Jet-Setting With The Kilgore Crew

Sooooo Pinterest is a little addicting, eh?

2012-01-29T19:36:00.000-06:00

Some of you may already get this....have adapted this into your own life.....and live by these rules. I just NOW got to that chapter.

I am going back on my promise....already

2012-01-27T17:17:00.000-06:00

My Best Friend is moving to Seattle, March 16th.

That is all I can mutter right now.

I am a positive person....for the most part! :-)

2012-01-24T17:14:00.000-06:00

I need to post happier stuff more. I was reading through my past posts and most of them are so boo hoo'y and negative. This blog is definitely not a true representation of who I am, that is for sure. So for those of you in the blogsphere who only know this side of me, I apologize!!!

I use this blog to vent. It's therapeutic for me. I'd rather use this space as my diary than facebook updates. It's more quaint....comfortable......and somewhat anonymous (when my family isn't reading it! LOL) I can vent more freely here.

So from this point forward I will try and post happier thoughts and events. There is more of that in my life than the latter and now that the WORST day of the year is behind me, it can only get better from here on out, right?

Don't answer that. Let me just lie to myself for a little while.

Things are better now

2012-01-21T14:15:00.001-06:00

Hello my three faithful readers! Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Sorry for the rant I made the other day. It's pretty self explanatory why I went off like that, but wanted to report in that now that the day has passed I'm feeling a little better.

I have this bad habit of focusing on my weaknesses and the negative stuff but do need to be reminded (thanks Chrysta, Jess and Cheryl) of the good from time to time. I honestly do know I'm blessed. I have a good life; great husband; awesome friends. But man there are days....that just make you feel so B-L-A-H......and dark.....and well you know. You feel very alone and bad...and just pouty. It was, however, therapeutic to get it off my chest/shoulders/mind and just blurt it all out there. That may be one of the reasons why I'm feeling much better about things.

Or it could be that I just did something pretty amazingly scary and walked away feeling pretty amazingly awesome! I was asked to speak at a Race Director's conference today; representing the Earlywine Dash (of course) but also speak on behalf of my experiences using social media (FB) as our marketing and promotions tool for our event. That is right up my alley right? SURE....if I don't have to speak in front of people it is!!! It is completely out of my comfort zone to go into a room, and command the situation and impart wisdom on people. I would much rather be the student, to be honest. But I was convinced it would be good for me; "character building" they called it, and good for the Dash to do this. So because neither of my Co-Race Directors had a FB account, I was pretty much "forced" to do it.

I made notes, did research, googled topics, in preparation of this presentation. I Youtubed tutorials on how to set up a page; created a power point presentation and made flash cards as references. You know.....big boy stuff. I'm a MOM....I don't do these things! This is FOREIGN territory for me. But with Scott's help and Kristina's counsel I was able to organize my thoughts on Power Point and voila....a slide show was made.

Rehearsals in front of Scott last night were horrendous. I tripped over my tongue. Could not get my thoughts out. Forgot what I wanted to say (even with my flash cards and power point slides in FRONT OF ME). It was a disaster. I went to sleep VERY nervous about the next day.

I "woke up" at 5am. I was tired of trying to sleep. I couldn't rest. I was so nervous about how inexperienced I was going to come off and how ineffective I would be. I went over my material a couple times and then just said "It will be, what it will be".....showered and then headed to the conference.

While sitting there and hearing all these "pro" Race Directors and super official people speak, I was now feeling COMPLETELY out of my element. I had NO BUSINESS being there. Oh boy...this was going to be a disaster.

When it was my turn I stood up and prepared my slide. I held my flash cards tight in my hand, (almost folded over they were that tightly rolled) and just talked......and talked.......and talked.....thoughts were coming so freely to me. Thoughts I hadn't written down or rehearsed. I was talking and talking and talking....and the nerves were gone. Then I looked at my watch....30 minutes had passed! WHew, it was time to wrap this up. I thanked everyone and opened it up to Q&A. Five people posed questions...and I actually knew the answers to it. Woo hoo, I was on a role...and I was in someone else's body.

As I was leaving (I had to be somewhere and was late already), a site director from signmeup.com who was there speaking as well, followed me out into the hallway and asked me to form my presentation into an article so she could PUBLISH IT ON SIGNMEUP.COM'S BLOG?

WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTT?

Holy cow! I am going to get paid for this? Really?

Then Don, the organizer of the event, asked me to come back next year?

SERIOUSLY?

I am more than a mom? Really? Have I finally found an identity outside these four walls? (four walls that I love, mind you)

Today was a good day. I needed a good day and to be honest, there are more good than bad days. I just had a moment........ And I think next year, I will focus more on the good and less on the bad, the eve of the 20th!

Thanks Friends!

It's the Eve of my birthday and BOY do I have a RANT/VENT whatever you want to call it

2012-01-19T19:55:00.005-06:00

If you're in a good mood, don't read this.

I don't blog on a regular basis because I don't have the time or patience to be whitty. It doesn't come naturally to me like it does for most of the people that blog, so I rarely if ever come here to be impart any knowledge or wisdom or literary genius. But I do come here to vent....and to brag and boast about my kids and family......but today is a day to VENT

This will be a very random post and probably better suited with bullets because I will not be able to link one thought to the next

1) I hate January. Always have. It's a combination of things. Mostly because I turn older in January but also because it's the lull of post holiday crap. What makes matter worse living here in the US is that we have THREE months of holiday stuff : Cdn Thanksgiving, American Thanksgiving and then Christmas. That is a lot of entertaining and cooking and eating and merriment to only have a hush of post holiday blues follow it upon ripping down the Christmas decorations. I feel very blue after the holidays....I don't know if it's because we're away from family or if it's because we're away from family, but I'm pretty sure it has to do with the fact we are away from our family. So much is going on back home right now.....that Christmas to me is like a celebration of "one more year" but then January comes and the question becomes "will we get one more year?"

2) The "one more year" references are in regards to my sick family members, which is yet another reason why January sucks. My grandparents (the Van Dusens) have been sick off and on for some time. I'm in a constant state of "Is this THE phone call",....you know...the one where we get "the news" and then it's a mad rush to get home. I dread that call. I really do. I'm in denial about how old they are, how frail they are, how sick they are....because to me they are in their sixties and full of life. I hate being reminded every time I'm home at how much slower they are, how much more forgetful they are, and how sick they are. I hate it. Just recently they were moved into an assisted living residence. Both of them. I never thought that day would happen but it's for their own good (and my dad's to be honest). He has been taking on the brunt of all their needs and it's just too much for him right now. They are older now...and have lots of special needs, and even new diseases we didn't know they had. Ugh...I just hate talking about it....It makes me so sad...and worried....

3) which brings me to my dad. And his health. And how fragile he is. Did I mention he's stressed? Yes....he's stressed. About his parents, about his dad, about his mom, about his investments, about his business, about mom's health. I mean the list goes on and on. And he's not in good health himself....but does he take time to take care of himself? No....so it all compounds into one massive problem which means....gulp....that one day, he may explode...and to me that means in a cardiac arrest. NOT KIDDING. I can see it on his face, in pictures posted on facebook. I don't even know where to begin on how much my siblings and I are afraid for him AND his health. ...... but what can you do? He thinks he's got things under control and that we're making a mountain out of a mole hill

4) then there's my mom. For the last 35+ years she's lived in inlaw hell. I won't get into too much detail here, but you would think after a certain amount of time, things would just be accepted as is and everyone would make nice. Nope.....when the going gets tough, people should come together right? NOPE>...they make matters worse for each other, which just makes things that much more SHITTIER for my mom and quite frankly I am about to roll some heads....why does the kid in this situation need to intervene to be the adult? I mean seriously......BY GONES people......by gones. Grow up.....move on....and do it quick. 35+ is about all she can take.....and all I'm wanting to hear about anymore. And she has CANCER morons....CANCER. SHe is fighting for her life every....single....day....even the days she's not taking chemo or radiatation treatments. So back off her....now and for the rest of her life. She doesn't need it. She's got higher priorities in her life...and none of them have to do with YOUR ego and your latest hissy fit.

5) why do friends focus so much of their energy on relationships that aren't worth fighting for? Call me crazy, but if someone treats me badly, especially when I use my "3 strikes you're out" policy, I write you off. My heart is soft....and it cuts easily. My skin is tough though. It will take a lot of work to get me to open up, and it takes EVER more to let you back in if you do me wrong. Yet I see "friends" so concerned about so called "Friends" who give them no time or day. there is a message on the wall people....read it....accept it.....move on. There are bigger and better things out there for you. why waste your time on someone who is clearly wallowing in their own self loathing/pity? What can that friend give you? What is it you want? I mean, look around you.....if you have friends standing beside you cheering you on....make your investment there instead. END OF THAT RANT.

6) why do men cheat? I am so tired of seeing my friends get treated like garbage. If you are unhappy in your relationship DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT WITHIN THE RELATIONSHIP. If you are falling out of love with your wife....tell her BEFORE you cheat. Stop making excuses for why you're late, or why you're in another city, or why you're buying a second phone, or why the credit card is being maxed out. BE A DAMN MAN and own your behavior. Your actions have consequences...and chances are your kids will suffer for it because you couldn't be honest with yourself.....or with your WIFE. You took a vow...own it. Respect it. FIX YOU first before damaging everyone around you because you were "going through a midlife crisis" or "not in love with your wife" anymore.

7) I should not have to discipline other peoples' children. Be responsible for your kids. Don't watch me lecture them and say nothing. Follow up please.

8) Stop being a tough guy. It's embarrassing. To you and everyone else. Just try to see the good in something FIRST before rushing into a verbal or physical assault with someone. And lower your voice....I don't care to hear your usage of the F word in every literary form. Thanks

9) get out of the left lane if you are driving the speed limit.

10) Open water swims frustrate my psyche. I want to be a good swimmer. Not professionally by any means, but confident in the water. I just want to be confident in the WATER....why is that so hard?

11) don't talk on your cell phone while on a cardio machine. If you can have a full conversation with someone while on the phone while "working out"....you're not WORKING OUT. Plus no one cares to hear your conversation. Take it outside...or in the lobby....PLEASE!

12) why does it seem like no one cares about anything anymore, unless it has to do with themselves? It has astounded me at how insensitive people can be; whether they are trying to be or not.

13) make time for the friends that are important to you: no excuses. Work can wait....so can your family, if your friend is in need......you know the difference....especially if you're friends. So read the cues, and BE THERE.

14) Passive Aggressiveness is not how you solve problems. In fact, you've probably dug yourself a hole that you will have a hard time crawling out of. So stop doing it to "send a message"....instead, have the discussion you've been putting off.

15) why can't I just be CONFIDENT with anything? why do I second guess myself? Why do I question myself? Why can't I see myself the way Scott sees me? I love his impression of me! I don't know how that happened, but I love it. I'm pretty spectacular in his eyes.....when he says things about me....that I don't see. But why don't I see those things? What the heck is my hang up?

16) I'm done now. Sorry for all of that. I have these moments, especially on the eve of the birthday. If you read this far, I love you. Thank you. If you didn't, I totally understand. NOBODY LIKES A WHINER....

2011-12-22T15:28:00.002-06:00

I love what I have.....

2011-10-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

and am very grateful for the blessings in my life

I'm Lost.

2011-08-24T17:34:00.004-05:00

How many times have you heard me complain, whine, rant, vent about not having an identity? How many times have I told you that I struggle to be "someone" or "Something of importance" outside of being someone's wife and mom? How many? Too many to count right? Well you're about to hear how hypocritical I am in about 0.5 seconds.

Since 2003 I have been a SAHM. 8 years. For some of you that's nothing, but for me, it's been everything. Everything good, everything bad, every bit challenging, every bit rewarding, every bit frustrating, every bit maddening, every bit proud, every bit emotional....just EVERY THING. As hard as it has been at times, my kids have pretty much defined my days and who I am.....and even though I ranted about how that bothered me, I would not change a thing about the last eight years.

Fast forward to August 18th, 2011. First day of school for both boys. The difference? Both boys, yes BOTH are attending school all day. 8:40am 'til 3:30pm Monday through Friday. While I have dreamed of this moment, prayed for this moment, counted down to this moment, the last few months have been hard for me. The moment was HERE...it was really going to happen...and I didn't want summer to end. So much was going to change. For them...and for me.

It seemed like over night the kids went from being little boys to "big'ger" little boys. I mean Ty actually said at dinner the other night, when I was complaining about the heat (all 50+ days of triple digit temps) that "football players just have to suck it up mom". Just like that, he defined himself as a football player. A big boy who tackles other boys to the ground.

Zach told me that I could kiss him in the car, but he will only hug me in the school. So no more kisses at school because it's now "not cool".

And now after I drop them off, and then work out, and then shower....I have four more hours to kill. FOUR HOURS....four hours of not having to micro manage a body. Four hours of not having to tow a child around running errands. Four hours of getting groceries in silence. Four hours of hearing myself think (oh my gosh, scary)....and four hours of getting stuff done! I mean, that's a long time. LONG time. And they don't seem to care that I am having a hard time with this! LOL

It also makes me wonder if I did my job well as a SAHM. Did I teach them manners and how to be courteous? Did I help make them be responsible and productive young beings? Did we help teach them right from wrong and help them make safe choices? Was I fun? I mean seriously....was I FUN? It seems like all work....there was play right?

Parenting is the hardest job ever. It always keeps you guessing and you never really know how successful you are at it until much later in life. I know our job is not over, not by a long shot, but my role is certainly different now.

I know it's only the first full week of school, but it's definitely been a wierd one (for me only). Zach and Ty are both loving their classes, teachers and being back in a routine, I guess I just need to find my new routine and my new identity and know in my heart that I did do all I could to make them happy and brave and smart little but big'ger, boys.

Thanks for listening.

Having to take a back seat

2011-08-09T07:09:00.001-05:00

When this happens to your kid, at football practice, you learn that there is a time and a place for mom. It is not easy taking a back seat to your kid getting ROCKED at football practice, but I guess it's the process you go through for growing tough skin ~ for both of us.

On a more positive note, he does have quick feet and carried the ball very well and he seemed to enjoy the practice on a whole.

It is his first year in football and it was his first ever tackle, so I have come to accept that there is a learning process involved for both he and I. I just need to control my mama bear urges and not rush onto the field after my son has been tackled and want to kick some 6 year old's butt!

RAMBLINGs....

2011-07-30T15:33:00.000-05:00

I feel somewhat guilty about not having had a real blog entry in like FOREVER, but to be quite honest it's not like I have had much to say. Most of you are on my Facebook so you can follow along there and see what's going on with the kids and with our family life, so I feel at least there's that. However, I do need a space to just vent sometimes and thankfully not a lot of people read this, at least people I "vent" about, so it's nice to just come here, be anonymous (in a sense) and just spew away.

What is really weird about the timing of my rant today is that I am actually on a very high HIGH right now! Both my boys (ages 6 and 8) completed their first triathlon. Neither of them are "swimmers" or "bikers" but have done running club, so compared to the kids that showed up with their ultra fast and sleeve tri suits and road bikes, and fancy running shoes, we had true amateurs of the sport...AND THEY ROCKED IT!! I am so proud of them. I can't say enough about them. The came, they saw and the conquered and they are even talking about next year's event. My husband and I, both triathletes (he more than me I guess) are so proud of them and love that we may have fueled a fire.

So it's really unfortunate that on a day such is this, I cannot stop thinking about some grief in my life.

I have never been a girly girl. EVER. I can't really relate to them very well. I don't get pedis, manis, massages for pleasure. My pedis are "exposure therapy" for my foot phobia. I don't care to have nails (they are cumbersome to the jock life I live, high maintenance and expensive) and my massages are scheduled monthly as a means to help me lengthen and stretch my muscles (and yes they are heavenly). Among other things, I just have a hard time relating to women.

I have a hard time understanding why some women feel the need to bring other women down simply to bring themselves up. Someone please explain this to me. It appears as though I am very naive to think that we should just all get along and accept others as they are. And apparently "if you have nothing nice to say" you should just say it....and see what reaction it brings, instead of keeping it to yourself.

I don't like those rules. I don't care to make people feel badly about themselves or about something they may or may not have done intentionally. Yet others feel that SHARING (whether it be good, bad or ugly) is a far better approach in maintaining friendships.

Because I don't play that way I am choosing to keep my mouth shut....in doing so, I am about to blow my top!

I wish I could say more but that's just me.

So....it's been awhile....

2011-06-17T20:54:00.001-05:00

A little reminder for those needing one:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you; Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating others could destroy overnight; Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.

--- Mother Teresa

This made me cry....happy and sad tears

2011-05-16T16:48:00.002-05:00

I received a Facebook message from a dear from of mine, here in OKC. It really touched my heart and I felt compelled to share it here because she does stop by here every once in awhile and I want her to know how special it made me feel.

Besides that, it's also good to know that the karma you put out in the world does comes back around from time to time. I've been blessed by her friendship.

Here is the message she wrote me, which as I mentioned made me cry happy and sad tears:

Well friend, I wanted to let you know that my husband got a job in Tulsa. He starts on the 5th and my son and I will join him the end of June or mid-July. I wanted to let you know rather than you hear it through the grapevine or even us just be gone and you having had no idea.

You are truly an inspiration to me. You are an amazing mom and wife and volunteeer! It was because of you that I thought it even possible for me to complete a half marathon. Thank you for being you!

I will miss you but will keep in touch through FB and comments on your blog. Love ya!

Girl, you know who you are, thanks for being you! I will miss you!

Please check this for me!

2011-04-18T18:19:00.002-05:00

I've never done ANYTHING like this before: mixing music or creating a video, yet I tackled it for my Running Club's awards banquet next month. Please let me know what you think ~ and be honest:My Other Blog

THANKS!

My Day NEEDED this......

2011-03-02T12:34:00.000-06:00

An Update (long winded)

2011-02-26T06:50:00.001-06:00

So did you hear it snowed here? Ha! You would have thought based on the news coverage that it had never snowed here before...EVER. I'm not kidding when I say that we had round-the-clock 24 hour news coverage about...S-N-O-W!

As you know, this family is no stranger to the white stuff, so we found it somewhat comical to hear everyone so stressed out over white stuff. The city literally closed down because it was impossible for them to keep up. The city simply does not have the resources to clear the roads, sand them, salt them and care for them before, during and after the snowfall; emphasis on the after the snowfall. Cars would be found STRANDED on the highways / roadways for DAYS after the snow fell. Schools closed for 5 days. And you would have thought it was TORTURE for families to spend that much time together in one house! I've learned that Okies don't like to stay home much! Two days is their max before they start to get cabin fever. So you can imagine what it was like for many to have to be home for 4 days!

Anyway, we made the most of it. If you didn't see the pics posted on facebook, we built a snow village. It was an tunnel igloo, which actually made local news! Our neighbor down the street called it into the news station and they came out to film the boys playing. It was pretty cool.

Here is the footage:

The boys had a blast in the white stuff. They aren't afraid of it, or about getting cold. They just wanted to be IN it! Especially Zach. And if we're being honest, he the real Canadian in this family. He plays hockey and likes the white stuff. (I've converted ~ Tee hee)


We also made Valentine Crafts for school

Zach in all his glory in the white stuff

Zach peeking through the tunnel

The boys stepping out for the first time

The second snow blizzard of the season we had a sleep over with one of Zach's bffs. It was a lot of fun. We made puppets and puppet theaters out of brown grocery bags. The kids were really creative with that suggestion.

Here are some pics:

I've been really busy planning the 2nd annual Earlywine Dash! It is a fundraiser for the kids' school. In an attempt to get more student involvement, I've been working with the Dolphin Dashers, the running club I organized at the beginning of the school year. Our goal is to complete the 1 mile Fun Run. We started off with just 21 kids, and have since grown to 28! It's been pretty amazing. And out of those 28, 5 are signed up to do the 5K ~ their first! YAY!!! Anyway, Just yesterday I organized a small pep rally to get the student body excited about the event. JayZee from the Jump!Zone (an indoor inflatable park) and the Y-Guy from the YMCA (our co-beneficiary of this event) both came. Guess who was the Y-Guy!

Word is getting out and they are getting lots of attention for their efforts. I've had parents contact me almost weekly asking if they could bring their kids out to the club. Parents from neighboring schools. I think that's great, however, I've been encouraging them to start a club within their own school so we could have little meets. I'm hoping that is the direction we move into next year.

What I love the most about this club is the parental involvement. Each and every week the parents show up and are out there encouraging the kids. And each and every week the kids respond and push themselves to do more. It's pretty cool to witness. What is even cooler is seeing their involvement within the running club, show up in other areas of their lives. Take for example Jacob (pictured below). He was involved with the Reflections program within the school district. The theme this year was "Together we can....". Students were asked to submit entries with that theme and they could make it anything they wanted. The categories were video, poetry, dance, visual art and photography. He submitted "Together we can run"...and it won!

His entry:

His brother, Johnathan, and another teammate, Maggie, both 6th graders, were nominated to participate on a youth panel within the YMCA to discuss health and wellness issues. So very cool to see them being recognized for their accomplishments within the community. Including an article about them in a local publication next month! It is so exciting to see how our community has embraced them and what we're doing as a club. I am so proud of them.

Speaking of running, HOCKEY has taken over our life. We've been running to and from practices two times a week and then a few weekends ago had our first hockey tournament. It was so cool! Zach has really found something he loves and it's great to see him have the opportunity to be apart of such a great organization.

Zach as a winger (red jersey)

Zach is front center in red jersey

He's been playing with the 8 and under crowd but has also taken private power skating lessons with Mike McEwen. Not a bad coach eh? Anyway, through Mike he was invited to be a flag bearer for one of the OKC Barons hockey games this week. He got to do this with his other BFF William. He loved it! Here are some pics from that night. I didn't get GREAT shots but you at least can get the jist of what he got to do:

Before hitting the ice ~ nerves of steel!

They know they are cool!

Lined up and ready to go

Zach and Will ready to get out on the ice to pump up the crowd!

Looping the rink once before the Barons come out!

Blurry: That is Zach in the spot light to the right, holding the flag as the Barons came out on the ice

At the game, Zach retrieved a loose puck shot on the net!

We've also had some time to just chill out and spend quality time together, without a hectic schedule. That has been equally enjoyable by us parents and the kids and quite honestly we're the outdoorsy types anyway so we make it a priority. We spent last Saturday hiking in the Wichita Mountains, exploring the area and taking in some of the scenery and wildlife. I love that our kids are at an age now that we can do these things, without worrying about missed naps, packing snacks, strollers, diapers and baby wipes, etc. We can just get up and go.

It was a great weekend and we all loved seeing hills again. Oklahoma, as you know is just so flat and boring (yet beautiful in its own right), but we northerners need something pretty to look at and explore and we're so glad that we were able to share that with the kids.

There is lots going on here, but we're having fun. Life has been good to us and we're appreciating our time together and making the most of it!

Thanks for reading.....

Homemade Laundry Soap

2011-01-29T09:43:00.006-06:00

Carrie from Coupon Closet asked me to share my recipe for Homemade Laundry soap.

The first time I used it was when I was visiting my sister in law in Dallas and she referred me to the blogger who originally posted it. So I can't say it's my original recipe, but I have made some modifications to it to make it my own.

First things first, what you need to know about my family is that we're a rough and tumble kind of family. We are not afraid to get dirty. My husband and I are both gym rats and my boys are BOYS. Before trying this recipe I thought there was no way this homemade recipe could clean our clothes as thoroughly as a store bought brand could. There was no way it could remove the sweat stench or the grass and food stains our clothes were exposed to on a regular basis. Well, I was wrong.

Not only did our clothes come clean and smell good, we also learned that the cleaning agents in the ingredients were safer on our skin and better for the environment. (information links found below).

All the ingredients that you will need, can be found at Ace Hardware in the House Cleaning section. (including the bucket)

So what you will need:

1) Borax
2) Washing Soda
3) Fels - Naptha bar
4) 3-5 gallon bucket
5) Water

The first step is to take the Fels-Naptha bar and grate it with a cheese grater


Fels Naptha bar


Use the smallest side of your grater for fine grating


It should look like this

Add your grated bar to a medium sauce pan and cover with water (about a cup full)

Covered in water

Add medium to low heat to your mixture. You won't want the mixture to boil.

Medium to Low Heat

The idea is to melt the grated bar into a liquid. (it will, however, have small chucks of bars as it melts down). Continuously stir the mixture so that it doesn't burn on the bottom of the sauce pan or become too chunky. Just a word of warning: DO NOT WALK AWAY FROM THE STOVE DURING THIS PROCESS!!!

Starting to get warm

Starting to liquify

This stage is critical, I think. Constant stirring to ensure that the mixture doesn't get too hot and clump up is key. When the majority of the mixture has melted down, you can remove from heat. There will be some clumps still in the mixture, that is ok.

In the large bucket, add 2 cups of Borax and 2 cups of Washing Soda.

2 cups each

Then add your melted Fels Naptha to that mixture.

Adding Mixture to dry ingredients

Borax, Washing Soda and Fels-Naptha

Then you add water. I typically add 3 gallons of water. The recipe calls for 3-5 gallons, but honestly, I don't want to lug around a 5 gallon mixture. It's too heavy. 3 gallons is just enough for us.

Adding Water

Then STIR!

At this stage of the recipe, I do a few other things. Borax can sometimes clump up in the box when in storage. So when you add it to your laundry soap recipe, reach into your bucket after you have added the water and make sure that all the clumps are broken down. I do this by hand to ensure it's all done.

Things to note about home made laundry soap:

1) It does NOT lather when you add it to the washing machine. That is something you will need to get accustomed to. At least I had to. I'm so used to sudsy and foaming cleaning products that it took me awhile to trust that the homemade product was just as effective even though it doesn't make bubbles!

2) You can pre-treat your laundry with this recipe without having to buy extra stain removing products ~ YAY!

3) You will need to STIR this mixture every time before using it. You will hear all the settlement on the bottom the first few times you use it. Just stir it up and it's fine.

4) You don't need to use a lot of it. I use about a 1/2 cup of mine on small loads of laundry and about a cup on medium to larger loads.

5) We do laundry probably every other day ~ at least two loads. This 3 gallon mixture will last us about three months if not a little more. (I really should start tracking that)

6) IT SMELLS WONDERFUL!!! In fact, I bought the ingredients at Ace Hardware when running errands and after being delayed at the post office one day, it was so PLEASANT to return to my fresh smelling car! I may just put one of the Fels Naptha bars in my car, under the seat, as a deoderizer.

7) It's very affordable. It costs $6 to buy all those ingredients and you can make about 3 mixtures out of them. Can't beat that!

I hope this helps to get you started. Leave me a comment to let me know how your experience went and if you did something different worth trying!!

36 has NOTHING on me!

2011-01-25T21:43:00.003-06:00

I've decided to not hate my birthday anymore. Last year was a blast and so I embraced turning the big 35. I set goals for myself and achieved them...so I'm not DEAD right?

So this year I decided to do the same. I celebrated my 36th birthday in style. 4 days straight of birthday fun! Started the week off with a 7am breakfast with a friend. Both of us celebrate birthday in January and so we wore birthday crowns at a local greasy spoon. The day of my birthday I had lunch with another friend who offered to treat me (um, ok...I like free food). That night, I had drinks with my gal pals and can I just say Charlestons DOES make a "perfect margarita"...it's not just by name only. Friday, a group of us running/gym chicks lunched and then later that night had a TUTU & Tiaras Wii Just Dance Party!
(now if you know me, you would know that wearing a TuTu would normally result in me breaking out into hives....I'm that kind of tomboy.....but we embraced the experience and had a BLAST!) But seriously if you can try and imagine all us tomboys in one room wearing tiaras and tutus...... Totally hysterical! But I will say that when you get that many athletes in a room and introduce a dance competition, SOMEONE is going to get hurt.

It truly was the Best....BIRTHDAY.....celebration....EVER!

I highly recommend living it up and surrounding yourself with people who JUST WANNA HAVE FUN especially on your birthday!

I'm going to kick 36's BUTT!

Beach Bound, Bikini Countdown!

2011-01-24T19:33:00.002-06:00

In 9 weeks I plan to park my behind on one of these sandy beach things and enjoy some much needed ALONE and UNINTERRUPTED time with my husband!

It's time to buckle down and get bikini ready!

Way Back Wednesday!

2010-12-22T09:40:00.002-06:00

Christmas 2004!

Missing our family this holiday season!

Merry Christmas everyone. Love and hugs xo xo

THE DIGITAL STORY OF NATIVITY - ( or Christmas 2.0 )

2010-12-18T06:06:00.001-06:00

Flash Mob: My video

2010-12-11T16:29:00.001-06:00

My Dolphin Dashers

2010-12-07T19:24:00.003-06:00

Isn't he cute? I found him using google.com. He is our "mascot" or logo for the Dolphin Dashers ~ my little running club. Our school mascot is a Dolphin (which is strange considering we're in Oklahoma, but our family is ok with it, considering we're navy)....and so he fits our club, doesn't he?

In a couple of weeks you'll see us all in our professional T-Shirts. I am so excited! Stay tuned!

P.S I updated my OTHER blog today too!

We are all so busy!

2010-11-20T07:06:00.007-06:00

Scott and I have been hosting a Sunday Night bible study course at church entitled Take it to the Limit, by Andy Stanley. (<----click on that link if you haven't heard of it and read the reviews). It has served as a good reminder of how to delegate my time in my life. I've learned that I fall into a lot of the categories that suck up way too much of my time and take me away from what is important.

Keeping busy is one thing, but constantly being on the go and filling up our schedules with "stuff" is another. The world around us has so many distractions, taking us away from what really matters, that the message we get is that if we're not always "doing" we're missing out on all the "stuff". Quite frankly world, I'm smarter than that.

Since taking this course, I've been made aware of all the things our family does to preoccupy ourselves from what really matters. Our priorities (in so many areas of our life) have been so out of whack. This is why I unplugged my Facebook. I spend so much time on there looking at "stuff" and preoccupying myself with "stuff" that the world around me is passing me by. There are days when I can easily spend an hour, if not more, just browsing through peoples' family pictures, reading statuses, scouring for coupon deals, and investigating into other peoples' "stuff". So not only am I letting our own "stuff" weigh me down and distract me, I'm now looking for other peoples' "stuff" to dictate how I was going to feel about my day. I don't want to live like that anymore. It was time for a change.

I need my down time. I need my family time. I need to have a portion of my day that allows my mind turn to mush. I also need time in my day when I can be spiritual and in those times I feel most at ease and most prepared for that crazy world around us.

It's been a week since I unplugged and I can say it's been harder than I thought, but I knew it was the right decision. It was an addiction for me. I was always logged on first thing in the morning, after breakfast, at lunch, after lunch and then again after dinner. I felt like I just couldn't miss a thing! How ridiculous is that?? So it was time to stop...and in doing so, the short time away has allowed me to work on creating new habits. The "stuff" can wait.

PEOPLE ARE AWESOME

2010-11-15T17:22:00.000-06:00

Kilgore Christmas Gift Exchange

2010-11-15T14:51:00.002-06:00

I'm unplugged from Facebook indefinitely. So I thought I would post the Gift Exchange list here in case it's needed. Person the left buys for person on the right!

Siblings:
Chrysta ~ Kendra
Karl ~ Alyssa
Jerry ~ Anna
Sara ~ Mike
Carl ~ Bird
Kendra ~ Karl
Scott ~ Jerry
Christy ~ Chrysta
Anna ~ Scott
Chase ~ Christy
Alyssa ~ Chase
Mike ~ Sara
Bird ~ Carl

*************************************

"Cuzis"
Taylor ~ Ty
Lydia ~ Cameron
Gaby ~ Tyler
Owen ~ Hudson
Hudson ~ Gaby
Cannon ~ Zach
Keaton ~ Owen
Tyler ~ Haley
Drew ~ Squishy
Carissa ~ Emma
Zach ~ Carissa
Ty ~ Miles
Cameron ~ Drew
Miles ~ Keaton
Sophie ~ Taylor
Haley ~ Cannon
Emma ~ Sophie
Squishy ~ Lydia

7 Days!

2010-10-31T06:17:00.002-05:00

As my other blog would tell you, we are 7 days away from our Half Marathon!

I have to admit, as much as I dislike LONG distances, the training for this half hasn't been so bad. I definitely credit the cross training for sure. I have been incorporating regular brick work outs each week and I can see a huge change in my running. But with that said, this will be my last half marathon! I didn't think I would be doing another one since 2009, but Scott and I decided that because we're celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary this year (October), why not celebrate it running 13.1 miles together on the 13.1 year married? So we are. And no, to answer your question before you ask, we will NOT be running 26.2 miles together on our 26th wedding anniversary!

Oh and check this out. We're putting up our tree Wednesday. My mom flies in on Thursday to watch the kiddos and we take off on Friday. Heading to D-town, catching a symphony that night, doing some shopping Saturday, laying low Saturday night, and Race Day on Sunday! Monday night we'll be celebrating Christmas with mom and the kids. Crazy eh? I'll update with pictures later.

Wish us luck!

7 Things About Me ~ 'cuz you wanna know more!

2010-10-16T18:15:00.007-05:00

Thanks Deb for the shout out! (sorry it has taken me so long to respond)

One of the "rules" of this award is to share seven things about yourself that people might not know. So because you asked, I'm here to share!

1) I'm not shy. I can't be. My lifestyle (a military spouse) does not really allow for that. If I want to be happy living this life, moving around, and truly enjoy our time as a family and as a person, I need to put myself out there. Luckily, I've never been the shy type, so it does come easily for me. However, making friends, long term friends, isn't as easy. In fact, as much as I go out of my way to meet people, I don't like to get vulnerable around them. In my experience, sharing too much with anyone leads to heart ache and drama. So why do I put myself out there? Because I like being social. I like going out and having a good time. I like meeting people with similar interests. I like networking with people for a common good but I just would prefer to keep myself and my woes to myself (and my blog). HOWEVER, since moving here, things have changed for me. I've let my guard down. I've opened up a bit, and I've been the REAL me. It's strange for me to be so attached to people. (but I like it!)

2) I have to have a piece of chocolate every day. Not necessarily a candy bar, but some form of chocolate every day. Except I don't like chocolate chips, raw. They need to be baked into something...and I don't like chocolate cake or chocolate ice cream, nor do I like dark chocolate. It has to be "melt-in-your-mouth" milk chocolate. I know, wierd eh? My chocolate cravings have conditions!

3) I'm pretty sure I have ADD. It went undiagnosed but I am certain I have it. I can't read without having thoughts pop into my head and I get easily distracted. I also forget things constantly and it became worse when I became a mother. I did terribly on tests in school but when asked the question in a one on one meeting, I knew the answer. I feel like going to University was a complete waste of time. I can't proudly say I am a college graduate. Instead, I wrote a large check for three years of education that either 1) didn't absorb and 2) was useless. My degree has only been "a foot in the door" when it comes to job interviews but does not define me in any way. That saddens me the most. I feel lost most of the time when I read things that have a lot of detail and I especially cannot follow complicated directions. I'm more of a hands-on kind of person and THRIVE in those kind of settings, but ask me to read an instructional manual and you can forget it.

4) I wish I was more than a SAHM. That statement literally made me tear up...so I will just move onto #5.

5) I kicked butt in 4-H! I was grand champion showman three years in a row. I went to Toronto, Ontario to compete in the nationals, only to have my calf freak out and drag me all over the ring. Needless to say I didn't do well there, but probably could have. I loved 4-H and I loved showing. I wish I had a pic I could post here. You'd be proud of my show whites! LOL!

6) I don't like crowds or confined spaces. I get very anxious in a large group and often get dizzy or hyperventilate. (in extreme cases). Starting lines at large races are probably the worst for me. Crowded movie theaters, huge stadiums or busy restaurants are other stressors. I'm not sure why this is. My mom told me she is this way too. I wish I could just be normal. I get tired of being the party pooper and in need of special attention just so I can be apart of things. Our trip to TN was just one example. I couldn't take the gondola up the mountain. I couldn't be in the house for extended periods of time. I can't ride in back seats, or take buses, cabs, trains. I'm a complete nightmare!

7) I have been on the fence about plastic surgery for months now. (there I said it!). I gave myself a 5 year timeline to lose the weight and then get some assistance with other things that may need tweaking. I'm not a vain person yet this procedure makes me feel that way. My reasoning is I just want to feel good about myself. But I know that that feeling should come from the inside...not just outside. Yet inside my head I'm a HOT mama!! I'm just not seeing that on the outside!!!! LOL!

There you have it. Maybe most of you knew this, maybe not. But now it's out there...ahhh!

Whoever reads this, consider yourself tagged! Can't wait to read your 7 things!

What are YOU doing this weekend?

2010-09-24T06:10:00.001-05:00

We're doing the

It's our first triathlon and it's this Sunday. It's a sprint tri with a 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike and 5K run. I'm pretty excited about it. I know a lot of people who will be there too, including Scott, so it will be nice to have the support of our friends there. I hate that we have to be at the race site at 5am, which means getting up at 4am!!! Such is the life of a Tri'er I understand!

I will post a full race report on Sunday after the event.

Wish us luck!

Random Update - updated (with pics)

2010-09-15T12:11:00.010-05:00

1) I am done whining about being lonely and done feeling sorry for myself....and hopefully done with the depressing blogs...(hopefully).....so everyone cheer!

2) I got to hug and squeeze the sweetest niece a few weeks ago. You can all be jealous that we were the first family to get Hayley Hugs....nanny nanny boo boo!

3) I am having a BLAST training for my first triathlon ~ which is in 10 days. You can read about it on my Running Blog. Link is to the top right of this blog! Scott and I are doing it together...and I am loving all this time with him.

3a) The kids have nick named me Tri-Mom-athon! See reason #4 why the "athon" was added.

4) Scott and I are also training for a half marathon. Yes you could say we're making up for lost time.What better way to celebrate 13 years married, than by running 13.1 miles together? (insert sarcastic comment here) It just so happens, the very weekend we are running it, it exactly 13.1 years married too. Awwwwwwwwww (insert goofy hearts here!). Oh and P.S he (not "we") also signed up for the Tulsa Full marathon which is three weeks afterwards. He says he is only doing it for the cool medal and for the tech shirt!!! Whatever dude! He hasn't been able to do these kinds of things for YEARS...his last marathon was 2003 when Zach was 3 months old. So I say "go get'm"! I will be cheering at mile 17 and the finish!

5) The boys are loving school. Ty is actually excited about having homework in Kindergarten (that makes one of us). Zach continues to do well and has his very first male teacher this year. I am curious to hear how the year unfolds.

6) I am starting a Running Club with the boys' elementary school. My hope is to get some kids on board to help fight the obesity problem in Oklahoma but also to gear them up to participate in the 2nd annual Earlywine Dash. (join the fan page for updates)

7) I am VERY close to fulfilling a dream of mine. I have a meeting today to discuss my options. I will let you know how that goes. Please wish me luck.

8) Tri suits are very unflattering. 'nuff said.

9) Life is busy....Ty is playing flag football for the first time this year and Zach is gearing up for his second year of Hockey. My boys are really growing up and I just don't know how I feel about that. But I can say I am super proud of them both.

10) I LOVE HAVING MY HUSBAND HOME. Have I mentioned that lately? LOL

Have a great weekend everyone.

It wasn't the drugs...or the therapy

2010-08-18T05:55:00.012-05:00

I honestly thought I was going off the deep end. I was constantly crying....stressed.....angry for no reason....and lonely. To help lift my spirits and take the focus off my misery, I tried getting more involved at church, the boys' schools, praying more, volunteering my time at the Y. I enjoyed all of it, but still struggled with feeling sad. So I thought "surely endorphins will help". So I started focusing more on my running, working out, biking, and even swimming but then I would feel like I wasn't measuring up. So I turned to a shrink whom I thought would help be the neutral voice and put me on the right path. Their suggestion? "I could prescribe some anti anxiety medication......". WHAT??? Drugs??? If you know me, you know I hate to take pills, of any kind, for any reason....so I stopped going.

Most people would think that you could just talk about your problems with your husband, or friends or family. Well sure...except my husband was deployed 85-90% of the time, stressed out and dealing with his own misery, and my friends all seemed to have their own stressors which in comparison to mine, made my "issue" seem so trivial. So I just "dealt".

I knew I wasn't happy and I knew I wasn't the best mom I could be. I knew that...and yet sometimes (most times) I just did what I could. Which, by the way, never felt like it was enough. (*sigh*) The boys were whining about not being able to do this, not being able to do that, not being able to watch this, never having X,Y,Z for dinner, not wanting to eat their veggies, etc, etc etc.

Then....one day....HE. CAME. HOME. Scott returned from his last deployment. The three years of being gone was finally OVER. And it was almost instantaneous that everyone here started feeling better. I know I did. My shoulders relaxed. My voice mellowed. My anxiousness to get things done, resolved. My go-go-go turned to chill-chill-chill. And I had my best friend back. There is no one in this world I would rather be with. He's my ying to my yang. My shoe to my lace. My Nike+ to my iPod. He's everything to me! And just having him home balanced me...and the work load. The loneliness was gone...completely. Someone I could talk to...cry with...and make me laugh. That's all I have needed.

Overnight, I saw the change in the boys too. They were happy. They were manageable. They were content. Their best buddy was back in their life. Daddy was home!

Add to that, a VACATION! Do you know how long it's been for us to just be able to spend time TOGETHER? Think about how many missed birthdays, Christmases, Easters, Thanksgivings (x2), anniversaries, mothers' days, fathers' days, first days of school, school plays, Christmas concerts, VBS were missed in THREE YEARS. The time we spent traveling made up for that. 6 days in a car can really give us the opportunity to get to know each other all over again....and at the same time having 3 1/2 weeks of vacation can allow us to have fun with each other again. I can't tell you how much we all needed that. No time line, no schedules....just fun times and family.

The. Best. Therapy. Ever!

A Bird Takes Flight!

2010-07-14T07:41:00.003-05:00

A month or so ago, we found a bird nesting in one of our hanging plants. I tried to shoo her away but low and behold she had laid two eggs. Excited about the prospect of seeing babies and not wanting to disturb nature in the making (literally), I left her alone. Week after week, "mama bird" (as we called her) sat and waited out the birth of her babies. When I say "week after week" I mean, literally. She never left her nest. "Papa bird" visited from time to time, to leave her a treat to eat, but wasn't around too much.

Then one day as I was watering the flowers, I heard a faint chirp! Mama bird's eggs had hatched! It was so exciting. I wasn't able to take any pictures but reveled in the fact that after weeks of patiently waiting and nesting, we now had baby birds.

Mama Bird continued to nest and be with her babies until one day last week she left the nest to find some food. She returned with her regurgitated feed and the babies rejoiced!!! It was so awesome to see it all play out from our entry window! Unfortunately, however, one of the babies became ill and did not make it through the night. It was a sad day for the boys. But we're still very thankful to have Baby Bird with us and continued to greet him every morning and watch him inspect his new digs and his neighbors! (us)

Then just two days ago while the boys and I were outside, Baby Bird (as we call him) left the nest with us there to watch! He fly down to the ground and then walked amongst us for awhile. Mama Bird was across the street watching his every move! (as she always was). Then....he did it....he took flight. It happened so fast that I was unable to get the shots....but still wanted to share with you the pics of our Baby Bird....and my dead plant! (his nest)

Enjoy!

Life sucks! (right now anyway)

2010-06-24T08:06:00.002-05:00

I'm sick of always having to be optimistic and trying to put a positive spin on everything.......and being that never ending support system. I'm so done...and so over it.

Vent complete.

I (sometimes) like to share.....

2010-06-14T08:21:00.003-05:00

...and this is one of those times.

My good friend Mari told me about this awesome program that offers FREE admission to active duty military families to local museums. See if your favorite museum is participating!

Click this link

You're welcome!

Meet Dash

2010-06-06T09:08:00.004-05:00

We have a new family member. His name is Dash.

Scott was driving home from base on Friday when he saw this teenie tiny turtle DASHing across the street (how he saw him/her is beyond me) on his/her way to the pond, I'm sure. He pulled over, saved his life and now he lives with us.

My husband....the turtle saver!

This Movie Has Changed My Perspective....and my Life!

2010-05-25T16:15:00.001-05:00

"Every Kid Is Different"; so what is normal???

2010-05-21T14:29:00.005-05:00

We tell ourselves not to compare our kids to their peers or their siblings but I know we're all guilty of not doing that. Or maybe I should speak for myself and say "I don't do that". When I only have two kids, and they are both boys, it's hard for me to determine what is normal age appropriate behavior and what is not. Especially when I know all kids have their own personalities and their own learning curves...so then why shouldn't I compare what my kid is doing to his peers? Once again: because every child is different

I get that. Really I do.

However, my boys are so polar opposite that I am starting to lose my mind trying to get a grasp on what they should and should not be doing and what is "normal" and what is not!

Take my first born for example. He just turned 7. From an early age he could speak, walk, jump, throw a frisbee, communicate, follow rules, understand cause and effect, is very regimented, etc. He was a very serious baby too. Rarely giggled or smiled, but when he did he was genuinely happy. As he grew older, I noticed that he was a very "structured" baby; much like me. I always like to know where I'm going; for how long; and when I will be back. He always asks what's next: even if we are engaging in something active. He's just always thinking ahead.

Then there's my youngest son. He just turned 5. He's a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-laid-way-back dude. He doesn't understand consequences and has absolutely no care in the world. Unlike his oldest brother he just doesn't get into the daily routine (at all); is always the last to do E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G and has no competitive spirit. But on the flip side he's very sweet, bubbly, funny, imaginative and has the BEST belly laugh. It's contagious really. I hear him laugh and I can't help but chuckle myself. But because he's not "on task" 99.99% of the time, he's wearing my patience thin.

I swore I would not be a yeller. I don't respond to it, nor should I expect my kids to. But let me tell you...when I use the "please" and soft tone nurturing voice 3 times or more and don't get a response, I can't help but find myself YELLING just to startle him...even a little bit! It's like "HELLLLOOOO McFLLYYYYYYY". Ugh!

I know my boys are happy little spirits. I see what they draw in the driveways with their chalk, or with their markers on paper, or when we do "make up story time". I know from that they are happy and not quite emotionally messed up from my parenting (that will be in a few years I'm sure) but man.....I'm telling you......I'm about ready to explode! I just want them to both be on the same page...or at least tell me why one is and the other isn't....and how we can meet in the middle......and is my oldest not normal for being what I think is normal (and instead is "ahead of the curve) and my youngest is the normal one afterall? LOL!!!!!!!!

There are days I just give in....and just accept the fact they are on different levels.....and try to accommodate both with different approaches in the ways I communicate with them.....but it's....so....time...consuming......Is that selfish of me to say it like that???

Ugh!!!!

So, tell me, what is normal?

This Week in Oklahoma City

2010-05-11T10:32:00.006-05:00

Storms expected all week long. Not unlike what we experienced last night. We are very thankful that we were all home and together and able to report in this morning.

Here are some pics from yesterday

Our location would be INSIDE the hook ~ yah....you could saw we were definitely SCARED

We're expecting more of the same this week, which will mean our birthday party for Zach (an outdoor event) will most likely be canceled: poor guy. We'll keep you posted.

My Teeth ~ an update (for Chrysta)

2010-04-28T18:25:00.011-05:00

**be forewarned: I'm typing in a hurry....and the spelling and grammar is probably a mess** (and I have no intention of correcting any of it!)

All my life I have had issues with my front teeth. As a kid I was teased because they were large and protruding. Often called a "buck toothed beaver". I never let on that it bothered me, but it did. It was very difficult for me to close my mouth comfortably because I really had to try and get my upper lip out and over my front teeth and hold my lips closed, consciously. It was brutal. But what was worse was when I about 8 years old, I fell in the barn landing face first on the pavement and chipping/breaking my front teeth in half. This leading to 25 + years of front teeth complications!

First we started with capping those teeth. The dentist tried his best to give me teeth that were presentable but in all honesty I don't think he knew what he was doing and they were just too big, bulky and white. Not to mention crooked. As I grew older, the coloring started to fade and then BAM! I busted my teeth AGAIN; but this time on the ice. Off to the dentist we go....again. He puts more caps on and says when the teeth die, we'll crown them.

Well they did. My senior year of high school. He removed the caps and crowned them. Still big. Still bulky. Still ugly.

While I was away at University my crown FELL OUT!!! Thankfully I was at home when it happened. I made an appointment with the on-campus dentist and he saw me right away. He secured the crown back in place and then made a couple suggestions about how he could "fix my pretty smile". What every girl wanted to hear. Well maybe not every girl, but this girl for sure. After not wanting to smile or show my teeth, it was refreshing to know a qualified dentist thought he could "fix me" and let me smile again.

After consulting with my parents he came up with a game plan: extract my wisdom teeth, 2 root canals, braces, new crowns and a retainer I would only need to wear for 6 months. So over the course of the three years, we made it happen. Two weeks before my wedding, we removed the braces...YAY!!! PERFECT TEETH! Or so I thought!

A year after our wedding, we move to Naples, Italy and I'm sensing issues (again) with these teeth. Turns out I need to have surgery to fix an infection in my root canal. So we get that done. Then some additional work on my gums. The Navy dentist is absolutely appalled with what the dentist in Ottawa did and thinks that we should be worried about how much we paid him for what poor work he did. I was so sad to hear this: I just wanted to smile! In fact, he made that happen. My teeth were PERFECT on our wedding day and nothing could have stopped me from smiling that day.

Just before moving back stateside my Naples dentist suggest we have additional surgery on my gums because she's worried about future infections, etc. I say NO! I'm sick of surgery and if there is no immediate danger, I'm taking my teeth and heading CONUS...and we did!

Fast forward to a year ago, just before my half marathon, I am sensing yet again issues with my two front teeth. I'm dreading going to see anyone about it because I know they are going to immediate jump on the "you will need surgery" train. But I just couldn't avoid the inevitable anymore so I head in to see my local dentist. They take an X-ray: MAJOR INFECTION!!!!!!!! So much so they are worried it may "burst"> YIKES! So they send me to an periodontist in hopes they can salvage my tooth without extracting it. She says no...and refers me to an implant specialist.

This is where I meet THE MAN OF MY TEETH DREAMS!!! He finally FINALLY gave me a reason to believe there will be an end to this nightmare.

He removed my "dead" tooth and plans to do an implant procedure. A lot of what I'm about to write from here on out is a repeat of this blog entry so I will skip that and get to the point!

I had the surgery. The gums didn't heal properly (not anticipated) and Dr. Jeffery was pretty certain that even if we did go through with the implant on this day I may need additional gum surgery and that is where I drew the line. NO MORE SURGERIES....please! I just want this nightmare of 25+ years of tooth trouble to be over....and now it is!

Pictured is me....SMILING...and with a beautiful bridge that not many people even know about. The bridge is pretty, it's shorter than my natural tooth size, it's not bulky and it's the end of a long awaited ordeal. I don't even worry about closing my mouth or concentrating on that because I can't stop smiling! I'm very pleased with my result....and hope (and pray) that no ice, or pavement or punches or softballs come my way and take this out any time soon!

Way Back Wednesday !

2010-04-28T07:40:00.003-05:00

Zach in the great outdoors, at Nana and Bumpa's!

With Mother K in mind.....I bring you this!

2010-04-18T18:06:00.004-05:00

I chuckle as I write that, because I know how much she appreciates family history.

My sister in law posted this on her facebook page and I just had to share this snip it of history here on my blog.

You are looking at FOUR LIVING GENERATIONS of Van Dusen men!

My dad, my nephew, my brother and my Grandpa!

I love moments like this.

Sooooooooooooooooooooo nervous

2010-04-08T22:11:00.001-05:00

...and you all know why!

If you don't, than shame on YOU!

Not that I had any, but I no longer have any nails to chew off....and there is no way in H E double hockey sticks will I be chewing off my toe nails (I just threw up a little thinking about it)

Good Night.

Happy Easter ~ He is RISEN!

2010-04-04T13:06:00.003-05:00

Thank you.

AMAZING GRACE ~ MY CHAINS ARE GONE

My Sista-Friends ROCK!

2010-03-26T06:37:00.003-05:00

Even my SIL's SIL rocks!

Last October I put out an email to my ever crafty and ever wise SIL's (Chrysta and Deb) and asked them if they could help me come up with a design for our Earlywine Dash in March. The criteria was "if you can include the Y logo and a dolphin, that would be great".

Both came back with AWESOME designs...and I thank you both for putting forth the effort. (I am an idiot when it comes to that kind of thing). The planning committee voted on what we presented and voila, the logo was born!

Anyway, since then we've used it everywhere and finally, RACE DAY WEEKEND, it's now on T-shirts.

Check us out!

Thank you both for everyone. You totally rock and I appreciate you helping me out. (you make me look goooooood)

The Unveiling: Kitchen Reno COMPLETE!

2010-03-22T17:05:00.017-05:00

When we first bought the house (3 years ago), it came with a lame kitchen! It was clear upon buying it, that it would be our big project upon selling it in three years ('cuz that's how we think: what can we do to improve this house to resell it in three years) You would agree, the kitchen was a mess! The kitchen had pink laminate counter tops with pink back splash and a purple trim. So very pretty (NOT).

and let's not forget THE wallpaper

*yes someone chose that wall paper and thought it was a good idea*

We knew buying this house that would need to be changed as well as updating parts of the kitchen. The deciding factor (as always), how much! After having had a few quotes, $12, 000 was no chump change. So it was decided: we'll upgrade to a new neutral laminate counter top, tile back splash and a sink we can actually use (and one that is prettier)...and just "deal" with the cabinets (blech!). So we did. This was the end result.

Better right? RIGHT!

But we found out we're staying on another 3 years...so the decision to reno came up again (Ok, so I insisted a little!!!). Thanks to our friend Vilona who had just had a contractor come into her home and build a new great room for them, we used him as our starting point. Our goal was to keep the existing boxes, sand them down bare, replace the crown and the doors and stain everything to match. The cost? Get this: Less than $4000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally doable (thank you tax return season)....so the project was under way!

The crown went on first. Already I loved it.

Then we (they) sealed EVERYTHING off (including our ceiling, lights, tile, floor)

Then the boxes were sanded down. It made a huge improvement already! I was so excited to see the end result! Yay, progress!

Then the first application of stain. Beau-ti-ful....and yet it still wasn't done. We still had another coat of stain and then glaze........

*Getting more and more excited.....*

What was supposed to take four days only took 2! TWO! And did I mention the contractor was very sweet, courteous, not big business, on time (if not early) both days, returned calls, was affordable AND did a wicked job? You can see for yourself

*********drum roll please************************************

Introducing our new kitchen. You are welcome anytime...and if you need "a guy", I've got one. I will for sure recommend him.

Enjoy! (we are)

I dare you to NOT laugh!

2010-03-21T10:42:00.001-05:00

I needed a chuckle and so do you!

Way Back Wednesday ~ Happy Birthday TY!

2010-03-17T06:43:00.006-05:00

My baby turns 5 today. I can't help but feel a little emotional about it all. He's no longer my "baby" (as he likes to remind me) but this little boy growing up into this big world and getting ready to spread his wings and head off to kindergarten this fall.

WOW

Where does the time go?

Happy Birthday my little Leprechaun. We love you.

Mommy is in shock here, finding out you're a BOY!

It took me awhile, but I finally let Daddy have a turn and hold you.

Zach came to visit us in the hospital and met you for the first time. (notice his cute "I'm the Big Brother" T shirt? So cute!

Who ARE these people?

Brotherly Love

So very proud.

2010-03-15T15:57:00.003-05:00

I have to be careful about what kind of information I give out on here, so I will only post pictures (which you can enlarge) to see why it is I am super proud of my husband. Pay close attention to the jet and the wording you see there.

So. Very. Proud.

Duathlon ~ Check!

2010-03-08T17:17:00.002-06:00

For the duathlon recap, please visit my Running Blog!

Three years in the making.....and today is finally the day!

2010-03-08T09:54:00.002-06:00

Out with the old....and in with the NEW CABINETS!

Stay tuned.......

Doin' the Du Today!

2010-03-07T06:56:00.002-06:00

It's my first duathlon today! It's an entry level event. All indoors. An 8 mile ride and 2 mile run. Easy Peasy! Wish me luck!

CHECK IT OUT!

Winter blahs....and other C-R-AP!!!!!!!!!!!!! (vent ~ look out)

2010-02-21T13:04:00.006-06:00

I swear this winter is going on for-ev-er! Yes I'm still Canadian (for a few more weeks!!) but that doesn't mean I like winter. I've been living outside of Canada for 12 years now and it's been nice adjusting to milder winters. I have easily adapted to it. However, this year it has been horrendous. Quite honestly it's REALLY affected my mood and my motivation to do anything. Which I can't afford to be doing right now, considering I'm smack dab in the middle of planning my first 5K (which is in 5 weeks from today) and because I'm getting big....AGAIN! I can see the bulges creeping back. This endless quest to just look and feel better is so damn hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All THESE DAMN SNOW DAYS. It's been awful. It's crazy what a little snow can do to this city. I mean seriously! It SHUTS DOWN. It has forced me to stay indoors. I'm not an indoors girl. Running on the treadmill and cross training on machines I hate, while fighting lines of people also wanting to do the same is beyond frustrating. Then tack onto that the stomach bug, deployments, meetings, PTA and other CRAP! I could just scream ~ in fact I have.... a few times

Oh and did I mention my grandmother has been in and out of the hospital for the past month?It's been touch and go for some time and no one really seems to have any answers. All I know is that she has blood clots in her lungs and even with blood thinners they are not dissolving.

It's hard for me to hear these updates because in my mind my grandmother is frozen in time and is a healthy 60 year old, just the way I remember her as a child. But the reality is, she's nearing 90 and has lived a very full life. This could just be another chapter in her book of life, but it's certainly not one I like hearing about. She's been a healthy woman for the majority of her life and has been living independently up until this point. This very well may take her out and selfishly I'm just not ready for that. It weighs so heavily on my heart to go home and be with her before I am forced to go home to attend a funeral. I want more time with her. Time with her that she and I will both remember.

I have to come to terms with her reality but it's hard. Please keep her in your prayers.

Is it Wednesday yet? Scott, please come home!

Went in for an implant, came out with a bridge......

2010-01-27T16:25:00.004-06:00

Ok. So......here is my surgery update:

I went in this morning very nervous about what will happen at the end of this surgery. Getting an implant is permanent, as you know, but not knowing how it will shape up with my gum line just weighs so heavily on my heart. I was confident in my surgeon but not confident that the end result would mean no more surgeries.

So just after sitting in the chair and receiving the cotton swab of pre-numbing meds, I ask him "how worried are you that my crown for this implant will have the same problems we did with my flipper?" He paused...and told me quite honestly that it was not a perfect situation and that he was going to do his best work with hopes of a close-to-perfect result but could not guarantee it. That said, he also hinted that quite possibly I would end up having additional gum surgery, post implant surgery, to beef up my gums again to help cover any imperfections. He then discussed the difference in outcomes between an implant and a bridge.

When we initially met back in May, we quickly discussed bridges and he was not wanting to "disturb" the healthy teeth but to fix the problem with the one tooth. That was before we had the additional gum issues. Now that we're facing this obstacle, having bridge work would give him a little more freedom to fill in the "gaps" with the bridge rather than having to undergo additional gum surgery. So as the freezing was setting in, we discussed this more at length. He then said he couldn't guarantee a perfect result, based on the fact that my neighboring front tooth is a crown on a post and it's had a root canal but it would be doable.

I then called Scott. As you know he had to have bridge work done post-golf club to the face, and agreed that this may be the way to go, for me. He knows I just want there to be an end to all of this and knows from experience there is so much more they could do. Besides that he also knows I don't want to face additional surgeries to fix what is appearing to be a perpetual problem. So onto Plan B

In all honesty, since voicing this concerns and having this discussion with Dr. Jeffrey in the chair, I had this overwhelming calm about me. Not typical for someone who has been in and out of Dentist offices/surgeons' chairs for the past 25 years. I instantaneously was at peace with our decision to proceed with Plan B and the nervousness just went away. This is a first!

Or maybe it was the music from the iPod that helped me relax. I know it certainly helped take my attention away from the banging, drilling noises I was hearing inside my head! Or maybe it was the fact that even if the bridge isn't "perfect" I would not have to undergo surgery to compensate for an ill fit instead it would be the bridge being sent back to the lab. I am so much more confident that there WILL be an end to this process. I may have to endure one more root canal (Learned that today.....SURPRISE SURPRISE) but the end is near....and I can finally smile again.

Surgery ~ One Year Later!

2010-01-26T18:45:00.008-06:00

Some of you may recall my dental emergency last year. It's been twenty five years in the making and it seems as though every time we move our new dentist wants to change the work the dentist before him did; an endless quest for perfection. Well as many of you know (and have seen) my teeth are still far from perfect, but they do what they need to and things could be worse.

A few weeks before the half marathon last April, I had a funny taste in my mouth. I "sensed" there was trouble in my gums too. I put off making the appointment to see a dentist because in all honesty, I knew it would lead to additional "help" from a specialist; as it always seems to play out. Then one day it was so bad, that I had no other choice but to go to a dentist and see "what was up now?". With one look at the X-Ray the tech asks me "....and you aren't in any kind of pain?" suggesting I really should be. I shrugged and said "no" but knew something was up because of the taste. She quickly pointed out that my entire root canal was completed infected and it was moving into my bone. JOY OH BLISS!! This surely was a doozy this time around. They referred me to an oral surgeon to see about the severity of my current problem. He then wanted a second opinion to see if whether or not we could salvage the tooth so he referred me to an endodentist. The endodontist then tells me that there is nothing she can do ($100 consult fee later) and refers me back to my oral surgeon. She agreed with his plan for rebuilding my bone with bone graphing material and then continuing on with dental implants.

I wish they were the "other" kind of implants but hey, these will have to do FOR NOW! I insist that nothing be done until after the marathon because of the time and commitment I had put in and so he put me on antibiotics to buy me some time.

Upon returning from vacation in Pensacola in June, we made the appointment to have my tooth extracted. As my gums healed from the extraction and the bone graphing, they shrunk upward making the extracted side higher than the other front tooth. To top that off, it turns out I don't have "beefy" gums; they were "too thin" (again not the kind of "thin" women wish to hear describing their TEETH but whatever....) to use skin to built them back up. So, we had to re-think how we would procede forward.

Meanwhile, I have to say, that throughout this entire time, I have learned that my oral surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey, is a perfectionist (which is great for a patient, but also very time consuming!!). To be sure we get a "great end result" he refers me out to a Periodontist to see if he can then build up my gum tissue (to help make my gums "beefier") which will support the implant. In then underwent that surgery (not fun and certainly NOT cheap!). Four months later....here we are today.

My gums are finally stablilized and are ready to house my implant....which will be inserted tomorrow morning at 8:30am and I am FREAKING OUT! It's one thing to get an implant on a tooth, but it's another thing to have one on your FRONT tooth; the one that everyone will see whether good or bad. I've always been self conscious about my teeth (as I mentioned, it's been over twenty years of problems), but now especially since I'm currently one tooth-less; wearing a mis-colored and mix-matched flipper (aka temporary tooth) and about to find out if this PERMANENT PROCEDURE will actually look good. It's been a year in the making and I'm scared to see the result....but the silver lining is: THIS IS THE LAST SURGERY!

Wish me luck!

Way Back Wednesday (Circa 1993)

2010-01-14T14:12:00.003-06:00

WOW!

We both had a LOT more hair then.

An Optimistic New Year!

2010-01-10T08:29:00.010-06:00

When January rolls around, I typically get all doom and gloom because of the dreaded birthday this month. BUT this year I vowed to embrace my successes and own the fact that I am turning ...gulp.... T-H-I-R-T-Y F-I-V-E ... (sigh). Most years I dwell on the fact I am getting older and literally get depressed when the 20th rolls around, but this year, I decided that in all honesty I would much rather be where I am now than to be in my twenties again. My twenties were full of turmoil. I was newly married; I was living overseas; completely isolated from family and friends; feeling overwhelmed by the constant break ins in Naples; harboring hurt from my past; feeling insecure about relationships; dealing with my mom's cancer; etc etc. Why in the world would I not want to leave all of that behind me?

So my thirties are all about looking ahead, letting go of things in the past, getting excited about the future, and owning who I am. It's also about finding out how strong I really am; both physically and mentally. Physically I have proven that I can survive training for and completing a half marathon (no easy feat). So armed with that, I question: what more can I do? Duathlons have always been of interest to me(run, bike, run) so I think I will try training for my first one this year (October). My running friends here have also tapped into biking so it should be fun training with people I already know and will encourage me. We'll see how this works out. First things first: 1) the weather needs to warm up and 2) I need a bike!!!

Mentally I am challenged every day. Single parenting is not easy. These last three years have been tough, no doubt about it. Especially being isolated away from family. You can only pay for a sitter so many times in a week you know what I mean? And of course the constant roller coaster of let downs, false hopes and then let downs again. I have certainly learned to let go of control and just roll with the punches (another huge feat for me).

So knowing I can handle deployments and single parenting 90% of the time all the while helping my boys become productive, well adjusted, polite, intelligent little boys and also taking the time to do something for myself (like train and run a half marathon) leaves me feeling optimistic for the new year and what it has to offer. I don't care about the number I am turning this year. It's just a number.....in fact, it's more like a badge. I can look back and say "damn! look what I did before I was 35!!". The challenge now is: "what can I celebrate when I turn 40? What will be my big challenge this year?"

Stay tuned......

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Way Back Wednesday ~ Holiday Edition Cont'd

2009-12-16T13:21:00.003-06:00

Elf Parade ~ Pensacola, FL 2005

Way Back Wednesday! (Holiday Edition)

2009-12-09T05:50:00.002-06:00

The countdown to Christmas is on this month, so I will be featuring some holiday Way Back Wednesday moments! Enjoy!

Ty's first Christmas, 2005 in PeeYay!

The Tree is Up!

2009-11-29T17:16:00.006-06:00

Every year we add a special ornament to the tree to commemorate a special event or trip we had that year. This year's ornament is this:

Yay 2009!!!

Reflecting

2009-11-17T08:23:00.003-06:00

Each year as the months count down and we approach Christmas, I start to think about the New Year. I think that is only natural for most of us, who set goals for ourselves and hope to see growth from one year to the next.

What forced me to do it earlier than usual was the 100 free prints promo going on at Mommysavers. I hadn't started a baby book for Ty yet, so with this promotion going on now, I forced myself to sit down and sift through the many pictures I've taken over the past 4 1/2 years. Even though I am set in my decision to not bear children again it was still very emotional for me to look back and see my babies as babies, and all the things we did together as a family, and see where we are today. Time surely does fly!

As I was reminiscing through pictures, I then clicked on my blog archive. W-o-W! It's so crazy to think I live this life!!!!! (and who would have thought I was such a whiner?)

As sad as it can be to look back, I encourage you to do so your own blogs ~ for fun. See how far you've come and see where life has taken you. I for one am so thankful for all the adventures and beaten paths we've blazed. Maybe not in the moment, but I have definitely appreciated the journey!

Have a great week everyone!

Way Back Wednesday ~ A Family Tradition

2009-11-11T06:33:00.006-06:00

A family history of service, pride and patriotism.

Happy Veterans' Day ~ thank you to all Veterans here and far, past and present, and to their families.

75 Degrees in November?

2009-11-07T13:21:00.005-06:00

Really?

Well it is...and I for one love it! However, it does seem wierd to be doing this, in "winter" in 75 degree temps!

This is "the gang" about to head out onto the ice for their Learn to Skate skating lesson. This is Zach and Ty's second year, and Will and Sydnee's first.

Here they are, awaiting the 11:30 hour!!! The clock was tick-tick-ticking!

Zach in all his glory! He said repeatedly on the way home "it was so great to be back on the ice". He truly is CANADIAN! He will make my family proud!

This is the group session skate. Everyone did great today. I will post some videos in a bit!

Gotta love "winter"!

Way Back Wednesday

2009-11-04T07:55:00.003-06:00

They grow up so fast.

Michael Jackson - Thriller (official music video)

2009-10-31T09:22:00.001-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This Is It

2009-10-29T17:41:00.001-05:00

As sad as I will be watching what might have been, I'm so happy to see him trying to make a comeback. RIP M.J

Mama is in need of some fun....or I'll cry!

2009-10-29T17:33:00.004-05:00

And tonight may be the night when I can get some of that......well both of that.

I'm heading out with my girls to see This Is It. As you know I'm probably a bigger fan of MJ than Anna is of Twilight. Back in the day I was moonwalking, thriller'ing and Billie Jean'ing all over the place. It was a sad day when he died. For me anyway. You can keep your opposing opinions to yourself :-)

Anyway, it's been a hellish week and I'm in need of a good cry so hopefully this movie with be the perfect recipe for a fun night out with a good cry too.

Who's Bad?

Way Back Wednesday

2009-10-28T15:43:00.001-05:00

A Conversation with Zach

2009-10-25T07:16:00.002-05:00

I loaded up the boys in the car for a trip to Sam's club. Just as everyone had their seat belt buckled I cracked open a diet coke.

I take a sip and just as I am bringing it down from my mouth to put in the cup holder in the console of the car, Zach says "Mom? Should you be drinking that?". Thinking maybe Zach was aware of my no-pop diet, I said "I just grabbed it real quick because I was thirsty". (and normally I have water with me everywhere I go so I was certain that story would not go over well!)

He then says "but...you're driving. You're not supposed to drink and drive".

Impressed that he actually listens to ads on the TV warning him of potential dangers I agree and said "Well this is diet coke. It's ok to drink diet coke and drive".

"But mom, what are you not supposed to drink?".

I then reply "adult drinks.....they make your head fuzzy and you can't see straight which makes you dangerous"

"Oh right" (he says). "That's why daddy drinks coffee because he's always fuzzy"

Thanks right son...Daddy is ALWAYS in the fog!

Way Back Wednesday

2009-10-21T07:46:00.003-05:00

Flight Training!

RAPPING Flight Attendant ! |

2009-10-19T13:17:00.001-05:00

Come see us in OKC!!!

68 Days until Christmas!

2009-10-18T09:41:00.005-05:00

Can you believe it? 68 more days.....yikes!

For those of you who know me, you know I find my deals year round on Mommysavers. I invite you to join us as we scour the web for money saving bargains and shopping codes. If you have a deal worth noting, please post it in one of our shopping forums! Or share it with me in my comment section below so I can. We money saving, bargain finding, frugalistas need to stick together and help one another out!

While you're there check out our CONTEST FORUM and see how you could win a gift card to TJ Maxx or a shopping trip to Marshalls, or a beautiful pair of Karen Neuberger PJs.

Oh and for all you creative and crafty types (Chrysta, Sara, Anna, Vilona, Mari, etc), I encourage you to share some of your projects with us too. We welcome new ideas. Check out our CREATIVE SIDE forum where we share homemade gift ideas, or share your money saving tips in our SPENDING LESS, SAVING MORE FORUMS. This year more than ever, families are wanting to learn ways in which they can cut corners and save money. Please share your tips with us.

S-I-X-T-Y E-I-G-H-T MORE DAYS PEOPLE!!!!

Piano stairs - TheFunTheory.com - Rolighetsteorin.se

2009-10-15T17:10:00.001-05:00

Fun Friday !

Way Back Wednesday!

2009-10-14T07:18:00.004-05:00

It's fall break this week and we'll be prepping for Halloween. Here is a shot of the boys and I from Pensacola, 2006!

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

2009-10-09T08:23:00.010-05:00

This weekend marks three important events.
1) Our anniversary on the 11th. 12 blissful years! LOL.
2) The Susan Komen Race for the Cure, tomorrow. It's always a huge hit in the city. I am anticipating for it to be even more successful this year! (race details will be found HERE after the race)
and
3) Canadian Thanksgiving.

As per usual we have opened our home to our American Friends and will host a huge Thanksgiving feast on Sunday. In preparation for the event, we all sat down together last night and created some super cute center pieces.

Here is the first idea I found on google. We had all the materials so this one was easy.
Model:

Scott took this one on. Why? Because it involved a tool: a glue gun! Aren't they cute?

Me being the NON crafty one in the family was able to participate with this one. I found a template online. Yay! I printed it off and then got to cut out all the pieces out. The boys assembled the turkey with glue....oooooh, ahhhhhh.

Here are their works of art (so cute right?) (Ty put glasses on his)

I loved that we had that time together last night. The boys did too. Scott and I hope to do something like this every week, whereby we just unplug and connect with the kids whether it be with crafts or as family game night. We've definitely embarked on something special here.

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

Way Back Wednesday ~ WEDDING!

2009-10-06T18:34:00.003-05:00

Happy 12th annivesary to the love of my life! October 11, 1997 was the happiest and most beautiful day of my life!

Way Back Wednesday!

2009-09-30T06:45:00.006-05:00

It's sad to say this but it's almost as though I only have time to post Way Back Wednesday blog entries anymore!

Enjoy!

We finally got to watch Penn State play this weekend. It's rare that we can see their games down here in OU and OSU and Texas country!!! Unfortunately they lost, but it will still fun to watch the blue and white lions!

WE ARE.....PENN STATE!

Way Back Wednesday ~We Welcome Fall!

2009-09-22T07:16:00.006-05:00

Way Back Wednesday (layers of change)

2009-09-16T07:36:00.006-05:00

3 years ago, I looked in the mirror and saw this:

It inspired me to get my hiney back in the gym and get busy. Mama vowed to get her groove back. Remember? I took pictures in a bikini (ones you won't be seeing on this blog) and I measured my inches from my neck to my calves. It's been a long road but I'm ready to report in with some progress.

Here I am 3 years later....

It's "udderly" insane!

2009-09-12T14:13:00.004-05:00

... and no this blog has nothing to do with cows...only I have something to do with cows...and my love for them. That's all.

In the past week I could have seriously lost my mind. In fact, I think I did. Over the last seven days this is what our family has endured.

Wednesday, Sept 2th: Daddy comes home, late, after being away for over a week. Yay, daddy is home and yay it's a long weekend. Woo hoo!

Thursday, Sept 3th: Daddy gets a call and has to leave. He is given an hour to go home and pack. Meanwhile Zach has been at school all day and has not had a chance to prepare for this (nor have I). Scott meanwhile cannot even assure us he will be home the next night to enjoy the plans we have for the Labor Day weekend. It was a ROUGH night. But we say our "goodbyes" and head to Ty's Open House. Yay Ty is going back to school....yay!

Friday, Sept 4: I hear nothing from Scott all night Thursday and today. I take my frustrations out at the gym and prepare for the LONGEST. WEEKEND. EVER. At 10pm he calls...he's here and coming home...yay! He's home for the weekend! (we think). YAY!

Saturday, Sept 5th: We head to a friends' house for some labor day BBQ fun and it was. We skip out early because the sitter is coming and we want a date night...badly! We get the kiddos home, showered, jammied and realized it's a lot quieter at home with kids on their way to bed...so we cancel the sitter and CHILL OUT. Rare...but it was awesome. YAY!

Sunday, Sept 6th: Church day and a day of fishing and camping out. Took a nice drive out to Lawton and had some fun times with the boys. Came home and set up the tent so we could camp out in the back yard because if daddy gets another call he has to go and get there quickly. So we set it up...get all excited....and tell our ghost stories. As we settle in for a "long night", Zach says an hour after we put our heads to the pillow: "It's too hot can we go in?". In we go, and we all have a wonderful and cool sleep!

Monday, Sept 7th: MOMMY'S DAY OFF. I took the entire day to just window shop and let my hair down. I can't tell you what it's been like for the past two years to not just be able to browse the aisles of a store and not be in a hurry to pick someone up, drop someone off, take someone somewhere or expect a call at such and such a time. It was the most wonderful 6 hours of my life. That was until I got home. I walk in to find that my boys had decorated some cards for me and made me a cake because it was I LOVE MOMMY DAY. It was the best 8 hours of my life xo.

Tuesday, Sept 8th: DADDY LEAVES. Off to the zoo we go. It was awesome. The boys start swim lessons. No word from daddy.

Wednesday, Sept 9th: Heavy work out day because still NO WORD FROM DADDY.

Thursday, Sept 10th: TY'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ~ FINALLY!!!! Zach started a month ago so it's just been Ty and I at home...and let me just tell you: this guy has been R-e-a-d-y for something of his own....just as his mom has wanted for him too. Not to mention this is the FIRST TIME that I will have TWO FULL DAYS TO MYSELF ALL SCHOOL YEAR LONG. Thank GOD half day kindergarten is over. You just have no idea what my living hell was like for me last year; juggling single parenting, half day kindergarten, boys' extra curriculars and that damn homework! You. have. NO.IDEA. So I am very much looking forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays this year....it will be worth every penny.

The boys go to swimming lessons again only to learn I am paying for 3 lifeguard salaries not the actual swimming lessons I paid for for BOTH boys. I had a "word" with the instructor. We'll see how the lessons go on Tuesday.

Homework.

Friday, Sept 11th: big work out day (see a pattern here?). Carry on our day, keeping busy. Movie night as per usual.

Saturday, Sept 12th: The boys start tumbling class. It's an hour on Saturdays at the college. So far so good. The instructors insist that the parents drop off and come back ~ SAY NO MORE...I'M OUTTA THERE!

My house is now spotless....and by spotless, I mean S-P-O-T-L-E-S-S. Stress does that to me. It makes me clean and work out. My house appreciates it. So if you're thinking of visiting you better drop by soon. The boys seem to be allergic to all things clean and organized.

Plus I could always use the company. Just sayin'

Getting Down on Way Back Wednesday

2009-09-09T12:21:00.004-05:00

We love to dance!

I'm Easy to Please

2009-09-07T19:12:00.005-05:00

A simple pleasure in my world is having my husband home. H-O-M-E. Well we had him home on Wednesday after he had been away for a week. He came home late Wednesday night (11pm) and was supposed to be here until Tuesday before having to leave again. That was until he got "the call" Thursday afternoon saying "we're leaving in an hour". WHAT? Yah, so now he's leaving (again) and not sure when he will return. Worse: Zach has been at school all day. This will not go over well considering we've been talking up this weekend's plans (camping, fishing, etc). I hate being the one to have to tell him about the change in plans. It's so frequent you would think I would be used to it, but it's never easy telling the boys about Daddy having to leave. Especially Zach. No matter how frequently Scott leaves, it's always devastating to him to have to say "goodbye" to Daddy. AND worse still when we can't even assure him Daddy will be home the next night, or the night after that.

So knowing all of this, I pick him up from school and gently tell him that Daddy has been at work all day and learned he has to leave to go help fix a broken plane in the car. Immediate WATER WORKS. Poor kid. I hate this part. So I join in.

When we get home and he runs to his room, completely torn up. But this was the plan: get him to get it all out of his system before Scott returns from base to pack and then leave again. It's hard on Scott as it is to always feel like he's letting us down by always having to leave.... you know what I mean?

So I make dinner and we eat together as a family (quickly), Scott packs and we say out "goodbyes". *sigh*

Thursday morning I wake and check my email to see if there are any updates from Scott. None. I go about my day. No phone call. No emails. No facebook status changes. Nothing. I call him: voice mail. Does that mean he's flying home? Does that mean he's busy? Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

8:30pm, kids are tucked in their beds and then I receive a call (my first one of the day). "I'll be home in an hour".

YAY!

So we breathe a collective sigh of relief: Daddy is home for the weekend (we hope).

We continue on with our original plan: BBQ with friends, date night, fishing, camping out, chillin'. BEST. WEEKEND. EVER.

Way Back Wednesday (video)

2009-09-02T14:53:00.005-05:00

I came across this video as I was sorting through old pics and stuff.

Chrysta, I have been meaning to show you this since receiving our beloved German cow at Christmas! It REALLY came in handy during Hurricane Katrina while we were literally boarded up inside with nowhere to go!

Enjoy!

Way Back Wednesday

2009-08-26T16:49:00.006-05:00

Pictured above is Zach. He was trying on Daddy's head gear at flight school in Pensacola. The visor freaked him out a little but he loved sounding like Darth Vader.

This is Ty. He LOVED his bath time...and funny enough, he used the CLEAR plastic shower curtain to play peek a boo with me this night (all on his own initiative). It was just too cute

I miss my babies as babies.......

Oh boy....I feel a mommy moment coming on..........

We really did go....see!

2009-08-18T16:55:00.008-05:00

I don't really have the gift of gab when it comes to writing out a narrative to a fun time so I will leave the Reunion commentary up to my sister in laws, who have all done a marvelous job ~ please visit the blogs of Sara, Anna and Alyssa ;

Here is a slide show of the first half of the week. I will do a part two later tonight.

2009-08-18T16:49:00.001-05:00

Facebook Song

2009-08-16T17:27:00.001-05:00

So funny!

The Family Reunion ROCKED!

2009-08-09T08:16:00.002-05:00

I will post pics, a couple videos (hee hee) and a report a little later. C-O-F-F-E-E!

Way Back Wednesday

2009-07-29T06:51:00.005-05:00

We'll be reunited soon! Can't wait!

These are some pics of family gatherings past.

This one is of Alyssa's honeymoon send off!

This was taken at Alyssa's wedding

As was this.....

See you all soon!

We're Road Trippin' ~ delayed

2009-07-27T08:34:00.004-05:00

Wednesday we're heading out for our Family Vacation for Summer 2009. Enroute to Tennesee, we'll be stopping along the way to dig diamonds in Arkansas, slip and slide at a water park, kick up our boots in Nashville and then stop here.....at the Kilgore Family Reunion Lodge. Jealous?

This will be the first time the matriarch and patriarch, all eight siblings, their spouses and offspring will be in one location since our wedding in 1997!

I can't wait!

UPDATE: due to impending bad weather in Arkansas, we've delayed our trip a day, or two.....but we'll be in TN by the weekend for sure...W00T W00T!

Best Wedding Entrance Ever

2009-07-23T20:50:00.001-05:00

Enjoy! It's awesome!

Frugal Snacks!

2009-07-23T16:04:00.006-05:00

I'm tired of trying to find coupons for the chewy granola bars! They are good for the kids and they love them, but they ARE expensive. Especially since they went form 6 in a box to now 5! With two kids that means I have to buy extra boxes of them. Boooo~

So I found my own awesome recipe on www.allrecipes.com

These are jammed pack with goodness: cranberries, chocolate chips, coconut, sliced almonds and rolled oats. They are ooey gooey good and the kids love them too. These will last me a week, easily! YAY!

I have also stopped buying boxed cookies. Nothing beats a homemade cookie. I don't care how busy I am, I always have time to make haystacks! The best part: there is NO BAKING involved. YAY!

How's that for 20 minutes of work for at least a week's worth of snacks?

Way Back Wednesday

2009-07-22T07:47:00.007-05:00

Zach, Lydia and Gabby taking a bath together. Christmas 2005 at the Kilgore homestead.

Add Mason to the mix. Soon to come, Cameron and Hudson. (didn't get a pic of that, sorry!)

This water got pretty merky once all the other cousins decided to get "cleaned" and join in on the fun. They all needed a bath after their baths!

FREEBIE Mondays!

2009-07-20T07:48:00.005-05:00

I had to share these: BUY 1, GET 1 FREE SUNDAES AT BEN AND JERRY'S

But first, be sure to get your FREE MOCHA AT MCDONALDS

You're welcome!

Daddy Diary for July 16th

2009-07-17T08:03:00.005-05:00

We're a day late on posting this but that is because we were busy dodging storms. Thankfully the one I posted below missed us, but we got hit by a major thunder and ligthening storm last night. Scary at the time, but we needed the rain so badly!

Anyway, here is the daddy diary from yesterday. Love and miss you xo

We wanted rain....I guess we're going to get it...

2009-07-16T17:17:00.003-05:00

I'll keep you posted....YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way Back Wednesday

2009-07-15T07:21:00.004-05:00

From now until the reunion I will post Way Back Wednesday pics from family reunions past! This picture was taken in State College, PA during Scott's graduation and commissioning weekend festivities in 2005!

Pictured is Father K, Cameron, Hudson, and Zach

Can't wait to see you all very soon

I'm lucky in love!

2009-07-12T09:17:00.008-05:00

Warning: mushy blog!

I saw this on a t-shirt the other day and realized there was supposed to be humor in it, but maybe to someone this is their life. I thought: "how sad".

Maybe all these deployments (back to back to back to back) for the last 2 almost 2 1/2 years have made me more appreciative of the things in my life. First and foremost, I am lucky to be IN love with my spouse after 12 years of marriage and 15 years of knowing and being with the same person. I can't imagine seeing any truth in that picture above in our marriage.

Can you imagine being married to someone you didn't love & respect & WANT to spend the REST of your life with? I just couldn't. Waking up beside something every day that I wasn't excited to see? Seeing that same person day after day, month after month, year after year and not even like him a little? What a wasted life!

I am a lucky girl. I'm not sure I always deserve it, but I don't take it for granted. That is for sure. I have a man in my life that takes care of me, makes me a priority in his life; respects me; makes me laugh every single day; who is the best father to my two children; who is just as invested in me as I am in him. I have a man in my life whom I trust with my entire life; whom is committed to me and I to him so much so that I moved away from everything that was familiar to me to make a life of our own together.

Simply put: I know I'm lucky a lucky girl. The game isn't over! Thank God.

Daddy Diaries for July 5th

2009-07-05T20:26:00.000-05:00

We're just hanging out...and missing ya.

Daddy Diary for July 3rd

2009-07-03T21:58:00.003-05:00

We headed out to Buck Thomas tonight for some Fourth of July weekend fun ~ which it was. The boys got to go to their first carnival. Zach rode on the ferris wheel for the first time and Ty got to go on the tea cups and spin around with Brynn and Kristina. It was so fun! They also both got to sample some kettle corn and play their first game in which they both won prizes for.

We had fun but we definitely missed you. Hopefully next year we'll be able to go together as a family

Love and miss you xo

Daddy Diaries for July 2nd

2009-07-02T20:57:00.004-05:00

You won't hear me say this too often: I'M SO GLAD THE PLANE BROKE!
It was great to have you home for those two days and to be able to celebrate Canada Day with us.
We love and miss you already xo

Way Back Wednesday

2009-07-01T07:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Canada Day today!

and.....

Happy 4th too!