My Man

I've been thinking a lot about love month coming up. About what to do for my man. If your hubby is anything like mine, he is hard to shop for! If B wants something, he goes out and gets it. End of story. I always keep my ears open, listening for any clues on things he may need or want. So far nothing.
So, I thought we (meaning my hubby and I) could do something a little different this month with the time leading up to Valentine's day. Starting Feb. 1, my hubby and I will give each other a little "surprise" until the 14th. No $$$ may be spent. Time to be creative! Love notes, free outings, candle lit dinners, so on and so forth. My blog is rated PG, possibly even G. My parents read this blog so no 'inappropriate' talk will be had. But with all that being said, I think you get my drift on some surprises. Ha!
I think it will be fun! Now to tell all this to my hubby! He'll be in. Most definitely! And, just so you know, the no $$$ spent does not apply for Feb. 14. I like presents, people! And my hubby gives good ones!!

I just feel so blessed to have B as my hubby. He IS the love of my life and I am so happy to spend my life with him!



What will you be doing for the one you love?

Whew!!

Thank you all for the prayers sent our way! We appreciate it!

We are home. Haylee is still a bit groggy but she's on her way to feeling like herself. I am so glad that part is over. Now we just wait until tomorrow to hear that everything is all good! And I have all the faith that it will be!

Children's Hospital is amazing. They were all so nice and very helpful. A life-skill counselor came in and talked with Haylee about everything. The IV, the procedure, how she'll feel, everything. I'm so thankful they did that because we didn't really know what to expect. We (Bryan and I) were able to go back to MRI room with Haylee at first. They gave her some 'sleepy' meds and she was asleep in my arms in a matter of 3 seconds. It was weird and scary. My whole body was shaking and I held back tears. Then off we went to the waiting room. Waiting, waiting, waiting. It's hard to do when your child is off in another room, having scans done on her brain, completely knocked out. I texted, went on Facebook, got a surprise for H at the gift shop, but nothing calmed my nerves. I know they do this stuff ALL the time, all day long, every day. It's just different when it's your own child. So, I talked to God. That's what got me through.

Then there she was. The nurse calling us back. Haylee was finished and back in her room. It took her awhile to wake up--She was trying so hard but she was so sleepy. It's almost like she was drunk. It wasn't funny but I did chuckle a few times. I was just so relieved and happy that she was ok and awake! She didn't get sick or wasn't aggitated when she came to, she was just a little confused and extremely groggy.

So, we're home. H has had her cookies n cream shake from Chick-fil-A and is resting on the couch. She can't be active today. Just because of the anethesia. It can make her dizzy or give her headache.

Resting, coloring, watching tv. That's what we'll be doing all day. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!

I am so thankful for my sweet baby Haylee! And I am so thankful that everything went well today! I'm also thankful for all of you and positive thoughts! Thank you, thank you!

HaYLeE

My sweet, sweet little lady, Haylee! Please say a little prayer for her. Tomorrow morning we will be going to Children's for an MRI. Since she was diagnosed with migraines, they are doing the MRI to 'just make sure' nothing else is going on. Which I'm sure nothing else is going on. I'm happy they are being proactive and taking precautions with my baby!
I have to say that I am a little nervous. She does have to be sedated. It's just the unknown that makes me a little on edge, and the things that go through my mind need to GO AWAY!! Seriously!

Alright. That's all for now. Just please say a little prayer that everything goes well and is well!! And maybe that the drug doc gives me some drugs, too. Just kidding. Maybe.

I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali

Not really going back to Cali. That song just always pops in my head when Cali is mentioned.

The hubby and I had a great time in the lovely state of California. The weather was gorgeous and the company was wonderful.

B and I went there to go to the UT game. Yes, the one we lost. But it was still a great experience. The pre-show was amazing and the atmosphere was so exciting!

This is such a Bryan face. OMG! We were tailgating here. On a golf course. I couldn't get over that! Tons and tons of cars parked on a golf course. I don't think they'd do that in Texas.

Donny and Kara. Kara is Donny's girlfriend and we love her.

Put your Horns up!

Game time.

Our awesome band.

My man and Donny. These 2 have been best friends since 8th grade. And Donny is so good to our girls. We're all thankful for him! And, they are both loyal Texas fans.

We traveled down the PCH and stoppped to take a few pics. The view was amazing.

Our trip was good, and although we missed our girls tons, it was nice to be with just my hubby. It's good to do that every now and then, at least for us. Looking forward to next time . . .

2010

Welcome 2010. This NYE was super low key. Usually, my parents or the in-laws watch the girls over night so B and I can go out. Normally to a neighborhood party. We haven't gone out-out on NYE in a long time! Just not worth it to us. Anyway, this year my sweet little Haylee requested that we spend this NYE together, as a fam. How could I refuse that? Never could! So, we ate dinner, played games and watched tv. As a family. Gracie was out by 10, Haylee around 11. I wasn't much after her, but I did hear the countdown, woke-up to give my hubby a quick kiss and then off to bed. So very low-key, very relaxing and it was nice.

So, ringing in a new year, means making new 'resolutions.' Mine, more like challenges or goals.

*Spend more QT with my hubby. I am so thankful for him. He works so hard to provide for our family. And I want to make him happy, show him how much we appreciate him and how much we love him. I feel so lucky to be so very much in love with my handsome hubby!

*To say yes more to my kids. Like when Gracie asks me to read her a book and I'm doing laundry or when Haylee asks me to play a game with her when I'm cleaning the kitchen. Seriously. All that stuff can wait. I just need to remind myself of that.

*Cook more! Eat out less! This is always a goal for me. We've done pretty good so far. It's fun to cook, especially when the girls help. I'm just not very good at. But, I'm trying. That should count for something! My bff, Kristin, is always trying to help me in this department. Sending me recipes and such. Thanks, K!

*Continue to exercise. This I've been doing for about 4 years now. I'm trying to do new things, as I tend to get bored doing the same stuff. My friend and I are doing some training sessions right now, and I'm really enjoying it. Learning lots of new things to do.

*Read more. And I mean books. And the Bible. I can sit and read Cosmo or People, so I should be able to sit and read a good book.

*Get involved in a charity. We donate to our church, St. Jude's and to cancer research. We give to Frisco Family Service constantly. We always adopt kids during Christmas to give to. But I want to get involved in a charity. Like really involved. Does that make sense?

*Send pictures, notes, letters, make phone calls to loved ones just because.

*To just be real. To be who I am.

Ok. Enough of that. Here are some pics of our night.



Such precious girls.



Such silly girls.



Such a serious girl.



Such a smiley girl.



Such happy girls with their daddy!

Such loud girls with their mommy!

Such a pic taken by Haylee.

I welcome 2010. Here's to a great year . . .

It's Friday and I Ain't Got S*-^ to Do!

Yea, right. Ha! The girls don't have school today, and 3 friends are coming over. 2 are already here, waiting for one more. Pizzas are about to be in the oven, then popcorn and candy with the movie in the media room. The little ones are playing Polly Pockets (on the stairs????) and the older 2 are upstairs in H's room, doing who knows what.
Me, what I'll be doing--laundry, vacuuming, picking up, working on some projects around the house and hopefully a little reading.


And, I'll leave you with a few pics of Gracie's family birthday party. I still can't believe that my baby is FIVE! I have a ton more, and will post later. We had our photographer come to take pictures, so we didn't have to worry about that part of the party. It was nice! Thanks, Angela!

Waiting so patiently.



Finally!



A little help from big sister.

Have a great weekend!

Way Back When

Ok. So these weren't taken so long ago. In December some time, I do know that.

This little Cousin It was home sick today. Strep and a sinus infection. You'd think she'd want to cuddle up on the couch and watch tv all day, but nope. She wants to play Polly Pockets. All.Day.Long. A little demanding, a little whiny, but that's the way Cousin It rolls when she's not feeling well.
A little side note: This was taken at a yummy Mexican food place with Kelly and Maddi. Our table was close to the bathroom, and it didn't smell so nice. Now every time I think about Mattito's, I think of that smell. This pisses me off!



Haylee's school winter party. You know, because we're not allowed to say Christmas party. Boo! They did a craft, ate a snack and played some games. Always a fun time, and H is very sweet to include her little sister.



One of the games. So funny to watch. Girls vs Boys. Socks on hands and you have to unwrap a kiss, chew and eat. Next person can't go until the kiss is swallowed. One kid popped the whole thing in her mouth, wrapper and all. Ewwww. That's some serious competition folks!

The wonderful light display at our Square. It's beautiful, blinks on and off to music and it's amazing to see!

Uncle Donny came in town and we had a blast as usual. My girls adore him!

A moment of pure sweetness!

My beautiful daughter. I am one lucky Momma!!

My Little Ballerina

It was Parent Preview back in early December for Gracie's dance class. She does a ballet/tap combo class, but this dance was in ballet. Her recital will be done in tap. This was so fun and precious to watch! Adorable!!!





I could just eat this precious face up!






She's ready to show her momma all of her dance moves. And why is it that leotards make my then 4 year (She's a big 5 year old now!!) look like she needs a bra on under there. That's just crazy.





And here's her dancing.

Randomness

This post is going to be so random. And I have so many pictures to post but I don't feel like doing it at the moment. So, please excuse me while I get random.

*First, this is my sister and I. I love her. She is one of my best friends and I admire her strength every single day. I am soooooooooo thankful for her. Truly, honestly thankful.

*My girls are sleeping with me tonight because daddy is out of town again. They always sleep with me when he's gone. Just an FYI, my dad used to travel all the time when I was a kid, and I would sleep with my mom when he was gone, even in high school!! Anyway, Gracie is all congested and I can hear her breathing all the way in the family room! Hoping it's just a cold or allergies.

*I'm about to start (just being honest), so I'm eating. A ton! After dinner, I shoved chocolate and marshmallows in my mouth at the same time and it was damn good! My girls were in the shower so thankfully they did not see mommy stuffing her face like cookie monster. That just wouldn't be right!

*Bryan and I were out of town this weekend, so one of my bff's came over to let Sugar the dog out, and now every time we walk out the door, she shivers and shakes. Poor baby thinks we're leaving her again! Makes me feel sad. And a little annoyed. I mean we've been back since Saturday afternoon. Get over it! And, now that I've said that, I feel bad. Love my Sugar dog so much!

*Just in case you were wondering where we were, we went to Cali for the Championship Texas/Alabama game. Even though my Longhorns didn't win, it was still a great experience and I loved spending 'alone' time with my handsome man! And the weather was wonderful! A nice little break to the freezing weather here in Tejas! Man oh man, how I wish it were in the 70s here!!! I'm so ready for spring!!!

*Getting the mail was so much fun a few weeks ago. Card after card after card. Now it's just bills and junk mail. It's not fun anymore. I'm going to try to be better about sending cards and pictures out. Just because.

*If we go on a trip for Spring Break, we're going to go out of our element and try skiing. My sweet hubby has NEVER been and I haven't been since 6th grade. I want to go to the beach because that's what I love but we want to do something different. And it's not all about me . . .all the time! We'll get to the beach in the summer, and I'll enjoy the sun, the ocean and the sand then! If we do this, I know it will be super expensive because we don't have any appropriate clothing to ski in. Casey, any recommendations?

*I want to start my own business. Doing what? I don't know that just yet. But the spinners in my head are working over-time thinking about it! My precious little princess will be starting kinder next year, and it just seems silly for me to just be at home with both of my girls at school. Before I stayed home, I taught. I'm not ready to go back to that just yet. I loved teaching, just don't like all the stuff that goes with it. I want to be able to drop my girls off at school, pick them up, volunteer at school, be on the PTA board and be home to help them with their homework, to have playdates, and so on. Hmmmmm . . .

*I eat when I'm stressed. And I'm stressed now. Why do I want to eat? Why couldn't I be the opposite? It's annoying. Right now I want chips and salsa. It's 10:45 at night! No way! I won't do it. I just won't! But I really want to!

*We had another appt. today for my nanny. It's all just so sad. I am praying hard for my mom, my papa, my nanny, my sister, my dad, my kids, the rest of our family. Hearing that nothing will help is hard. Extremely hard. Watching someone you love with all of your heart go through this is painful. It's an indescribable feeling.

We did find out today that it is not in fact ovarian cancer. It's lung cancer that has spread. It's two different kinds of cancer which is supposedly rare. Go figure. I have faith in God that He knows what He is doing. It's hard but true. It sucks but it's true. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster ride, ok one second, crying the next.

I know many of you have had to deal with cancer and/or death in the past. Many of us will deal with it in the future. It's awful to experience. It makes my heart hurt that this stuff has to happen, and that people have to go through things like this. Through this, though, you realize what really is important, to be more compassionate, to be more sympathetic/empathetic, to just be better. A better person. A better mommy. A better friend. A better wife. A better daughter. A better sister. A better granddaughter. A better aunt. A better Christian. A better everything. And for goodness sakes, let the little things go and have fun! Kiss and hug a lot and tell people that you love that you love them!

*Man that was depressing. Sorry about that!

*Ok. Who needs a real hamster if you have a zhu zhu pet? Not the Rand girls, that's for sure! These little hamster toys are a hit with my girls. So random but true.

*I think I'm done for now. My brain hurts. Hoping I can get some pictures posted soon! I have some from early Dec. until now. That's a lot of pictures!!

Good night. Sleep tight. I love you all!