Recital Practice

We're preparing for recital in a couple of weeks and today was picture day at the studio. I can't wait to see the proofs and in the meantime, I thought I'd share her smiling face from when she did a little twirl.

Oh Lucky Day

After being on a trip for 8 days, I decided to stay home with the kids on Friday and give them some dedicated attention. We had a lazy morning and then I packed our lunch for a picnic. We went to LaFortune park and spent several hours playing in the sun. I had such a good time with them and managed to capture much of their play on camera. They were such good kids and we literally took time to do most everything.

I have memories of being a child and sitting for extended periods of time gathering four leaf clovers. I'm not really sure of what my facination was but I recall my grandma and grandpa being amazed at my ability to spot one. Even nowadays I find myself stepping over a clover patch and wishing for 30 minutes to pick. During our visit to the park on Friday, I took some time to share this with my children. Amazingly...I found one. I asked Dakota to hold it while I adorned Elle with a weeded tiara and to my dismay, he discarded it! After all my preaching about how special they are and he simply tossed it to the ground so he could play with a stick. Talk about a short attention span! Four leaf clover or not, I was very lucky to have spent that time with my kiddos.

That Little Booger!

So, I left a few days ago for a business trip and it wasn't until yesterday that I noticed that my dear sweet daughter has been actively applying make up from my cosmetics bag. How do I know? Well, two tubes of lipstick were capped before the lipstick was secured inside the tube. Much to my surprise, I found the caps clogged with lipstick and the stick part is blunt and rugged. It's really humerous in a way...very typical for her. I guess I should be grateful that she capped them when she was finished (even if it destroyed $20 worth of lipstick!).

Dakota's Soccer Injury

Notice the spot just above his temple. This happened after he was running to save the other team from scoring a goal. There was a lot of cut grass lying in mounds on the field and he tripped over some. His head crashed into the goal post and you could hear the "ping" from across the field. He lay motionless and I took off running. I just knew we were headed to the hospital. Once the coach and I got to him, we found him crying and alert. He ended up okay but it was SO scary. This happened just one week after he took a ball to the face. Poor kid.

The good news is that he saved the ball and kept the team from scoring. Way to go kid!

And here is my social butterfly. She and this little girl played so well together. It helps keep her entertained while the boys play ball. Thank heavens for little girls.

Cool Chica

I love this picture. She normally takes my glasses and wears them upside down but this time she got it right...even if they're a little lop sided.

Go Pirates!

Spring 2008 has been an exciting soccer season. The Pirates have only won a couple of games but Dakota is playing so well. This is the first season that he has really shined. He has been hussling, scoring, blocking and having many touches on the ball. We are so proud of how well he's doing and we're beginning to think that soccer may be his thing. I'm am an official fan and proud of my soccer son.

Success

YES! Dakota has learned how to tie his shoes. I kept telling him that it was important that he learn this skill during Kindergarten (I don't know why but it seemed like the appropriate time). It's my fault that he hadn't known before now because I didn't take the time to teach him. He would just take his shoes on and off but keep the laces tied the entire time. So yesterday morning I made him try. It didn't go well because he got whiny and said "I can't" which I hate. So I got frustrated and he cried. Reminds me a bit like the bike riding exercise.

But last night I made him try again just before sleep. I told him he had to try three times and then he could go to bed. By the second try, he was doing it on his own. And again this morning, success! He doesn't even need my coaching or assistance. I'm so proud that he tried and he's so proud of his accomplishment. It's amazing how a little confidence can make a child feel so strong.

Another Simple and Kind Gesture

As a follow up to my last entry, I wanted to comment on yet another act of kindness where the reaction surprised me.

Last week I mailed a hand written thank you note to this woman in accounting (Ms. X) who is responsible for processing all of the expense reports in the company. With all the travel I do (and there are some who travel WAY more than I), I felt it was important to tell her how much I appreciate the time she takes to process my reimbursements. I'm very aware of the tediousness of this task and frankly I'm not sure how a person could enjoy such a job. In fact, I'm not sure she does because she maintains a bit of scowl on her face most of the time. Regardless, I do appreciate her. And later that day I received an email from her boss telling me that I'd made Ms. X's day by sending that card and that Ms. X was really in need of a boost. She said it was a thoughtful thing to do. And once again, I was just doing what Momma always told me was the right thing to do. Momma knows best.

You Never Know

As some of you know, I am actively involved in a local organization called The Margaret Hudson Program which is a school for pregnant and parenting teens. MHP offers a variety of services to our girls and their babies beyond the standard academic services including health care, child care, counseling services, nutrition services and more. Our goal is to make these girls self sustaining, contributing members of our community. We help teen families succeed! The program is very near and dear to my heart.

I recently learned of the pending retirement of a long time nurse of ours. While retirement is often "no bid deal" I found this news to be especially disturbing because I know that this woman offers care to our students well beyond that of a nurse. She's a second mom to some of these girls who are so young and yet becoming mothers themselves. Often times, these girls don't have mothers of their own that are strong role models so nurse Marilyn is a real blessing in their lives.

During one of our facility tours, I took a moment to walk up to Marilyn and let her know how disappointed I am that we are losing her but how happy I am for her and her retirement. I wanted her know that she is valued, appreciated and she will be missed. Our entire dialogue lasted no more than two minutes.

Just yesterday I was at one of our campuses dropping off my friend's maternity clothes as a donation to the girls. While I was in the lobby, Marilyn came up to me with tears in her eyes and told me the difference that I'm making for MHP. And she proceeded to inform me that my words to her during the tour had meant so much to her and that a bit of encouragement can go a long way. Her lip quivered, he eyes ran full and she was truly grateful.

This just goes to show how much a few sincere words can really mean to a person. You just never know the impact that you have on another life even when you are going thru life as usual. It felt good to make her happy. And Marilyn will be sadly missed.

Jason and Candice Over The Years

We first met in the summer of 1990. I met a girl named Krystal at Clark Theatre summer camp. Krystal invited me to a summer swim party for incoming Booker T. Washington Freshmen. At that time, Jason was dating another girl named Camden (still one of my best friends). By Junior year, Jason and I were an item. We started dating in October of 1992 and were married in March of 1998. We had our first child in November 2001 and our second in June 2004. There have been many experiences and memories along the way and many more are yet to come. In this section you will see a photographic look down memory lane.

2008

Mamma Sandy's 29th Birthday

Here's a picture of my mother-in-law on her 29th birthday! We had a nice gathering at the house with Jason's parents, sisters, my parents, grandma and our dear friend T.G. and her kiddos. Oh, and don't let me forget that Kara's friend Lauren and also her BOYFRIEND Gannon were here. Yep, you heard it. That sweet little baby that was born a short 13 years ago (almost 14) is officially dating. It's amazing how quickly I forget the joys of an adolescent crush. I keep asking her if he's a good kisser but she won't tell me. Doesn't a sister-in-law have a right to know?

I feel sorry for Kara's future husband. He will have two men to impress, her Dad and her middle aged brother. At least we hope he'll be middle aged by the time she marries...

Easter 2008

Easter was a good time. We met up for Easter lunch at my Aunt Lori's house and before we left, I demanded a family photo. It's been at least 7 years since this same group took a picture together. As you can see, we're a small but friendly bunch. If you were to compare this with a family picture of Jason's you'd notice a significant difference in the size of our families. My mother is one of three children and two of them had only one child and Lori had two. So, this photo includes spouses and two great grandmothers and we're still a small group. But our size is no indication of the amount of love we share. I'm very blessed to have these people in my life.

Day 5 of Vacation

The plane ride home...good times were had by all!

Day 4 of Vacation

Outlet Shopping & Sea World

Today was another full day. Jason departed early for a baseball game and the kids and I took our time getting ready and then set out for the San Marcos Outlet Mall. I was determined to get some "Me" time in on this trip. I'm not complaining, I mean I've thoroughly enjoyed the smiles I've seen on my kid's faces but I still wanted to do some shopping. San Marcos was about 50 minutes away so I had to be strategic with my shopping and unfortunately, I had to hurry because I needed to be back in time for Sea World. Up to this point, San Antonio traffic on HW 410 hadn't been light so I was even more so concerned with my timeline.

I successfully bought from Nike, Gymboree (which was a rip because they weren't that discounted), White House Black Market and L'Occitane. Then we went by the Food Court for some non fried food (thank God) and headed back to San Antonio. We made it back with about an hour to spare before Jason returned and we left again for Sea World.

Sea World was a blast and Shamu was impressive as always. The kids each got a stuffed dolphin and Dakota scored a light up sword. I got the greatest action picture of them on the Shamu roller coaster for a measly $12.99 (WHAT?!?!).


My camera's non action shot.

Beluga Whale & Girl

Seymour at the Cafe.

A child's reaction to the Sea Lions.

Day 3 of Vacation

More Baseball & the San Antonio Riverwalk

Today started off a bit more lazy than yesterday. The kids and I chose to skip the Junior Varsity game and just slept and hang out at the hotel until about 1:30 p.m. We walked to the pool but the water was still way too cold to be swimming. And the weather here is far cooler than I expected to begin with. It was cloudy almost all day and it sprinkled and/or rained on and off most of the day. We did make it to the second baseball game of the day where the BTW Hornets lost 6 to 4. It got real cold towards the end of the game so the kids and I stayed in the car while they finished the game. They were pleased that they could climb all over a car and not get in trouble. Got to love a rental car.

Speaking of rental car, Jason hit a rent-a-fence with the car! He just simply did not see it (no shit). Well I freaked out because of the noise and him slamming the breaks and then he laughed because I guess my reaction was hilarious. Thankfully it didn't so much as scratch the car but I was convinced there was a $1,000 dent in the damn thing.

Anyhow, after baseball we came back to change clothes and then we headed off to the San Antonio Riverwalk. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant which was a nice change of pace from the Wendy's we've had nearly everyday. And the best part was an after dinner boat ride on one of the river boats. Our boat was named Miss Emily.

The kids enjoyed the ride despite not being able to fully understand the tour guide due to his accent. But their enjoyment also wained once the rain set in. Thankfully the boat driver pressed the throttle a little faster but not before we were wet and cold. We all ended up laughing hysterically because we were held captive and cold no one was paying attention to the tour guide anymore. I don't think he appreciated it when everyone was laughing and talking over his presentation...especially the part about how he accepts tips for a job well done. Oh well.

Here are a few pics from today's journeys.

Elle & Derrik at dinner.

Me & Doc (photo courtesy of Dakota)

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Dakota checking out the architecture.

Day 2 - Family Vacation

The Zoo, BTW Baseball and The San Antonio Spurs Game

Today started off early with breakfast at the Ramada Inn (note: we were not able to take advantage of five star lodging during this trip) and then we were of to the zoo while Dad golfed. The San Antonio Zoo was impressive and even I had my breath taken away by the Hippos. I don't recall ever seeing one in real life and these were pretty up close and personal.

We made it back in time for a luxury dinning experience at Wendy's and then headed off for the baseball game (which the BTW Hornets won 5 to 4). After baseball we hurried back for a quick shower and then jetted off for the Celtics vs. Spurs game. It was my first NBA game and while I found it to be entertaining, it was challenging to see all the action from the nose bleed section. And Elle fell asleep well before the end of the game so I enjoyed the effects of a lack of circulation to my arm from holding her. But oh how I enjoyed the snuggles. Here are a few pics of today's journeys.

One of the amazing hippos.

The Zoo Train

At the baseball game with their new friend Derrik.

Spurs lost by 2 points at the buzzer.

Day 1 of Vacation

San Antonio Bound...Day 1 of the 2008 Family Vacation

The bus ride down to San Antonio.

Gaming at Dave & Busters.

Our 2008 family vacation destination is San Antonio. Doc's baseball team was headed south to play baseball against some Texas teams so we elected to tag along for a mini family vacation. Dakota rode the bus with the team and his daddy while Elle and I took a direct flight to San Antonio. She was such a trooper, lugging around her princess suitcase and walked nearly 100% of the time. I was SO thankful because I was lugging my purse, her backpack, my suitcase and a car seat. I really don't know how single parents do it and I applaud them (on my feet clapping).

Shortly after checking into the hotel, the whole group loaded back onto the bus and headed out for dinner at Dave & Busters. The kids had a great time and they won enough tickets that Dakota was able to get a purple stuffed dolphin that he's named Squirt and Elle got a stuffed Dora the Explorer. And you know I'm ecstatic because we don't have NEARLY enough stuffed things around our house. But I must say that it satisfied Dakota greatly. Apparently he was pretty pissed that he didn't get a stuffed monkey when they stopped at a Love's gas station in Atoka, Oklahoma.

Tomorrow's plans include a trip to the San Antonio zoo for the kids and me, golfing at The Republic Golf Club for all the coaches, baseball at 3:30 p.m. and then we're off to San Antonio Spurs game this evening. Should be a busy and exciting day!

More later...

Nearly Lost It

So, I had my annual OB/GYN appointment today which is always such a fun time. What the (insert bad word) ever! Surprisingly, the Doc was on time today and I was pleased that I didn't have to sit for nearly an hour with a disposable paper table cloth draped over my legs. I was not pleased that Aunt Flo decided to arrive early this morning because that added all sorts of extra pleasure to my experience. Needless to say, I was ready to get back to work.

So I walked into the parking garage in an expeditious fashion because I can't seem to walk unlike I'm in a freaking relay race. During my final 20 yard sprint to the car, my high heels hit a slick spot on the concrete and I went down...almost.

My purse dropped from my shoulder and I immediately slapped the side of a 1990's model Lincoln Towncar in hopes of it breaking my fall. Miraculously, it did. And I prayed that the owner of the champagne colored ride wasn't behind the wheel or else I was about to get my ass kicked for ramming into the their car. But the best part was the elderly lady driving slowly in search of parking space who's jaw dropped to the floor as she witnessed my display of grace. And she rolled her window down to see if I was okay! Since when do the elderly have to be concerned with falling 30 somethings?

2008 - 10 Year's and Counting

March 7th marks the date of our wedding one decade ago. Words cannot desribe the gratitude I have for my husband and for the year's we've shared and those yet to come. I won't spend too much time on the mushy gushy stuff here but sitting here behind my computer screen, I'm jumping for joy!

Let it be.

Do you ever feel that there are some things not worth fighting over? Take this for example.

To school today, Elle wore cute pink stripped tights under a cute sweater dress to match. At the end of my work day, I stopped by Drysdales to pick up a western shirt for a kid's birthday because he's REALLY into western shirts. While I was at the store, I discovered a cute red t-shirt imprinted with sparkling text that reads "Untamed". Given Elle's demeanor, I found it to be an appropriate buy for my little girl. Untamed like a wild horse, and as beautiful and strong as one.

So, we get home and she insists on wearing the new shirt. And unfortunately, she also insists on wearing the tights instead of some other pants. And then she finds her dress up shoes (which she calls her clap-clap shoes because of the noise they make). And THEN, she finds her Disney princesses fanny pack. And she wore the whole ensemble parading around the house.

I won't say what Jason said, it's not appropriate. All I have to say is...at least she's wearing panties.

Home Owners Association

So I went to our 1st homeowners association meeting last night. Most of you know that my typical behavior is one of an extrovert and naturally I like to "get involved". But my life is so full that I wasn't certain about whether or not I'd volunteer to serve on the board. And I kid you not, less than two minutes into the meeting some ass from the back row (picture a late in life man with overalls, a trucker's hat, no hair and mildly obese) pipes up over the presenter and everyone else in the room stating that he cannot understand why we need a homeowners association! While the polite lady up front tried to education him on the purpose of such an incorporation, he continued to cut her off and rudely interject that it cannot cost that much damn money to upkeep the grass at the entryway. Clearly he wasn't getting it.

Meanwhile I was having flashbacks to my high schools days when I used to get in people's faces for being so openly ignorant. While everyone else in the church was smiling and bowing their heads to roll their eyes, I was getting puffed up. I was ready to tell that bonehead that he should have read his friggin' covenants when he bought his damn house because it clearly states that the subdivision would have a homeowners association (among other things that he was clearly unaware of). And of course he argued that he didn't ever receive a copy of the covenants even though we all know you have to sign the stupid thing when you close on a house.

So I didn't sign up for the board because I don't want to get in a fist fight with a 55+ year old man. I'm WAY too mature for that. ;-)

Typical Man

There's really nothing to say...you all get the point.

Kindergarten Biography

Dakota's Classmates made a list of things to they like about their fantastic friend. Here is a list of his peer review. Simple, but flattering....especially the first one that says "He's good at cleaning up". WHATEVER!

I'm So Excited

I've been searching for a way to publish a record of what's On My Nightstand and I finally discovered it! I'm so freaking excited and I know it may be stupid but it really makes me happy. I'd seen several examples from other blogs but they were all using a different blog tool so I couldn't figure it out. So, I went in search of a blog, any blog, that could show me the way.

Enter: Library Thingy

And not only do they catalogue your books in a community sort of fashion, but they have a handy dandy widget that provides you with the .html you need to use it on your own blog. Holy crap, I'm off to read so I can update my Library Thingy again soon!

Good night.

Miss Kristy's Valentine's Recital

Our Little Valentine

They let us parents come in during the last 10 minutes of class. It wasn't a recital per se but they got to dance for us instead of just to the mirrors. Elle did very well and paid attention to the teacher the whole time. She was beautiful. Her brother leaned over to me part way through and said "She's doing a good job Mom". He was so proud.

Follow up to WTF..my apologies.

Okay, I feel better now. They canceled soccer and I couldn't be happier. I was beginning to wonder what planet those coaches were from. I apologize for my earlier outburst.

WTF?!?!

Sorry to be so crass but seriously...Dakota is supposed to have soccer practice tonight. Am I the only one who's noticed that it's 30 degrees outside with a wind chill that makes it feel like 20 degrees? WTF? I mean, isn't it child abuse to make a kid play outside in temperatures like this? I don't even like to go outside if it's less than 60 degrees. Sigh...

Valentine's Day

What a great day it's been already and it's only 8:35 a.m.

Jason woke the kids before he left so they could be with me when I walked into the kitchen to see the red tulips and ballon that I got for Valentine's Day. And he couldn't be a better husband...not because of the flowers and balloon but because he also thought of his children and got them each a gift for Valentine's Day. Naturally, I had already bought them something from Mom and Dad just assuming that I'd need to cover our bases. But he surprised me by showing them love with his very own gift (and some morning tickles and kisses).

I ran all over town locating a PS2 for Doc since his son accidently broke the old one. He was quite pleased as well.

Today is off to a good start. I will be attending Dakota's school Valentine's party this afternoon and I'm sure that will be entertaining as well.

Happy Heart Day everyone!

Empty Nest for the Weekend

One would think that I'd appreciate a 24-36 hour period without my children. I had high hopes of all sorts downtime and "me" time (like reading, crafting, hot baths) and in reality, this is the first time I've slowed down all weekend (minus potty breaks and sleeping). The kids were still here on Friday night but I was busy volunteering at the Women's Expo for a few hours. I made it home at a reasonable hour but Dakota had a buddy spending the night so the kids were quite satisfied entertaining themselves and not their dad and me. Saturday morning I was off to dance with Elle while Dad did drop off of the playmate and hung with Dakota. A couple of short hours later, we were shuffling them off to their grandparents so they could road trip to see their great-grandparents. Don't get me wrong...great grandparent visitation is a good thing. But I suddenly felt so alone!

We made a stop by the Indian Art's Festival to pay a visit to our friend Matt Bearden. Then Jason had to work a basketball game so instead of continuing with my lonesomeness, I loaded in the car to accompany him at the courts. I was mildly entertained for a few hours and then finally we broke free for a grown up dinner over sushi. We utterly enjoyed our time together and found some conversation about topics unrelated to our children (although they were mentioned many times as well). But guess what? My lame ass got sleepy by 9:30 p.m. ! I wasn't even up for a stop at Barnes and Nobles on the way home (which was a familiar stopping point for us pre-kids).

Anyhow, we went to church today (skipping the stop at Wee Worship), and Jason went golfing while I worked out, visited a family member at the hospital and grocery shopped. And now, we're off to Bible study and I'm still over two hours away from seeing my kids. :-(

I guess this is a testimony to the fact that no matter how much they bother me when they're present, they're so much more appreciated when they're away. I guess I should make a list of all the hobbies I'll find to fill the void when they move away from home. Thank God that won't be any time soon.

Baby Needs Shoes...not really, just sympathy orders.

WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY PTA is having a fundraiser. You can shop online! Westwood Elementary receives profit from the sale and Dakota will receive prize credits.

Seller: Dakota Doctor

Seller ID: wes1654

Thank you for your support.

ALSO AVAILABLE...Cookie Dough and miscellaneous bread and dessert mixes are also for sale via my brochure. For more information, contact my mom.

*****Note from Mom

So, I noticed that the brochure actually discourages door to door selling (picture a big circle with an line thru it like a no-smoking sign). Naturally any good parent wouldn't send their child into the neighborhood to take on the sales task by himself. But I seem to recall that it was these face to face cold calls that helped me learn my communication skills. I mean, what better way to practice casting away ones fears and teach a kid that life is full of rejection? It worked for me and I feel all the tougher for it! I think he and I will knock on a few doors when the weather permits. I'm such a rule breaker!

Valentine's Day Quandry

Valentine's Day is only 11 days away and like every year, I'm stumped on what to give. And this year, it's not only my husband's gift that has me stumped but also my son's teacher and beyond that lies the confusion of who all I should be buying for in the first place. So I'm writing this in hopes that one of you might be able to offer my some sound advice on unique or cool (and reasonably affordable) Valentine's gifts for someone besides your sweetheart.

As you all know, I'm homeroom mom for Dakota's class. Homeroom Mom gets the pleasure of coordinating a Valentine's Day party for the class. I was able to round up an appropriate amount of junk from Oriental Trading for the kids, although I'm more confused about the gift for Miss Smith. And I can't decide if I should buy his other care providers a little something...and then there's Elle's daycare provider who I adore but we don't really do Valentine's with her. Blah, Blah, Blah.

A friend of mine told me about a local lady that sells cookie boquets for only $15 which seems like a steal to me given my lack of baking skills (plus they're super cute).

As some of you know, I've become real interested and involved in making hand made greeting cards. So I thought of taking some of them and packaging them up to give away as a gift. Only my problem is that I've hardly learned how to let go of my creations. It's not that they're irreplaceable and I know that a hand made gift is utterly thoughtful, it's just that they take up so much time that I often feel like I need to hold onto them just a little bit longer.

Speaking of gifts, I have to share with you a random act of kindness that I was treated to on Thursday. I came home after work and started my standard routine of changing from work clothes, etc. I ran to mailbox to pick up the mail and was surprised to find a package from Amazon. I wasn't sure what it was because I couldn't recall a recent purchase from them. When I opened the box, I found a new book titled When Heaven Weeps by Ted Dekker. The packing slip included a gift note from my dear friend Dilene (who has been a mentor of mine in so many ways including my spiritual journey). She simply bought it and had it mailed to me as a way of telling me she misses me. How freaking sweet is that?!?! So I've decided to do the same thing for someone. And I hope that they'll pass it on. Maybe you can do it too!