothing earth shattering.

Work is good - crazy problems with internet, emial and connectivity this week, but all seems on the road to progress - progress that is a funny word. It is intended to move you forward - but in the mean time - you are converted back or worst case - standing still? mmmhhhhh!

Have a great day and know the McCarthy family loves you all!!!

4th of July - I'm Back

2008-07-08T08:45:00.008-05:00

Ok - this was more than a hyadis ?(sp) but at the prodding of a few special people in my life I am now going to try and do this again. I will start with the most recent as I am in no way trying to catch up since the last blog. If you want to know the inbetween stuff - call me - I am here :) .

We had a wonderful 4th of July. It started out with dinner with friends and a visit from my parents after some fun at the local splash pad with awesome friends. Then we went to the parade (as all good Beltonians do) and it was down home and wonderful. I love this town! We saw Mike drive the lotus and it was the highlight of the boy's parade - until they saw the HEB Buggy and then Dad was pushed aside for a larger than you can imagine engine powered shopping cart while chanting HEB - no where on this planet does it get better than this!!!! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful display of good clean hillarious fun! We sat with friends and that was the icing on the cake. Then after mandatory naps we headed to the Rodeo - the boys had never been. While it was no masterpiece of performances, we had kick dirt in your face seats and that was awesome. We saw everything up close and the Kids were tickled to be so close. Thank's to UMHB we scored the seats as they were given to us and it was a huge blessing. Noah enjoyed the popcorn the most and Liam the blow up crocodile he was given as a freebee. We were exausted but had soooooooooooo much fun. One other thing happened this weekend, but that is for another post. Well - I have rambled enough. Here are some pics of the weekend. Enjoy - I am learning on the picture thing so please be patient with me.

Brody and Noah at parade - interested in nothing at the time

Liam at parade

Lotus and Miss MHB - that is Mike driving -and no - no tickets or accidents this weekend!!!

The famous HEB cart

Mr Magoo we are not - but safety first when it comes to sparklers - thank's daddy!

Noah Did not last past the first sparkler - he said it was "Sparking" him.

The Rodeo - Forgot this Bull's name but he is famous for things such as this.

Ok Friends - my first official post back - Enjoy!

I am moving my thoughts!!!

2007-08-28T20:27:00.000-05:00

ok - after much deliberation and some coaxing from a friend. Melanie's Daily Grind is moving to:
http://www.myspace.com/melanie_mccarthy

Please check it out. I have pictures, cool background and a new song by Nichole Nordeman that is incredible - I heard it at the women of faith conference this weekend and was amazed!!!!

Hope you all will move with me.

Melanie

PS. I check you blogs all the time, so keep them up!!!!!!!!

Coffee Anyone?

2007-07-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

Ok -I was challenged to set up a get together for us girls sometime soon. Coffee Anyone - Let's meet at Starbucks next Monday night from 6:30 - 8:00. No agenda - bring games, drink coffee - or not - it is just a time to talk and catch up on summer things. Invite anyone whom you think will enjoy. Sorry - no men! This is girl time. Even if you are not a coffee drinker - bring your own beverage of choice and your best conversation. Or perhaps you would like to just come and listen! That is awesome. Sometimes I feel as if I talk way tooooooooooo much! The starbucks on I-35 next to Whataburger at 6:30. If some of us need baby sitters, perhaps we can pool kids and split the bill :). Even if it just me - I will be there - I love a good quiet time. Even if you can't stay the whole time - no big deal. See you there - wear your lounging gear - it is definately casual!!!!!!!

Love,
Mel!!!!!

HAPPY NATIONS BIRTHDAY!!! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED AND ALL WHO ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY STILL! YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES DESERVE OUR HIGHEST PRAISES! THANK YOU!

Suitcases and water

2007-06-13T17:03:00.001-05:00

Apparantly to young boys - it is hillarious to fill a suitcase with water from the sink while mom is cooking dinner!!! I fail to see the humor in the midst of the wave!!! Ahhh the life of boys - what will they think of next - I am afraid to see!

Birthday Parties and lots of running around

2007-06-12T18:48:00.000-05:00

Well, today was a day off for me. Noah had a mandatory day off due to his bronchitis, so we took Liam to a birthday party and Chuck E Cheeses and then to swim lessons. We got my glasses fixed at the mall for the 3rd time. Somehow I have short people that love to mess with them and bend them. I know the glasses people thing I am a total clutz!!! As a result of the time off, I will be working tonight on client information. No rest for those who did not file taxes on time!!!!! Oh by the way - Mike is still cutting trees. He is putting in 14 hour days on the tree cutting and should be done either tomorrow or thursday. The good news - he really likes physical labor - it makes him feel like he is truly working - a guy thing I think. Anyway - oh other news. Mike went to a bible study with his older brother Buster last Friday!!!!!!!! As most of you know - this has been 15 years in the making!!!!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Buster is very close to accepting the lord if he has not already. He even expressed the feeling that he feels like a stranger to the world!!!! Hello - scripture is everywhere. Mike and I are beside ourselves. It is a great day in the LORD!!!

Love to all!!

Mel

Swimming and coughing

2007-06-11T16:33:00.000-05:00

Liam went swimming this afternoon. Noah did not go to lessons - brohchiel infection. Bummer - he was looking forward to it. Perhaps Wednesday!!! Girl's night out tonight!!! Woo hoo!!!! I am sad it is to say see ya later to a dear friend. Times fly when you are having fun. Mike is finishing his second day of cutting down trees. Last night he said - well, the day was good and only minimal property damage - are you kidding me!!!! Two shingles - not bad. The trees are off the house and structures, so today and tomorrow are all about getting them down and the stumps ground down. Real work for real men!!! Well, gotta run - I am sure the kids are being really creative while Mommy is busy!

Pictures I spoke of

2007-06-11T10:22:00.001-05:00

The boys really do love eachother!

Even holding hands :)

I am trying - really

2007-06-10T16:44:00.000-05:00

Ok - I am trying. I am working on consistenct. Mike is cutting down trees for the next few days for some friends he works with, so I am flying somewhat solo. Just trying to keep the small ones alive you know! I am looking forward to a girls night out tomorrow night with some friends! We are actually saying goodbye to a friend who is moving to kansas for a year with her husband, but we hope they get stationed back here when he is done. It has been a couple of months since I was able to do anything with friends, so this will be a wonderful treat. I am currently without a baby sitter due to Mike cutting trees until sun down, so we'll see. I perhaps might find someone at church tonight.

Swim lessons are this week again. The boys love the water, so that is wonderful. Noah has no fear of the water and will just walk in whenever, so we really are hoping he learns some steadfast water safety rules!!

Father's day we are going ot Rockwall, so that should be fun. I have been planning the family trip to San Diego in July! I am so persistant and it takes me forever, but I usually get good deals, it just takes time!! This week I fell into one with the hotel. Praise the Lord - I was getting discouraged when the 1 star hotels were 150 per night. OUCH!!!! Persistance and the Lord's guideance paid off!!!

Well, Liam and Noah just spilled bubbles on my kitchen floor, so I have to go clean up and discipline. At least I can mark cleaning hte floor off of my to do list. Guess who will be cleaning hte floor (Boys)!!!

Talk soon!!!

WHAT A WEEK!!!

2007-03-15T19:51:00.000-05:00

You ever feel like you are going 90 to nothing and not getting anywhere? That is my week. Too much stuff!! Nothing bad - just busy. Work, pick up kids, play, dinner, baths, play, bed, work, rest, bed!!!!

Well - I should have some reprieve in about a month. The tax man cometh and I will rest. I am trying to decide what to do for a vacation this summer for the family. Budget is a must, but we are still wanting to spend some time together and have a lot of fun!!! IDEAS????

Liam was such a big boy yesterday morning. He took a shower all by himself!! (well - I left the curtain open and it was in my shower, so I was standing three feet away the whole time, but none the less - he washed his hair, body and rinsed all by himself. That was so cool!!! He was very proud as well - he told all his friends and his teacher at day care like it was the coolest thing. Very cute.

Noah is still such a flirt - he is my darling. I see why everyone's baby is the baby!!!! It is hard to let them grow up!!!

Well - gotta go watch grey's and fold laundry. Liam is cleaning his rool - yeah right!!!

Mike is home tomorrow!!!!!!!! I am so ready - I miss that guy!!!!!!!!!

Back in the saddle again

2007-03-13T22:13:00.000-05:00

I am reviving my blogging status. I no longer promise to be consistant, but I do promise to always come back. I am loyal that way. I have realized that I love reading my friends posts (mary michele) so why not allow them the same luxury on my side.

Mike is in Wolf Creek Colorado skiing. He left sunday and will return saturday. I miss him. I find myself a little bored at night. It is weird. You go all day getting through those tough times and think to yourself - when the kids go to bed tonight, the quiet will be so nice. Then when it happens, it is not so nice. Not sure I am really making sense, but who cares. I know what I mean.

Work is crazy and I am trying to get on top of things only to realize the mountain of life's stuff is just growing. I am thinking of taking off Friday and taking the Boys to the zoo. They would love it and lets face it - so would I. I love doing things with them. I manage to make it ok, so I love being adventurous. It is nice to do things where you do not have anyone to fall back on so you just have to figure it out. It lets you know that God is there and He will strengthen. That reminds me of one of my favorite verses:

Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Wow - I am amazed at where God just took me. I am actually almost crying right now as I type. God is FAITHFUL and we have so much strength in HIM. Thank you Lord Jesus.

To all those out there that are tired, GOD IS GIVING REST!!!! To my friends who are burdened - SOAR!!! God is God and He can take it!!!!!!

Love to all -

I am inspired!

Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surorunded by such a great cloud of witnesses, letus throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for hte joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. "

PEACE!!

Still sick

2006-12-19T16:58:00.000-06:00

Sorry for not posting more, but I am still sick and today my ears are plugged up and I can not hear. Bummer for me - can not even hear the TV without turning it up too loud. Hopefully tomorrow will turn the corner. Still no shopping done but Mike reassures me it will be ok - gift cards work for family ok - but not for kids - can you see liam - toys r us card - what do I do with this - Mike may have to experience the joy of shopping - uggggh! Talk later.

Melanie's daily grind

2006-12-18T18:28:00.000-06:00

I have what?

Ok - you know when you go to the Dr. you usually pretty much know what you already have, you just need them to diagnose so you can get your prescriptions, well think again.

Apparantly what I thought was a sinus infection - turned into Pneumonia - that's right - Mel has walking Pneumonia. Who knew. Well one Rocefin (sp) shot and an antibiotic along with blood draw and chest x-ray and I am home and stricken from work until Thursday. Mike is awesome - handling the kids and making dinner, cleaning up - amazing!!!!!!!!! What a guy!!!!!! He even came home from the store with a new pair of comfy pj's that were in his words "soft so your skin won't be irritated". I love that man!!!

Well - gotta go lay on the couch and do nothing. This is very weird. The down side - I really do feel rather lousy.

At least it is not on Christmas. Perhaps you noted my lack of preparation in my earlier blog - yeah tring not to think what this is going to do to those plans right now.

Talk when I can breath better.

Melanie's daily grind

2006-12-14T19:15:00.000-06:00

Sinus infections and what not - HOHOHO - Merry Christmas

Well - it's that time of year again. We shop till we drop and then get sick all in time to see our pocket books drained and our houses full of stuff we could do without in reality.

This is how I was feeling recently. I am in desperate search and on a mission to teach my boys the true meaning of Christmas. How hard that is in today's culture of Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings. I want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!! and I am going to. I have made it a point to teach the boys something new each day about our Christmas traditions and what they mean. I want to make sure that the celebrations we go to Liam knows are for Jesus' birthday. He calls it a Jesus party because he really understands birthday parties so that makes him ultra psyched. We are trying to emphasize the better to give than receive motto and he is doing rather well - I am actually shocked. We went to see santa and he only asked for a monster truck. Santa said - Is that all - Liam said - yep - a Monster Truck. And a racing truck for Noah - too cute. We also wrote our first letter to santa and mailed it to the north pole. It was too cute. I plan to write back and leave the letter on one of the santa gifts on Christmas.

We are also struggling as a family to identify our family traditions. The ones we will look back on and go - ahhhhh goood times. It is hard in a world of grandparents and extended family - but we are going to make our best efforts this year to do that.

I must say work is unusually busy this time of year - usually it is down time - but not now. I guess that is a great problem to have - too much work.

I had my house cleaned (try and do this once every 4 months) yesterday so I am back to square one with my maintenance. It is wonderful - I had to work 3 hours extra to pay for it - but well worth it!!!!!!!!!!!

Well - gotta go wrap presents for Gramps and Jeff - busy santa I am :)

We are going to rockwall tomorrow and Sat and then back here until Christmas day - back to Rockwall.

Did I mention it is Dec 14 and I have bought nothing for the kids for the holidays - not worried - I can power shop if I need to.

Have a wonderful day and remember - JESUS is CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

Melanie's daily grind

2006-12-05T17:05:00.000-06:00

Parties and Pictures

Ok - Just had a college student take some pics of us for a christmas card. She had not really had that much experience with kids, so - just bare with us and the picture on the card - it is ok - not great. had great potential, but the kids did not take to it too well. I do not like any pictures of myself right now because I need to lose about 20 lbs, so after that - it will be fun again. well - college students are coming over tonight for mike;s office christmas party. around 12 students and the 4 of us - caserole is in the oven, rotel in the crock pot and mike is at the store with noah. liam is watching cars - ahhhhhhh peace and quiet (as quiet as it gets around here)

we have the outside lights up but nothing on the inside yet. that is such a metaphore for so many things - you know - all pretty and put together on the outside and empty and blah on the inside. Well - I will let you interpret what you want. I am trying to get focused on my christmas shopping, but you know how that goes - no time - will probably do it in one massive day like always.

Mike usually does his the day before or so, so i guess you could say he is rubbing off on me in our old age :) haha

I am really stressed at work right now - big push for a project tomorrow and thurs and not sure how they are going to get done - but i am sure they will - always seem to.

life at chez mccarthy is ok right now - noah is waking up at night and screaming his head off for no reason -no infection - a little eczema but treated - etc. it has been going on for a couple of weeks and i am loosing it in that department. we let him cry and 1 hr later - same story, so i go in there and calm him down and he throws a fit, so you try and console him - patting is not working any more - not sure why, so you pick him up - he likes that of course, but if you sit down to rock him - oh no - screaming again - the only thing that works is food and dring - a little snack and he will calm down and then if you rock him he goes back to sleep. well - that is obviously not a long term solution, so i am asking - HELP!!!!!! liam did not do this and i am lost - crying it out does not work with noah. he goes to bed fine at 8:00 - no cries, etc. beautiful - it is this 3:00 in the morning thing that is insane!!!!!!!! i am just loving going to my parents this weekend and having this happen!

well gotta go - party time!!!!!!!!

Melanie's daily grind

2006-11-23T07:49:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving - Gobble Gobble!!! Happy Turkey Day!

Well - it is now 7:30 am and the turkey is in the oven, the stuffing was made last night, the green beans two days ago and the potatos are ready to be peeled and cooked as are the rolls (cooked that is). It is Thanksgiving at the McCarthy's and it is just us this year. We are going to eat, nap and then go to Waco to Mike's mom's who is not feeling 100% today.

It is kind of nice to just have us. No pressure to make things perfect, etc.

However, I am a little sad that we are not eating with family. That seems to be so weird since I am eating with my most important family members of all, but you know what I mean.

Hopefully I will get to watch a little of the parade - I love that! Well, in the spirit of the holiday! Eat and enjoy your families - you never know what the year will bring - so Today is your time!!!!!!!!!!! God's blessings to you and yours!!!!!

Melanie's daily grind

2006-11-16T17:11:00.000-06:00

I KNOW I KNOW -AGES SINCE I BLOGGED - TOO BUSY - NO - TOO SICK - NOT COMPLETELY - TOO TIRED - A LITTLE - TOO CAUGHT UP IN NOT LETTING MY FRIENDS KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON - PROBABLY - PRIORITIES PRIORITIES PRIORITIES.

WELL - I AM BACK BABY!!!!! WE ARE ALL FINE HERE - NOAH AND I ARE GETTING OVER BRONCHITIS THAT HAS HAD US UP AND DOWN THIS PAST 7 DAYS. WE ARE ON THE MEND.

MIKE FINISHED PAGEANT - YEAH - I HAVE MY HUSBAND BACK - HE IS NOW ONLY FULL TIME AT THE SCHOOL AND PART TIME AT THE CHURCH - COLLEGE STUDENTS ABOUND HERE AT THE MCCARTHY HOUSE.

I AM TRYING TO KEEP THINGS IN BALANCE, BUT IT GETS TOUGH WITH FAMILY, WORK AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

THINGS ARE PRETTY GOOD AROUND HERE - MIKE ACTUALLY HELPED ME WITH THE LAUNDRY THIS WEEK WHICH WAS HUGE BECAUSE I WAS SO BEHIND IT WAS LIKE A MOUNTAIN I DID NOT WANT TO CLIMB AND IT WAS ACTUALLY DEPRESSING ME TO SOME EXTENT (MILDLY). YOU KNOW - LIKE THOSE TASKS THAT SEEM SO HUGE THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO EVEN START BECAUSE YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO COMPLETE? THAT WAS ME ON THE LAUNDRY - LUCKY FOR ME (WHATEVER - LUCK - NO - GOD GAVE ME AN AWESOME HUSBAND) MIKE SAW THIS AND STEPPED IN AND HELPED ME IN A VERY LOVING WAY THAT DID NOT MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS A TERRIBLE WIFE AND MOM BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THE LAUNDRY DONE ON MY OWN - HE JUST HELPED!!!!

OK - LIAM IS GOING THROUGH A STAGE RIGHT NOW THAT IS NOT TOO FUN - A LOT OF IGNORING ME AND THAT INFURIATES ME - WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AROUND THE MCCARTHY HOUSE AND IT IS GETTING OLD - OH WELL - THAT IS A THREE YEAR OLD FOR YA.

MIKE DID SOMETHING FOR LIAM THE OTHER NIGHT THAT WAS NOTHING SHORT OF GENIUS AND I WISHED I HAD THOUGHT OF IT MYSELF. LIAM WAS TRULY HAVEING A WHINNY DAY BEYOND BELIEF - SO MUCH THAT I WAS ABOUT TO SEND HIM TO BED STRAIGHT FROM THE DINNER TABLE. MIKE TOLD HIM TO GET DOWN AND COME AROUND THE TABLE TO HIM - LIAM THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO GET IN TROUBLE. MIKE ASKED LIAM TO LOOK AT HIM- THEN MIKE PUT HIS HANDS OVER LIAM'S FACE AND WIPED IT AWAY AND THEN CLASPED HIS HANDS - HE THEN TOLD LIAM TO CLASP HIS HANDS THE SAME. MIKE TOLD LIAM THAT HE HAD WIPED AWAY THE WHINNING AND HE HAD IT IN HIS HANDS. HE THEN GAVE THE WHINNING TO LIAM IN HIS HANDS AND TOLD LIAM TO GO INTO HIS ROOM AND HIDE THE WHINNING IN A SPECIAL PLACE. LIAM THEN RAN TO HIS ROOM AND HID IT! WE TOLD HIM IT WAS HIS SECRET AND WE DID NOT WANT TO KNOW WHERE IT WAS - TOO FUNNY BECAUSE LIAM HAD A COMPLETE 180! HE WAS AN ANGEL THE REST OF THE NIGHT - JUST NEEDED A LITTLE CREATIVE PARENTING! AMAZING

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY IN THE LORD!

mEL

Melanie's daily grind

Hand me downs!

2006-10-23T17:22:00.000-05:00

Ok - today was fun- I think - still not over. I went to work and encountered a question that I can not answer - yes - this does happen - even to me. The jury is still out on this question - need help from one of the partners on that one. I did accomplish quite a bit and tomorrow looks promising.

The boys and I came home in search of three things. My bible, watch and Liam's winter clothing for Noah. Well score on the clothing front - but bombed big time on the others. Actually, I have been in search of these items for quite some time now and I am most bumbed about my Bible. Why is that when it is the easiest thing to locate and buy. Because it has those notes. You know - the notes you make during that particularly poignant sermon or quiet time or study. Those notes are priceless. So - take note - if you do not have your name and address or some form of contact info in your Bible - do so now. Because you do not want to be me - lost without my swoard. I have been using one of Mike's old ones and it is not the same. I have had it since 95 and it is actually in my maiden name. Too fun! I have faith it will show up one of these days. Darn if my memory fails me as to where it might be.

Anyway - back to the clothes. I was in the attic dropping storage bins to my children below when I had a thought. What if our parents did this too? I am sure they did, but at what point did they finally give it up and sell or donated the stuff. Have you asked. I am at that crossroads now - do I start to give away the boy's stuff that they have outgrown or do I hold on to it in case? That is a very loaded question - so I will not go there. Anyway - all is done and Noah has a few clothes to wear this winter - YEAH. I was hoping Liam and he could share some clothes. Thank the Lord for Texas and our relatively temperate climate.

Well - off to feed the kids and to Bible study - with my hand be down Bible and Noah wearing a hand me down shirt!

TGIF - I think!

2006-10-20T17:18:00.000-05:00

Ok - i realize that it has been way too long since I last posted. I would love to say that I have been on a lavish vacation too far removed from the hustle and bussle of the daily grind - but far from it.

Ok - laundry list first:
Laundry - piling up sooo fast - can 4 people really have this much laundry?
Painting - yes - we are painting the master bathroom yet again - well I should say 90% mike ane Liam and I the rest.
Child dr. visits - Noah gave us a scare yesterday - Day care called and guess what - Noah has blood in his stool. Ok - rush out of a meeting I am leading - that was fun. Go to the dr. to find out that Noah has a kind of hemroid - you read correctly. I thought that was what pregnant women and old people get. So after searching all over TEmple for the be all end all of butt paste's we got home and applied it and - Hooray - his little toochie is getting better. He slept through the night for the first time in a week last night - so naturally I am more tired today than ever.

Let's see what else? Oh yeah - Wed night Mike took kids to choir because PBH (my work) had our open house and ribbon cutting for our Temple office - I am manager - so guess who had to be ther til 7 - it was successful. Yeah!

Tax deadline was Monday - Seriously! Who calls on monday to ask if we can do their taxes. They have and 10 months. Isn't there something to be said for being just a little early.

I have a 25 lb little man in my lap right now -so I will finish later with more of an introspective look at it all.

Love and rest to all!

Melanie's daily grind

2006-10-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

Rained today - praise the Lord!

I am going to dinner with the best of old friends tonight. A blessed break from the daily grind :)

Work - play - etc. it is all good when it is for the Lord!

Liam quote for the day "So you are going to make mommy friends - because that's what mommies do?" - Yes Liam - that's what mommies do - make mommy friends :)

Noah has yet another bruise on his face - it has become the norm since he started walking - he is too precious but never the less - clumsy still! Takes after his mama I guess - just call me grace.

Well - did I tell you that my dad had some small cancerous tumors removed from his bladder last week - all is good now - the same as before (4th time in 9 years). No penetration in the bladder wall - that is good. Also caught very early - than God for follow ups. He may do treatment a little this time - very localized - inside the bladder - but will have to wait a few weeks to see if the doc is going to do that.

By the way - tip of the week - MAKE SURE AND GO THROUGH YOUR HUSBAND'S POCKETS BEFORE YOU WASH THE PANTS, ETC. BLACK PENS DO LEAK AND THEY DO PLACE DOTS ON ALL PIECES OF CLOTHING IN THE SAME LOAD - AND NO - IT DOES NOT COME OUT . Suggestions? So far I saved the clothes but not wearable - mostly whites (which I am going to bleach) but some light clothes - khaki's, etc.

Talk later-

Those friends

2006-10-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

There are those friends! The ones that you hardly ever see and truly love - the ones that you know in a pinch would be there first - and would go above and beyond - the ones that love you for you - not the you that others think you are - the real you.

Well, today's blog is for those of you reading this (because you are the only ones that have my blog info).

I must appologise up front for not keeping in touch like I should have. There are no excuses - there are definately reasons - but no excuses. I am vowing today to be a better friends. Why? Becuase YOU deserve it. You are special to me and regardless of the miles that separate us, you are my closest friends.

Sure - I have friends here that I hang out with on a weekly basis, etc. but you are my true friends - the ones that I knew when I was a little less:
A Little less refined
A little less busy
A little less good at hiding my emotions
A little less at making excuses as to why I have not called in over a year - you know who you are - sorry!!!!!!!!
Just a little less self absorbed.

Today is a new day and I am trying to make a change. I am tired of thinking of all of you and not acting on it, so here it is. The reason for this blog is to let you in again. To let you in on my life - its ups and downs twists and turns. My prayer is that you will know me again and we can truly share in eachother's lives even if it is a thousand miles away - cause lets face it - there are only a few people that truly know us anymore and our husbands our one of those, so that leaves not too many others.

Think about it - who knows you that well? Sunday school friends - maybee but not too many.

High school friends - if you are lucky perhaps 1 or so.
College friends - maybee

Kids's friends parents - mostly just for the kids.

See - we have eachother. So lets do it - lets agree to reconnect. To make eachother a prioriry again (even if it is only through this thing called cyberspace - my hops is that it is not just that).

I MISS YOU~!

Ok - off my soap box or whatever that is - I feel like Jerry McGuire - this is not a mission statement! You do not complete me - the Lord does, but you are pretty important - important enough to do this!!!

Thank you for who you are in my life!!!!!! May God bless you and yours today!

Gotta run - Bible study tonight and the kids want to play (and lets be honest - I do too!!!! Hows that for mom of the year - :) JK

Love ya,
Mel
Phil 4:13

Sunday - day of rest

2006-10-08T15:52:00.000-05:00

The sunday nap is always highly underrated. There is just something about coming home - getting lunch done and then laying down to nap while the kids do likewise. I used to take this time to catch up on the stuff of the weekend, but now - I nap. It is awesome. However, there is always the chance you wake more tired than when you laid down - today is that. Oh well - I will get moving and I will be fine.

Today's sermon was about families - Extreme Makeover forum - and Bro. Andy said something that Mike and I have been saying for a long time - Quality time is not = to Quantity time. Kids need time - and lots of it. 10 minutes of quality is not equal to an hour of quantity. It is just not - they want more. They need more. Point to ponder as I deal with a busy lifestyle here. We just take our kids everywhere - cool or not.

Last night we went to the concert and it was so much fun. I did not really stay in my seat too much. I wandered around with Mike because he was taking care of misc. stuff that needed to be done. That is why I was there anyway - to get to hang with my hubbie since he had worked so hard to get to that point. We both were like - if we see the concert that is great - but just knowing it is going well is enough for us. We are alike in that manner. The satisfaction is not getting to enjoy the outcome, but in the success of having made it there and knowing that others are enjoying. That probably makes no sense at all, but it does to us.

This morning liam had a rough time in Sunday school - not listening again! It has almost become a regular thing and we are really out of ideas to punish him. He has had every kind of restriction and punishment we can think of and it is getting pretty hard to come up with things that affect him. This time of year when Mike is away is particularly hard on us because Liam does act out in this way when Mike is not around constantly. This makes me so thankful to have a husband that comes home every night and is actively involved in his kid's lives.

This weel at work is going to be tough. We have a deadlike on Oct 16 - taxes so all of it has to be done!

Pretty daunting right now, but we will manage.

Well - gonna go spend time with the boys - my boys :)

Mel
Melanie's daily grind

New to me

2006-10-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

Ok - this is my first official blog. Thank you Mar for spurring me on to do this. I have never been a journaler (sp- by the way - never check my spelling - it will be wrong - I am a math person - I use spell check on computers) so we will see how this goes.

Today is the Randy Travis concert at MHB and Mike has been gone since 6 am. Pretty standard this time of year, but it is even more so these past couple of weeks. Yeah it is over today. He is also officiating a wedding this afternoon in Lampassas, so he is really running crazy today.

Boys are napping and I am ignoring laundry and my hair long enough to create this blog and start expressing myself - is that what this is - ah yes - therapy for those who can not afford to see a real phychiatrist - jk. Anyway - I think I will like this.

As you might have guessed - I am a little scarcastic when no one is directly listening - not the true sweet Mel that we all know and love - but at last - honest.

Liam and Noah are going with me to the new Kohl's this afternooon. I am going to use a free gift card I got in the mail. Love those freebies.

Well- duty calls - I promise I will get better at this. Noah is calling - nap over - shift into high gear!

Talk soon -