UPDATES

LONG time since last post - here's a tiny update.


Grandpa - Doing Great!!!!! Scary for a while - complications - but all is well now!!! Love ya Grandpa!!

Disney - Got to go - had an AMAZING time with the kids. SOOOOOOOOOO HOT though!!

School started - crazy crazy schedules!!! football, cheerleading, church, gymnastics, basketball etc.......

Way too busy to elaborate!

Today...

Today................

Grandpa has a consultation with the cardiologist because it has been determined he must have a triple and possibly a quadruple bypass. This is not the news we were hoping for. His arteries were too damaged to put in a splint and bypass is the only other option. Plus he has a severe blockage on one of his carotid arteries. Everyone is upset and worried - of course. I am worried about Alvin. He's...........well, I'm just worried. I don't want him to have to go thru the loss of a parent. I wouldn't wish that on anybody. We decide it would be best if someone else went to the consultation with Grandma and Grandpa so Alvin said he would go. Waiting to hear when they will perform the bypass. We were supposed to fly out Sunday to go to Disney. May have to cancel - will wait and see. I explained to Aaron what was going on with Grandpa yesterday and decided he was old enough now to understand the severity of the situation. He said he did understand - I'm not trying to scare him, but I need him to see why it's important not to take each day for granted. This is a lesson for all of us -myself included!!!! With my Daddy, there wasn't any warning - sudden.
Today...........lot's of worry.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Grandpa has a procedure to check and maybe fix some blockage pertaining to his heart. I'm scared. Alvin is stressed to the limit and ( I think) completely worried about the outcome. Hopefully all will go well, but all I can think of (even though I'm trying not to) is..........Daddy. I miss him so much! 57 yrs. old is too young!!!! If I had only known.........that's what they say. It's true though - if I had only known.......I would have done so many things different. More time, more I love you's, more visits with the kids, more patience, more forgiveness.......just more.
I Love You Daddy!

JudyAnne

Two Peas Blog Challenge

The challenge for today is...............

List 3 things you're really good at...

Hmmm. I really can't honestly answer that. Not trying to be humble, but I never really thought I was great at any one particular thing. Any time I think of something - I think I really could be better at it, i.e. motherhood, wife, christian, etc......

I think I'm OK at scrapbooking - I enjoy it immensely and I'm not only doing it for myself but for my family - even though they give me a hard time about how much time I spend scrapping - I know they will treasure these memories when I'm gone.

I'm so-so at baking. Getting better. The las red velvet cake I made for my husband's birthday turned out pretty good. Usually whatever I bake is pretty tasty - though I don't bake as much. Alvin is a much, much better cook than I am.

Maybe, if I can handle the sarcasm that will come with it, I'll ask my family what they think I'm good at.

Two Peas Blog Challenge

If I had to choose only 3 food items to eat for the rest of my life, what would they be???

No way to choose. I love food. Well, who doesn't? But.........probably they would be.........

cereal
peanut butter
Pibb Zero - I know, not technically a food, but I don't want to live without it!!!

I FINISHED!!

FINISHED....Harry Potter....The Deathly Hallows!!!!!!!! O MY GOODNESS!!!!!

BUSY, BUSY BUSY!!! SUMMER'S ALMOST OVER!

Haven't written much - that must mean we haven't been busy.....right? WRONGO!! Let's see..... strength training camp ( 6 weeks); church camp (one week); various sleepovers and play dates (all summer long); birthdays ( Aaron and Daddy); Gymnastics (every other week); Daddy and I working everyday - and trying to keep the house under control with the kids staying home by themselves; not to mention preparing for our upcoming vacation to............ Disney!

It's a cliche, but where has the summer gone! We are only a few days away from our 4th trip to Disney - VERY EXCITED!! Trying to get ready for the upcoming school year. I am not ready to see Aaron start 8th grade because that means only one more year and he will be in high school. It can't be...it's too soon.... not yet, not yet! He officially turned into a teenager this summer. That was harder on me than any milestone so far. More on this later.

About Disney.... woohoo! I think me and Dad are as excited if not more to go than the kids. We hear some adults say they have no interest in going, but we love it!! How could you not? Fun, food, rides, magic! Amazing! A few things that are must when you go to Disney. At the top of the list is Fulton's Crab House!! This is our tradition - you absolutely must eat here! DELICIOUS! You must spend at least two days at EPCOT - we love going thru the World Showcase. Very Cool! You must have your picture taken in front of Cinderella's Castle. I love comparing the pictures from years past. You must buy trading pins. Aaron especially likes this. He's hoping to find someone to trade with. This year we are staying in a new resort. Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Very excited! Plus we will have our own washer and dryer so we can pack half as much! We love the entire Disney experience!

Alvin is particularly looking forward to this trip. Work has been extremely stressful this summer. I hate seeing him like that. Worried, stressed, distracted. Very sad. I want so much for him to be happy. He hasn't been in a while. I know I am supposed to lift it up to God - but I feel like there is something more I could be doing. Hopefully this break will lift his spirits some.

I have been trying to scrap our last Disney pics before we leave. Lately I have been feeling a little more creative, I think because I finally let go of the feeling that the pages had to be perfect - or needed to be the same quality as the life artists that I love. Whew! I am really enjoying scrapping so much more - it's fun again. I'm also getting more done. 4 pages in a week is a record for me. I use to agonize over how to design a page - now I just go with it! Still love using others as inspiration, but I am trying to stick with my first instinct and not second-guessing myself. I'll never be published - and that's OK. I'm not doing this for fame or money - I'm doing this for my family and myself! This is what I will leave my kids. My legacy for them. Their memories lovingly and artfully preserved. I am most proud of the albums I have for my family. And even though some don't like having their picture take constantly!! (Daddy) I know that when we are gone Aaron and Elaina will cherish every single photo that they have. I do.

I think now I might be able to finally make an album about Daddy. Aaron really wants one. It is something I need to do. More on this later.

Hopefully I can get back into the swing of posting. I really do enjoy it.
Later,
J

Superstar!!!

My sweet girl was in the musical at church on Sunday. The production was called Simon Says - about the trial of Simon Peter. All of the kids were amazing!! Kids from K thru 5th grade participated. They really were great! Elaina had a few small solo parts and she did phenomenal - she was really nervous but got right up there and sang nice and loud - and might I add on key!! She most definitely got that from her Daddy! I was so proud of her - seriously she was so adorable!! Donna, Nelda, and Dawn did an amazing job with these kids!! I helped but was mainly crowd control - you know....stop touching, quit kicking, pay attention - don't flick that on people...that sort of thing. I'm good with crowd control - I'm the mean Mommy who makes you mind. Elaina's the one on the left in the flower skirt.

After church was over we went home so the guys (Alvin, Aaron, Luke, Jake) could get ready for the Macho Man cookoff. This is an annual cookoff/contest for guys at church. After everything is tasted and judged the dishes are auctioned off and the proceeds go to the Sr. High Mission Trip. Alvin, Luke, and Jake all won 1st in their age group. Aaron was a little bummed he didn't place since he's won the past two years - but he still had a ball. The guys got super cool chef hats as their prize. Although it's a lot of work and he's rushing around like a crazy person cooking with 3 boys- Alvin loves doing stuff with those boys. I hope this becomes a tradition for them.

Alvin is to the far left, Jake in front with the grey striped shirt and Luke in the back second from right.

Aaron was cleared by the Orthopedist Tuesday. YEAH!!! He can do anything he wants as long as it doesn't hurt his arm. He was really ready to play ball! They had a game last night and he ended up with a double! Since he's a switch hitter he batted left to keep pressure of his right arm. He did OK in the field - had a good play from right field - need to get some strength back before he'll be 100%. They ened up winning 7 to 3 against the Astros.

The Starz didn't fair so well. For some reason the girls are in a major slump - tons of strike outs, many many missed balls in field - really not great. Last game Elaina struck out both times at bat - she seemed afraid of the ball which is totally out of character for her. After a little work with Daddy and Bubby - she was ready this time. She got up to bat and hit (but fouled) four times - she ended up getting on base because the pitcher hit her - but we were really proud of how she tried so hard to hit! We wouldn't have cared if she struck out - she was ready for action. She even got to pitch a little bit and struck one girl out!! WOOHOO! Look at her go! Lookee Lookee Aunt Julie!! A lot of practice in the future - but she was excited about pitching.

The first year in fast pitch is a tough one - it'll get better. As long as they keep learning and having fun Alvin says he's done what he hopes to do. Many baseball and softball games coming up. More later.........

Two Peas Blog Challenge

Share on your blog about your weekend plans.. what are your plans?

We have a very busy weekend coming up. Friday - softball practice while I clean the carpets. Saturday - softball game at 10:30 and then straight to the church for dress rehearsal for "Simon Says". The kids have been working really hard for this musical. I am nervous about Sunday - I hope it goes well. We'll see - working with 30 K thru 5th graders can be challenging. My friends Donna, Nelda and Dawn have been amazing. So glad I'm not in charge - I'm more for crowd control. Sunday the kids will perform the musical during both church services. Then Sunday evening is Macho Man cookoff. Alvin will be cooking with all 3 boys again - Sandy and her beau will be coming over so maybe Alvin will have more help this year since the girls aren't allowed in the kitchen. BUSY BUSY BUSY - but loving it!!!

"Just a reminder, that in the midst of the daily mucky-muck, or when you find yourself wishing for all the things that aren't quite right, like pants that fit or money to burn or houses that are clean…just that reminder to surround yourself with those you love, and hold them as close as you can for as long as you're given." .......Written by Cathly Zielske on her blog.

After reading this - I want to shake myself silly! This weekend I was trying to get the house somewhat livable again and lost it a couple of times with the kids. It seemed as if they had completely lost their minds. I couldn't clean as fast as the house was getting dirty.

Yes, they should pick up after themselves (but I could be much better at it myself), yes, they should respect our house, us and their belongings (see prior parenthesis), but at the end of the day if you feel like you have done nothing but gripe and yell and nag and criticize, then something is wrong. My babies (ages 12 and 9) are good, kind, loving kids. They are typical kids though - they are going to leave clothes and dishes laying around, fight with each other and be a little sassy once in a while. But compare them to others their age and I really, truly am proud. They are respectful to adults, they love GOD, they are extremely well behaved, really - just great kids!

I must to be a better example for them to follow. They are following my lead. If I clutter, they clutter. If I criticize, they criticize each other. If I look for blame - they will not accept responsibility. If I yell, they will never speak respectfully. If I half-a@# a task, they will do the same. But, if I can exhibit patience, accountablility, practice what I preach, tell them I love them more, pray with them more, not sweat the little things, work harder, say kinder words then they will ultimately follow suit. My worst fear is after they are grown the strongest memories of me will be of me griping, nagging, criticizing. I can not allow that to happen. It is up to me. They are too important and precious. They are my life. I need to remember this. There will be times when they will need to be nagged and reminded and reprimanded - but there is always a right way and a wrong way to do this. At the end of the day, when I lay my head down the last thing I want is regrets. When they lay their heads down, I want nothing in their mind and hearts but the knowledge that they are loved unconditionally - no matter how much mud gets on the carpets!

Two Peas Blog Challenge

What character traits do you deem vital/important, when considering someone as a close friend in your life? blog about it.

For me it's honesty. I want someone who will tell me if these pants look aweful and if I have spinach in my teeth! ;D A true friend will honestly tell you they love ya, but your'e acting like "a you know what today", but understand why your acting like " a you know what" also. I want a friend (and am lucky to have some) that isn't afraid to be honest and true - someone who won't just say what you want to hear. A slammin' sense of humor wouldn't hurt either!! :D

Let it be known...

According to my sweet Elaina...... Do you think she will still think this at 15?

Two Peas Blog Challenge

Are you clumsy or graceful?

Oh my! I am sooooo clumsy. I can trip over nothing! I hope my kids don't inherit that from me!

The girls (me, Elaina and Hannah) had a girls day today. We went shopping today for a belated birthday treat for Elaina. Grapevine Mills. Build-a-Bear, justice, Old Navy and much more! FUN FUN FUN! It was kind of funny because we barely started and Hannah was saying she was tired - Elaina and I looked at each other land laughed because we are major POWER SHOPPERS! Just call us the shopping energizer bunnies! I was kind of cool to see the girls shopping with their own money. They were definitley more careful consumers since it was their money they were spending. They both love Justice but decided they could get more for their money at Old Navy! Atta girls!!!! I love getting something that I will wear a lot, that's cute and doesn't cost a bundle!!! Gotta admit, though, I'm kind of pooped! We walked miles around that mall!

Alvin is still working on the pool cabana - he is such a hard worker. If our kids inherit even a tenth of his work ethic they will go far in life! He is really making our home nice for us. I have decided he can be my cabana boy when he's done!! ;D.

So cool!!!!!!!!!

Check out these pieces of jewelry made by an artist on Etsy. Her link is

http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php She also makes pencil sculptures. These are so beautiful. If I could justify it, I would definitely buy one!!!!

You'll never guess...

IT IS SNOWING..........IN TEXAS.......IN APRIL!

HUH! ARE YA KIDDING ME?

Aaron's trip to Six Flags with the church youth group has been canceled. The wind chill is supposed to be 27 degrees!!

They were supposed to go to the Casting Crowns concert at Six Flags. Weird Texas weather! It's going to be a COLD Easter morning. So much for wearing the cute little sundress Elaina bought for church and the Easter egg hunt! Bummer! Grandma always takes her shopping for a new Easter dress each year. This year Grandma couldn't go so she gave Elaina money for her birthday and she bought a CUTE dress from Justice. Oh well, she'll just have to wait a while to wear it to church.

Two Peas Blog Challenge

The Two Peas blog challenge today is to write about what one thing, time and time again, always brightens your day? For me it's two things. When Aaron (almost 13) just walks up to me out of the blue and hugs me. This makes me melt! I know this may not last forever - so I am soaking it up!! He really is a great kid! Also, when Elaina makes me little crafty things that says she loves me. I love when she draws me pictures. I have kept tons of them. A couple of weekends ago I was sick and Elaina made me two "get well" pictures. So loving! I'm a lucky mama!!

I felt so bad for Aaron last night. His team had practice and he just had to watch. His spirits are really low. It's going to kill him Monday to have to sit on the bench and watch his team play without him. A few more weeks and we'll have his arm x-rayed again. Hopefully it'll be better.

Two Peas Blog Challenge

The blog challenge for today was to post my favorite movie quote. This was reeeeallly hard to narrow down. I am a HUGE movie buff. So I listed one of my favorites and one of Alvin's all time faves!

Mine (although he loves this one too) is from the move A League of Their Own. Click the link to hear Tom Hanks say "There's no cryin' in baseball!! I love this movie!!! Hilarious! Great story too.

http://www.wavcentral.com/sounds/movies/league_own/locry.mp3

One of Alvin's all time favorite movies is Tombstone. His favorite line is from Doc Holiday played by Val Kilmer - "I'm your huckleberry." When we were in Colorado we even climbed the mountain where the real Doc Holiday is buried to visit the gravesite. I was pretty cool. People had left playing cards an mini bottles of whiskey by his tombstone. Someone had also carved I'm Your Huckleberry in the fence surrounding the plot.

Still working on the Bahamas album, but will take a break tonight for Bunco. Tonights entry fees will go toward Relay for Life - awesome idea! Maybe I'll win something!

Two Peas Blog Challenge

The blog challenge for today is to blog about your current project - I'm really excited about this album - I know it's not as complicated and fancy schmancy as others but it's my first 8x8 album. Plus we had an amazing time on this trip. Here's another peek... I made the circle dots with paint. The original is much brighter than the scan. Lovin' that drink girl!!

Started our Bahamas Album!!

So far I really like how it's turning out. Here are a couple of the pages. When I'm done I'll post a link to TwoPeas so you can view the entire album.

Two Peas Blog Challenge

Would you say your more of an online shopper or have to see things in person first?

I am definitely a must see it person. I browse online, but rarely do I buy online. I'm lucky, my lss is pretty awesome. She carries a better selection than most larger stores. I like to shop locally when I can. *********

Aaron hasn't had a great week. The doctor said he couldn't do anything at all until he gets a x-ray in 4 more weeks. He's really bummed. Plus his are has really been hurting. I hate when my kiddos don't feel well. After looking at his baseball schedule, hopefully he will be able to make the last 6 or 7 games. ************

I'm beginning our Bahamas album. I decided to make it a 8x8 - my first one this size. I'll post the finished album. Hopefully it won't take me too many months!!!

Two Peas Blog Challenge

The challenge was to blog about how your coming along with this years scrapping goals. Well first of all, I don't make scrapping goals because I don't want to stress about not achieving them. Basically I just try to scrap anytime I can. Also, Once every quarter my sisters-in-law (awesome girls!!!) and I get together for 3-4 days and do nothing but scrap, eat and watch favorite movies. I absolutley looove this time with them. We usually do get a lot done. One of my sisters (they really are more like sisters to me) is not able to come as often due to schedules with her kids (one has special needs), but we still try to get together with her when we can. Our next weekend will be coming up in April. Can't wait!!!

Softball season begins...

Alvin is coaching Elaina's softball team again this year. He really has a great time coaching the girls. She has moved up to the fastpitch league for 10 yr and under. I love watching my kids' games. Here some pics. The first pic is from her very first year to play - she played T-ball. The rest are form last year. Pic number 2 was taken right after she threw for an out on first. Take a look at pic 3 - have you ever seen a better "bring it!" face! The last is of her batting. She is turning out to be quite the little athlete. Plus, she has tons of fun!!!! Go STARZ!

Look what's coming to Dallas!

I have always said if I was going to see a Broadway Musical it would be this one! It's coming here! It will be at the Music Hall at Fair Park!

I hope I get to see this with my kids!!! I have heard it is absolutely breathtaking! You can buy tickets here

http://www.dallassummermusicals.org/

Two Peas Blog Challenge

What singer/band would I love to see in concert? (this is not an order link)

John Mayer Love his music!

Back to the Dr's

I'm taking Aaron for his follow-up visit to an Orthopedist to check on his broken arm. Here's what happened.

We went to Breckenridge, CO skiing over spring break. This is our second ski trip with the kids. Last year, they had to spend so much time in classes that we didn't get to have much ski time as a family. So this year we decided to put them each in private lessons. Our thinking was with private lessons, they would get more one on one solid teaching. Elaina took a 3 hour ski lesson and Aaron took a 6 hour snowboarding lesson. If you have not ever tried snowboarding - it's more difficult than skiing so we wanted him to get as much out of the lesson as possible. Elaina is going to be a natural on skis - just like her Daddy. By the end of the trip she skid (spelling) down a blue/black trail! She's only 9!

Anyhooo, Aaron did absolutely wonderful during his lesson. He was really boarding great. Controlled, turning, stopping etc... So we set off on day 2. Our first day together. Alvin and Elaina decided to go ski together because she can already ski down blues with ease. I was staying with Aaron in an area he liked - it has a terrain park and is used by lots of boarders. So on the lift to the area he says to me "I think those ski patrol people are really cool. What does it take to be one?" We discuss this while riding to our drop point. We get off the lift and I decide to ski down ahead of him so I watch board down the mtn. I ski ahead and pull to the side and wait, and wait, and wait. All the time waving my poles at him to let him know I was ready. I see him sitting on the snow and think maybe he is checking his bindings again or just resting. In a minute this kid boards up to me and says "your kid hurt his arm REAL BAD!" I PANIC! I take my gear off and haul myself back up the mtn (about 200 yards). By the time I reach him I am literally about to pass out! Seriously - seeing spots - can't breath. Stupid thin air! I asked him what happened - thinking someone ran into him or maybe he slipped. He says "oh, I was trying to throw a 360". Huh, are you serious?! What else are 12 year old invincible boys supposed to do the first day boarding by themselves. Duh Mom!

I check his arm and it doesn't look misshapen so I take off his gear and sorta fix a sling with his jacket. We walk BACK DOWN the mtn to call for ski patrol. Yep the ski patrol he was just asking about. Two people with the patrol come to help. One skier pulling the stretcher and a snowmobile for me and the gear. The ski patrol that pulled Aaron down the mountain was named Aaron. Funny. We get the base village ER and eventually get seen. It is broken. Aaron is so bummed about missing baseball. He was really great considering how much he was hurting. He never cried - even though I know he wanted to. My sweet big boy.

We'll see what the Dr. says today. Hopefully it's healing OK.

More later.

Two Peas Blog Challenge

One of my favorites games from my childhood was playing a game called Wahoo with my Grandmother. Anybody heard of it? You use dice and marbles. She would play for hours with me. I really miss her.

Today...

A weekend we don't have to go anywhere! Yaaaaaay! Most weekends are packed with activities, but not today!! Aaron had baseball practice this morning - but that's it. Alvin spent all day working on the pool cabana. He is such a hard working man...seriously. I love watching him build. He exudes confidence when building. Give him wood and tools and he can build you just about anything you want. He is really trying to make our home nice for us! This is a picture of Alvin helping/teaching Aaron to build his own headboard.Awesome Daddy! I am spending the day doing laundry, watching Gene Simmons Family Jewels reruns and Clean House (I always feel better about my home after watching this show!)
and trying to get over the stomach ick. Hopefully I will get to scrapbook later. The pics from our ski vacation over spring break came back. A couple of the pics are really good. Too bad Aaron is not in many of them since he broke his arm snowboarding the second day! My poor big boy! I hate that he is going to miss some baseball. He has really been great - no whining or anything! Love him! Going to read some of my fav blogs now.

Testing, testing, 123

Cool, it worked! Isn't she cute - our little Bahama Mama!

OK, a little better.

Alright, I built (somewhate) my blog. It's kinda boring for now - but it will do to start.
Later!

My first blog!

Let's see if I can figure out this whole blogging thing!

I became hooked on reading other people's blogs - especially artists who are similar to me. Those who are moms, wives, friends, art lovers etc...

There are a hand full that I read EVERY DAY! If I can figure out how to I will post my absolute faves.

My hope for this blog is this - to have some sort of journal for - well... anything I feel like recording. Journaling for my albums, letters to my kids and husband. Memories and details from our life I hope to remember (because my memory sucks!). I want to be better at expressing myself and telling those I love how I feel about them.

So, here we go.