Texas Fun

We arrived in Dallas yesterday afternoon. Let me just tell you. It is hot here. Texas hot. When we moved to Mississippi, it was like a sauna – very steamy, and that was “Africa hot” (as Matthew Broderick described in Biloxi Blues). Today it is 102° - very sunny, very hot. Texas HOT! Who cares! We’ve been to the pool and we are having the best time.

We were greeted at the airport by 2 of my very best friends. Deanna was a sorority pledge sister and Amy was my best friend in Memphis (husbands were students and we had lots of free time on our hands). 7 years ago Amy moved close to Deanna and I matched the two up! Two friends within 10 minutes of each other makes a vacation very easy to plan! Last night we had dinner at Deanna's. Tomorrow we will be at Amy's. Deanna and family are headed out on a college search trip. Eppy and A came out to Southlake to visit today. We roomed together in college in apartment 18F at The Centre. 18F was our identity the whole year of 1990-1991. We parted as graduates and I was a future bride. Now, between the 3, of us we have 8 kids. They brought their girls for lunch. It’s been 4 years since we’ve seen them, but it feels like just yesterday. All of the kids were taller, some with more teeth, some with less. Caroline has braces. Haley lost a tooth on her way to the pool today. We cover almost all years between 6 and 12. It’s fun to look back over our visits and the stages we’ve been through.

Tim and I moved to Memphis while the rest of 18F moved to Dallas. The summer of 1990, I had also planned to move to "The Big D". However, when Tim decided to end the Big Break-up and he realized just how much he really needed me in his life, he convinced me to change my future and join him in Memphis. Luckily for him, I did.

2 of our 4 roomies are still in Dallas. The 4th is in Houston. She's the one I chose to spotlight a few months ago. She's about to move to NYC 'cause her husband is a mover and a shaker. So, the rest of the 18F'ers are planning a big 40th trip to see her in her new and amazing digs sometime later this year.Anyway, we had lots of fun seeing my old friends. Dallas is just as great as I remember from my college days when we used to head up I-35 for some shopping and fun. I can't wait to see what else the week brings!

The Wedding

We spent last weekend celebrating with nephew Adam and new wife Sampy in their beautiful wedding. Caroline was a Jr. Bridesmaid. Her description? The dream job in her dream shoes. She looked so pretty and I think she had a fabulous time.

Brooks and Reed were ushers. Brooks had the honor of walking his Grandmother to his seat. Both boys were great at their jobs - once they mastered which side was which (bride's or groom's). The wedding coordinator even had a little trouble with that concept. Reed's comment when asked how he liked it? "those tuxedos were HOT!" He looked great, though.

Cole was the "Ring Bear" (in his own words). The weekend began with his determined little mind saying "no, I am not holding the flower girl's hand" but fortunately, he acquiesced and they were adorable. Of course, that is after he had the tux de-linted twice from crawling under pews and after a fairly long session on his DS while waiting for pictures to be taken. He stood pretty still and only gave us a "thumbs up" once during the ceremony. The reception was especially fun for him - he got to dance with all cousins and a few aunts!

Overall the weekend was lots of fun. It is always fun to see what personal touches couples add to their very own ceremony. Adam's groom cake was a King Cake and Sampy had chosen words to a Jack Johnson song for hers. She even had banana pancakes for breakfast that day.

Congratulations, Adam and Sampy! We hope you had a great time in San Francisco!

Eleven

The 17th of July always brings back the very best memories. It's the day my very first son was born in Edmond, OK. I was induced, so there wasn't much surprise, but there was nothing better than the excitement of meeting that sweet baby boy who came out with the cutest little smile.

We named him Timothy Brooks. Timothy is for his dad and Brooks was a name we always liked. We decided on his name in March as I sat under our big tree in the backyard while his dad was doing yard work. Caroline was taking a nap and I was petting the dog - I was in quite fragile shape since I was expecting! We decided to call him Brooks so there would be no confusion as he grew older - and I really didn't like "Timmy". Now he also answers when he is called "Broo-oo-ks" by his brothers or "Brooksie" by his baseball coach. He is #5 on the team like Brooks Robinson who used to play for the Orioles (our Brooks played for the Orioles for 2 years, too).

Our Brooks has a great sense of humor. He is the magician and jokester of the family. He laughs out loud on a daily basis and loves to read the comics. He really likes to read most anything. His favorite authors are Horowitz and Lupica. He likes Sports Illustrated for Kids - reads it cover to cover the day it arrives.

His favorite sport is baseball. He's our 2nd baseman. He made his first double play this year - one was unassisted. He knows how to "take one for the team". He even had his first broken finger this season.

He's a snowboarder. He still likes to ski. He can flip and dive at the pool. His tricks make my stomach lurch with nervousness! He's pretty good on a rip-stick. He can do whatever he sets his mind to do. It's an amazing thing to watch.

He took a week-long canoeing trip to Minnesota with the scouts. He caught 3 Small Mouth Bass. He got dirtier than ever before - and had more mosquito bites than all the previous years put together. He discovered that dried meals in a bag aren't too bad when you add hot water. He also remembered how tasty home-cooked meals can be.

Let's see, what doesn't he like? corn on the cob, homework, vacuuming, and losing to his brother.

He's entering the land of eleven. I wonder what this year will bring... girlfriends? new friends? new likes and dislikes. hopefully less homework and more time to hang out. new milestones and accomplishments....

Happy Birthday, Brooks. We are so proud of you and we love you more than you will ever know!

Before 40 Update

I realized today that my 365 days are quickly ticking away!  I am very slowly checking items off of my “to do” list.  A few weekends ago I had my garage sale.  You woldn’t believe how empty the basement and garage are!  What a great feeling!

I have 35 books to go – that is crazy!  I just can’t find the time or attention span to read anymore.  Vacations will begin in about 3 weeks.  Maybe I can get some read by then.

I think I’ve run 3 miles.  Ahem.  What about the 5k and ½ marathon?   We got a fantastic treadmill this weekend, so maybe I can put a few more miles under my feet.

I have painted 2 bathrooms.  One looks great, the other looks horrible.  It looks so bad, I think Tim is going to sand it down and repair the wall (again) and repaint while I am in Texas.  But I still get to cross out # 8!

Brooks and I played Guitar Hero about a month ago.  He is better than I am, but I refuse to start on easy.  I have to say, my musical abilities are still with me and I was playin’ some tunes that didn’t sound too bad.  “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” is by far my best song.  Check off #38!

Since I had the garage sale, the basement is fairly clean.  It really needs to be vacuumed, but it is hard to convince oneself to clean a concrete floor.  Good-bye #29.

I almost wrote #28 into the record books last weekend, but my friends wouldn’t go for it.  I think I need more adventurous friends, don’t you? 

I LOVE BodyJam – it is lots of fun.  Takes me back to Spartanaire days.  I don’t think I will be a regular, though, till school is back in session.

The gym discontinued our Belly Dancing classes.  BUT, a friend from our baseball team is a Real Live Belly Dancer, costumes and all!  I am going to get her to give me a private lesson.  You never know, maybe I will join her troupe and travel around East Tennessee shaking my mid-section.  I’ll let you know on that one.

I guess I’d better get to stretching.  Who knows how long it will be before I get into the splits again… maybe that could go along with Belly Dancing.

I did memorize the credit card and boy is it easy to shop on-line, now.  I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

I still have lots to go.  Stay tuned, I’ll keep y’all abreast of my latest accomplishments.

As of today, there are exactly 243 days left for me to finish my goals and then, we must have a PARTY, don’t you think????

Almost Vacation

It's hard to believe... summer is half over. I have been home for the entire first half although 3 of our 4 kids have taken short jaunts out of town. I can't say it's been relaxing. I haven't slept in much and I haven't had anytime to sit around and watch tv. Sleeping in and spending hours upon hours perusing the channels used to be my idea of relaxation. Those ideas went out with the bath water about 12-1/2 years ago, when I had a child - and then another - and another - in less than 35 months. I remember summer during my teen years as days when I would go to swim practice, come home to eat lunch, watch tv and listen to the locusts in the trees on the HOT Houston afternoons. Eventually I would end up back at the pool, or at the movies with friends. Hmmm. The good ole days.

I don't hear as many locusts these days. I'm not sure if we even have them all the way up here in the mountains of Tennessee. But we do have the heat (although this year it has been quite cool and pleasant), and the sound of kids diving into the pool. I love to take all 4 swimming. I sit in the chair with my eyes closed (for a second) and listen to the sounds of the laughter and splashing in the water. It takes me back to my childhood summers filled with fun - biking, eating Blue Bell ice cream, and sleeping till noon. But my daydreaming is always cut short with a little voice saying "mom?" and I snap back to reality and the fact that I am already 39 and the kids are getting older and older with each second that passes.

This summer for our family has been a little different. We have had at least one child gone every single week. The dynamics have been interesting as I have observed the challenge of doing without a sibling. We even took a trip where we could all fit into one hotel room. Usually we have to get 2 rooms, or a suite.

Caroline missed the state baseball tournament. We ate sushi while Reed was at camp ('cause he isn't too crazy about it). We drove to Alabama to see friends while Brooks and Tim were at Scout Camp. We did "big kid" things while Cole was at camp. I've enjoyed the variety.

The middle of this week brings us to the beginning of a vacation. We are headed to Nashville for a wedding. Our nephew Adam is marrying the cutest girl named Sampy. Caroline will be a jr. bridesmaid, Brooks and Reed will be ushers, and Cole will be the "ring bear". Sunday we are headed to Dallas to spend the week with friends. Then we'll fly to Houston to spend the last week with my parents. Unfortunately, Tim will be at home to work and take care of Sassafras. His vacation was at Scouts this year. August 2, we are going to take a quick trip to the beach, reuniting all 6 of us before school begins again.

Long live summer!! I've so enjoyed the lack of routine and homework!

At Last, Atlanta!

We’ve been looking forward to this trip all year – those of us following Thunder Baseball, anyway. Brooks’ team entered a Wood Bat Tournament which was planned for Memorial Day, 2008. Caroline and I traveled to Atlanta with some friends for a day of shopping first. After all, we have to take the opportunity when it presents itself. The males all followed in a later car – after school was out and after the dads got off work.

Our 2 families met up again outside of Turner Field. We endured a bit of rain before we went in, but our spirits were up and we were ready to see our boys on the field! The baseball team wore their uniform shirts for a parade around the field. They looked great on the jumbotron. They are even cuter when they are giant-size! See - those 2 bigger guys are the coaches - aren't they cute???

Unfortunately, Brooks is nowhere to be seen...

Here are a few pics from our eats. The dads pigged out on delectable hot dogs – fancy style. - everything on it to completely grossed me out. Once off the field, the boys ate a few dogs, cotton candy, dots, pretzels, plus cokes.

Saturday morning we began our tournament. We lost a few games that weekend, but we all need to lose a few, right? Well, we won’t reflect on our losses. No, we will reflect back on the fun we had eating, swimming, and SHOPPING with friends till we were so tired we fell into bed.

Sunday after we were booted right out of the tournament, we caravanned up to PAPPASITAS for the best TexMex you can find this side of Houston. If you’ve been there, I’m sure descriptions aren’t necessary. We just love the fajitas and tamales. and chips, salsa, cheese, and handmade tortillas. oh, and the mariachi band is always a great addition - my favorite song to request is "One Ton Tomato" (I don't know the real name, but the chorus sounds just like my lyrics). Our Tennessee friends were quite satisfied as we rolled back to the hotel and into the pool.

So the beginning of our summer was terrific. The wood bats added a new flair to our base-running game. The boys showed their personalities on a giant screen – funny faces and all. I have to say the losses gave us character and a little perspective on the typical teams we face in our area in Tennessee!

The Big Dig

Wow! My week is starting out right!  I opened my email to find a guest contributor for the blog today - right as I am off to hit my new treadmill!  I have a new post almost ready for publication, plus 2 in the works, but none are ready for Monday.  

I have to agree with my dear friend, Dee.  Nothing is more satisfying than bunches of black bags filled with weeds and clean, beautiful flower beds just outside the window.  I am adding a huge grin to my face as I anticipate gazing on her lovely beds (in person) 2 WEEKS from yesterday!  In the meantime, though, I have to laugh.  She's right, you know, for I am well acquainted with all 4 characters in the story and she has described them to a T!!

THE BIG DIG

 

I declared Saturday, July 5 to be the Big Dig Weed Picking Day.  I hate digging weeds. Yet I love the end result of the weed digging.  No one in my family likes digging weeds.  It hurts.  It is no fun.  I'm praying my children do so well in life that they can hire yard help so they will be able to choose whether or not they want to dig their own weeds as adults.

 

The event was actually born out of a Boy Scout project.  The seventeen year old has yet to complete all requirements to get the Eagle Award, so this fit into the Family Life project.  Perfect.  An excuse to make everyone pull weeds disguised as a worthy cause.  Of course I capitalized on the idea. 

 

I was the first out to weed at 8:30 a.m.  (It's July in Texas; must be done by noon to avoid heat stroke.)  Shortly after came my 11 year old daughter.  She is the biggest weed whiner of them all, so I was shocked to see her.  Hubby came next, then the seventeen year old, who had some distraction inside.  Hubby started in quickly with offering to start mowing.  No dice, Honey, we're weeding.  Then he offered to "weedeat" the weeds.  I explained that the last time he did that they were back in the beds in 10 days.  That simply lops off the tops. (His other m.o. is to get out the Roundup and squirt.)  We need to all actually DIG weeds today, not just ME digging the weeds.  The mowing and weedeating would follow, time permitting.  Next, the eleven year old talked up a storm while gingerly stabbing at some weeds.  Par for the course.  The seventeen year old, my firstborn and cut from my mold, worked hard. 

 

After a while I saw Hubby and Eleven in the very back bed in the shade, sitting in beach chairs, chatting and digging, because life is a party for those two.  Meanwhile, Seventeen and I made it around to the other three sides of the yard in full sun, sweating and digging, climbing, squatting, bending, killing ourselves.  When we finished, we headed to the back bed, and the other two were so proud of themselves for their work.  I pointed out that it was a good thing someone had been bagging leaves in that back bed, or there would be many many more!  Oh?  You've bagged leaves in the past 3 years?  Hard to tell.  Thank you, Darling! 

 

By 10:45 Hubby and Eleven were off to the golf course for an appointment to fit her for a driver.  The rest of the work remained for Seventeen and me.  My back hurt, I was drenched with sweat, and I was ready to be done.  But we rallied and bagged three more bags of leaves and clippings, even when he thought it was good enough.  I must instill a work ethic in these children!  We hit the showers at noon.

 

Tonight, there are 9 black bags at my curb; seven came from the back yard. My fingers tips are still sore, and I feel like I've been at a session of boot camp.   I think the original purpose of the boy-led project was somewhat lost; however, Mama is happy.