Short & Sweet

I have been in the dumps...serious tooth issues again! I seriously want to get a pair of pliers and pull them out one by one. No, really, I do. Especially since we leave on Sunday for our cruise. Yippee {hopefully I will be able to enjoy it!}

I have lots to post but haven't felt up to it, maybe tomorrow.

Sweet Caroline

Have I ever told you how much I love my daughter?

And have I ever told you I paint?

Caroline has always enjoyed time with her dear, sweet, beautiful mommy {did I really just "write" that out loud? lol!} Just kidding...but she loves to do whatever I'm doing, unless of course I'm cleaning. So, every so often when I am painting, I let her paint too. Now I am more than willing to let her paint on paper every day if she wants, but she usually wants to use canvas like me. Sorry for your bad luck kid! They cost way too much for me to let her just paint them daily! I do however buy her cheap canvas panels that she can paint on, but still she can paint like 6 in a day, so again not cheap.

Over the weekend I bought her 4 small canvases to enjoy, and boy did she! She was just giddy with excitement! I was working on a piece for her room, and she decided that since I painted something for her, she would paint the same exact thing so I could sell it!


How stinking cute is she? She melts my heart...

On another note...here are pictures of each of us in our matching glasses. It cracks me up!

Hey...Four Eyes!

I am praying that this is not uttered today! If so, it will be a crushing blow.

You see, yesterday I had to be the good mommy and take Boog to the eye doctor. For about a month now, we have been noticing that she may not be seeing too well. When we would be driving, she couldn't read us some of the signs. This is not normal. Caroline is really bright, and has been able to at least spell out signs since she was around 2.5 {I swear, I am not being the boasting mommy...anyone who knows her knows she is advanced for her age}, and read simple signs for a year or so. Now she can't even read the simple ones.

Then we noticed she wasn't sitting on the couch anymore to watch tv. Hmmmm. So, Tab asked her why she wouldn't sit on the couch anymore, and she said {in a very sad voice I might add!} that the TV was fuzzy and was better when she sat on the floor. Oh Boy, I was crushed. I have horrible vision, and was so hoping it would not be passed down to her. We had a scare when she was a year, and had to go see a specialist because her eyes where looking different directions, but only when she tried to focus on something. We watched her for a while and after 2 years, they said it was very minor ans she should be okay.

So while at the doc's yesterday, we find out she is in fact far-sighted. The complete opposite of me. Then he went on to tell me about how her previous problems most likely were the cause of her far-sightedness! I felt horrible, like I should have done something more when she was little.

So, now she has glasses. I'm torn. They are so stinking cute, but it makes me sad. She is so young and already has to have them. She was so sad all night, she can't stand them on her face. All she wants to do is take them off. Well, when she went to bed, she asked me if she could have a few minutes to read her book. Of course! So she starts to read, and I sit down next to her and tell her it will get better. She just looks at me and says, "Mommy they do help me see to read better, and you know what? I don't really feel them on my face right now." My sweet baby.

She ended up getting 2 pair. One pink, and one black. She was really excited about the black pair though...I wear glasses/contacts, and her black ones look just like my brown ones. In fact, the sad part about that is mine are children's frames! We have the same frames! I didn't realize we got her identical ones until we got home!





She needed to show everyone she could touch her feet to her head!

Jump Party!

Since we had a long weekend this past weekend, I told Caroline that if she was a good girl and helper, that we could have a special surprise. I was really hoping that we could go to the zoo! And yes, in our house getting to go to the zoo, movies, museums, etc... is a treat. They cost money, and as much as I love to take her those places, I'm not a darn money tree {although I can dream!}, so we try to teach her that its a special thing to do those things. Any way, I've always taken her to parks and I knew she would love to go to the zoo.

The weather did not want to cooperate! It was a warm day, but sooo windy. She would have hated to walk around in the wind, so I had to come up with another idea. I decided we would try this place called Jump Party. We went to these in Dallas a few times and she had a blast! For those of you who think I'm speaking a foreign language, let me explain. We have all seen the inflatable bounce/jump houses right? Well this is a place dedicated to a whole bunch of different inflatable play areas. Bounce houses, huge slides, basketball bounce, obstacle courses, you get the idea.

So we head off to go play around 4pm. She ran and played, and ran some more, and played some more, until I was worn out just watching her! Needless to say, we had a great time!








Here is a short video or her going down the big slide!

Update on the Grubbs Family

I talked to Michelle on my way to work this morning, and so far there's not much change. David is extremely sore, and his shoulder is really hurting. The doctors said it is more than likely because of the broken neck, so they are just paying attention to his pain, and if he loses any feeling. He is in a full torso cast thingy to keep him from moving too much. Thanks you so much for your thoughts and prayers for this sweet family!

URGENT Prayer Request

Hey friends- I need your help!
My bestest friend in the whole world had tragedy hit Friday night. Michelle's husband, David, was in a serious, serious car wreck. He was on his way to his youngest son's practice, and was basically hit, and then run off the road by an 18-wheeler. The truck rolled several times. The air bags didn't go off, and the seatbelts didn't lock. David hit the windshield, and broke through. His neck is broken at his C6 vertebrea in 3 places. It doesn't look like there is any spinal cord damage, but they are checking him constantly. Please pray that he will make it through this, and that Michelle has the strength to take care of their 4 kiddos in these tough circumstances.

I love you Michelle, and I love your sweet family! I pray that God is with you during this time, and that his hands will heal David, and lift your family up in his loving arms! I wish I was there with you! Love, Alicia

The Grubbs Family: Gabriel, Lexi, Michelle, David, Kyle & Gracie

Brrrrrrr, it's Cold in Here!

I love my job. I hate my desk {yes, even though I should not hate, I do!}. Just picture walking into a vet's exam room. That's my desk. Seriously.

Our office is so cold, that my office manager and I have coats, gloves, and blankets to keep us warm while we work. And, as the only 2 girls in our area, it's my personal feeling that the men just think we're sissies!

My whole desk is a huge design of stainless steel, and it's cold! When they redesigned our offices, they wanted it to have the industrial, mechanical look and feel. I am surrounded by slate gray, and stainless steel! It looks sleek and nice until you lay your bare arms down to type! Then there is this slicing cold that runs right through you. Uggghhhh!!!!!

I ordered a desk pad thingy to put under my keyboard. It should cover the area where my arms rest when I type, so I am really, really hoping that it will help!

I Need a Recorder

Seriously, I do The hubby has the worst memory ever! The worst. I just have to laugh at him now, because I used to get so mad when I would have to repeat plans, or a story to him. Yesterday, I ask him to go get me some paper work that needed to be mailed off. He gets it and tries to hand it to me, but my hands are full, so I just tell him to put it in my purse {which is sitting right next to me}.

He just called. Wanted to check on a few things. He needed to make sure that I had the paperwork for the truck. I just sat on the phone silent. After a few seconds, I said yes, I had the paperwork, did he not remember putting it in my purse? Of course he didn't.

I just started cracking up.....men, and their selective hearing/memories....................

What do ya do? I just laugh. Otherwise I might walk around a little agitated all the time!

Pennies for Patients

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Caroline is just too cute! I love her to pieces, and I love her honesty in this video! Super cute!

Caroline's School is participating in this year's Pennies for Patients campaign. When she first told me about it, she never mentioned the Pasta Party. She told me about that yesterday after school! But when she 1st told me, she made me cry like a baby:

Caroline: Mommy, remember those quarters you let me have?

Me: Of course I remember, baby.

Caroline: Well, I took them to school and gave them away.

Me: Caroline, I didn't let you have them so you could give them away, they were to put in your piggy bank!

Caroline: But mom, other kids needed them!

Me: Well, then their parents can give them money.

Caroline: But they don't have any. It's for Pennies for Patients.

Me: What?

Caroline: Pennies for Patients mom. We can bring our money from our piggy banks if we want to, we don't have to, it's our choice, and we give them to kids who have all different blood cancers that are in the hospital.

Several Minutes pass

Me: {Bawling} You gave those kids your quarters?

Caroline: Yes, why are you crying, because I was in the hospital?

Me: Partly, but mostly because I think your so sweet to give those kids your money, and it makes me proud.

Caroline: Do you mind if I take my whole piggy bank to them, they need it.

Me: {Crying even harder now} Sure baby, and you can have all our change too.

Caroline: Yours and Tab's?

Me: Both of ours baby.

Caroline: Sweeeeeeet!!!! I'm going get to write my name on 2 papers for helping!

Apparently, the Kindergarten class who has the most kids donate, will win a Pasta Party from Olive Garden. What makes this so sweet, is that even though Caroline wants to win the party, she already donated the first day, and then still wanted to give them her money even though it wouldn't get her class any closer to winning the party!

We counted her money yesterday morning before school and she had $12 to give! I must be doing something right!

Whiskey Lullaby

I got this from Trina's blog and thought it would be a little fun. Some of the "answers" are quite funny and true!

1. Put Your iTunes (or other music player) on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.
5. Share with friends.
6. Anyone willing should do the same, because fun pointlessness spreads like a virus.

1. If someone says, "Is this okay?" You say?
Here We Go - Pat Green {Well maybe sometimes!}

2. How would you describe yourself?
A Higher Place - Tom Petty

3. What do you like in a guy/girl?
Possession - Sarah McLachlan

4. How do you feel today?
It Will be Me - Faith Hill

5. What is your life's purpose?
Barbie Doll - Jack Ingram {so stinking funny...one of my nicknames is poker barbie!}

6. What is your motto?
Our Song - Taylor Swift

7. What do your friends think of you?
Cigarettes - The Wreckers {This is sad, but true...I don't think any of my close friends remember me not smoking cigarettes! :( }

8. What do you think of your parents?
Unbroken - Tim McGraw {This one is a tough one! It's true for both sets. I will always think of my mom & dad as being unbroken even though she passed away; on the other hand, I feel the same about my step-mom and my dad...weird}

9. What do you think about very often?
Sugarland - Sugarland {Appropriate right now since I have just started the Jillian Michaels Program!}

10. What is 2 + 2?
A Higher Place - Tom Petty

11. What do you think of your best friend?
Mean Girls - Sugarland {Michelle, I don't think your mean...just to your kids! LOL!}

12. What do you think of the person you like?
Asphalt Cowboy - Jason Aldean

13. What is your life story?
The Distance - Cake { True, very True}

14. What do you want to be when you grow up?
April Showers - Sugarland

15. What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Good Man Like Me - Dierks Bentley {He's an awesome man!}

16. What will you dance to at your wedding?
Make a Mistake with Me - Brad Paisley {Awww...we make plenty!}

17. What will they play at your funeral?
Race Car Ya-Ya's - Cake {Really, can it get any funnier?}

18. What is your hobby/interest?
Probably Wouldn't be This Way - LeAnn Rimes

19. What is your biggest fear?
Find Me a Preacher - Trace Adkins

20. What is your biggest secret?
Lonesome USA - Jason Aldean

21. What do you think of your friends?
These are the Days - Sugarland

22. What will you put as the title?
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss

If you want to spread the fun to your blog, let me know and I will come read your answers.

A Little Bit of This & That

It's Here! My new refrigerator rocks! Thanks husband for letting me get the one I wanted! The only funny thing is that it is way bigger than we thought it was! OOPS! So although it fits under our cabinets, it sticks out a lot past the counters. But that's okay. We are planning on remolding the kitchen anyway! 27 cubic feet of pure coldness, wow! What girl could ask for more? Just kidding...husband knows better than to ask me what I want! :)





Look how far it sticks out! Ha Ha!

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After Christmas, Caroline and I went to visit my bestest friend in the whole world, Michelle, and her family. It was great to see everyone, but most of all it was great to see Michelle. If there was 1 thing I miss the most about not living in Dallas, it's her. So it was great to spend some time with them. And of course Caroline was super excited to see her best friends too! Michelle's little boy, Gabriel, is exactly 12 weeks older than Caroline, almost to the minute! You can imagine how much they love each other {well, not quite so much anymore now that they are getting older, but until a few years ago, they were inseparable}. She also has a little girl named Lexi, that is almost 5. Caroline and Lexi are now inseparable! Whenever we get together, they beg to stay with each other. Here are a few pictures of our day with our best friends!





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His Mercy

I feel so compelled to share with all of you one of the greatest things in life, God's love. I know so many people have their own beliefs, and I of course have my own. No matter where your faith stands, please visit the following blog.

The Story of Audrey Caroline

Now, if you chose, you can start at the beginning of her story {there is a link in the top left sidebar}, or you can just start from here on out. This sweet family lost there 4th baby girl hours after she was born.

Angie posted a video of their time with her before she left them. The post to read is:
The Mourning and the Dancing

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As Christians, we know God's love and mercy. We know his grace. And at times like death, we can falter. It's never easy to let go of someone you love. This has been such an inspiring family, their faith is so strong, even when they face their toughest hours.

With Love,
Alicia

My Blankie

I am about to make a complete idiot out of myself to the blogging world, but I can live with that! Many of my real life friends already know I am a little crazy, and some of you bloggers may have figured that out.

As a wee child, I sucked my thumb. I and another friend {Frugal Jen} had the same babysitter/nanny {Kate} when we were little, and Kate had these heavy satin curtains that I used to hide behind and rub between my fingers while I was sucking my thumb. For Christmas one year, Kate gave me a blue satin pillow case...lets just say it fell apart. So my loving mom over the years found things for me to literally pacify my obsession with rubbing fabrics between my fingers. The last thing she ever bought me was a sleeping bag. One side was red satin, and the other was a pale pink parachute material. Oh, how I loved the pink side of that sleeping bag! So much so, that I cut it apart from the rest of the sleeping bag so that I could carry this around with me!

Pathetic, I know....gasp if you must!

Well, I never ever left without it. Period. Even in highschool. But once in HS, I had a boyfriend who bought me this little tweety head pillow thingy {Hollie, you should so remember this, I always had it in my car and at Clay's!}, and I started to carry my "pink thing" in there. At one point in time, at about 20 years old, I quit carrying this around with me, and just slept with it at night. Then mom got sick and passed away....I'm worse now than I ever was as a child!

Needless to say, over the past 7 years, I have always carried a little piece of the "pink thing" with me at all times. Well, with the thought that this so call blanket will not last forever, I made me an official blanket with part of it and put the rest away for safe keeping. And trust me, I have had this blanket for 22 years now, I won't lose it!

So, in conclusion, here are some pictures for you to laugh at me. But please remember, this is truly my most prized possession, and every day it makes me remember my mom, even if it really means that I am a little crazy!


Side 1 {pink satin & chenille}



Side 2 {pink satin & pink blankie material}



And just for your infinite pleasure....yes, my mom even talked to a psychiatrist & psychologist to make sure this was normal! And {ha ha ha} they said it was very normal for adults to do this, kind of like a nervous habit, or a security habit!

Alicia

Answers

So, I have a few questions to answer! Thanks for participating in my boredom!

1. Ok where do you see your self in 10 years? Easy question...do you plan on having any more kiddos? ~Elyse~

Well Elyse, in 10 years I'll be 40 {oh goodness!} and have a 16 year old daughter {can we say anxiety?}! I think I might runaway! Really I see my self in much the same place. The only big changes I can foresee would be having a teenager! In answer to the 2nd half, we are trying to have another baby! Unfortunately though, we have infertility issues that we have to work with. We have attempted to get pregnant 3 times, and so far it hasn't worked. But I have faith that if God has it in His plan for us, then we will have a baby, if not, He already gave me Caroline and I am content with that!

2. So, do you guys have any pets? ~LeAnna~

I love this question! We have 4 puppy dogs, which I LOVE to death! I am a huge animal lover and would take every last one if I could!

This is Heidi {Australian Shepherd}

This is Betsy {Heidi's Daughter}

Can you tell they love each other? Awwwwww........

This is Shimmer {Caroline's Chihuahua}

And this is my baby Daisy Mae {Bloodhound}

And this is Daisy Mae 6 months ago...wow look how big she has gotten!!!


3. What is your favorite food? ~Frugal Jen~

Girl, you should have been more specific! You are gonna wish you hadn't asked!

In general Mexican. Specifically Cheese Enchiladas with queso and rice....yummy!

For a snack....I'm a chips and salsa girl too! Ice Cream is mint chocolate chip! I can't live without coffee & Dr. Pepper, and as far as dessert goes, Tiramasu, Key Lime Pie, or anything Chocolate!

How About....

A question & answer session?

I know I only have a few readers, but I have nothing to do at work at the moment {shhhh...don't tell my boss, oh wait, she reads my blog...busted!}, and thought maybe the few readers who don't know me would be willing to be adventuresome and ask me a question.

Now, most of my readers don't leave me comments, but I know you are reading! Why not make yourself known? I'd love to meet y'all! Even if you keep quiet, I'm thrilled that something has brought you here for a visit!

If you want to know anything, go ahead and ask....I'm an open book!

{And I love to talk, just ask anyone!}

Playing Catch Up

I've been behind on my posts, so I have updated everything...I think!

Here they are:

Lola & the Ink

Merry, or is that Murry Christmas?

Baking Party

Pop Pop

Butt Munch Mountain Christmas

Bright & Early

Caroline, A Party & Bells From Santa

Lola & the Ink

Now that I have filled you in all all the drama of the holidays, I was going to share how silly husband & I are. We generally don't go overboard buying for each other on Christmas. But since we only have Caroline, and don't want her to be too rotten, we can afford to do something nice for each other too.

Tab was super good to me! I almost can't believe it! He got me a new stereo for the mommy van, a new MP3 player that plugs into said stereo, and a Lola! I lost you with Lola right? Lola is my parents GPS unit. They named her. And we all love Lola. So Tab bought me my own Lola! I tried to give her a new name, but it just didn't seem right! I love her! I'm slightly directionally challenged, so the need for a GPS was pretty huge! Thank you honey, you truly are the best ever!
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I thought I would be sneaky this year, and get him something he would never guess, because you see, every year he always guesses exactly what we have gotten him! It's so annoying. Recently he and the other Murry Men finished building a Rat Rod. I took pictures the whole time from beginning to end, and had a book published for him! An actual published book, that people can buy! How cool is that? He loved it, and the best part is.....he never guessed what he was getting! His other present from me was a gift certificate to get "inked".

Now, I don't want to get into some big debate on here about tattoos. You either like them or you don't. Period. Having them DOES NOT make you a bad person, or associate you with some killer gang.

We happen to like them. Tab really likes them. I happen to have 4 small tattoos, most of the time they are covered, but not always. Tab has 6 and is working on a full sleeve. If this is the worst thing my husband does, so be it. He is a wonderful man, an amazing person, and a kick booty step-dad to Caroline, and that's all that really matters!

So if you don't like them...read/look no further on this post!


Working on the outline

Working on the outline

Finished Outline

Shading

Shading

Shading

Finished

Finished

Merry, or is that Murry Christmas?

Christmas night we had a house full! Not only did we have Tab's family, but Caroline's dad and his girlfriend {Steven & Abbi} joined in on the fun too! When everyone got to our house, I was just finishing up getting dinner all ready. Everyone was helping to get the food on the table, Steven was carrying a bowl of peas to the table when it cracked in his hand! Needless to say, the peas and my bowl had to be thrown out, and the next thing I know, Steven turns around and looks at me and says, "oh no, Christmas is ruined!".

Now to most of you, this isn't funny, and makes no sense. My family however, are all probably laughing so hard they could pee on themsleves.

Let me fill you in.

***4 years ago, while living in Dallas, we decided to have Thanksgiving at mine & Stevens house. Since everyone was coming down, we thought it would be a good idea to have Caroline's 2nd birthday party the same day. This was a Saturday by the way! I was stressed to say the least. As I get the Turkey out of the oven, Tracy comes over and pulls on one of the legs...it comes off in her hand. She then looks at me and says," oh no, Thanksgiving is ruined!" I burst into tears, grab a bottle of wine, a pack of cigarettes and march out of the house to sit in my driveway having myself a pity party.***

Now your all in the loop!

So after Steven tells me I ruined Christmas dinner, we sit down to eat. It was by all accounts excellent, regardless of the fact that a bowl broke!

Then we start in on the fun!

Silly Caroline

Baking Party

Here are a few shots of the annual baking party.




We had so much fun, and it was great to spend time with the girls! I ended up making the Chocolate Mint Balls, which I wasn't pleased with them, but they seemed to go pretty fast! My favorite of the day is Analisa's Christmas popcorn. It is so yummy! Caroline and I love it so much, we make it year round! It's super simple too!

Recipe:
Pop several bags of popcorn
Melt white chocolate bark in the microwave
Mix together
Pour out on wax paper
Cover in sugar sprinkles!

If you like the salty/sweet thing, you'll love this stuff!

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My Favorite thing apperance wise were the Reindeer Cookies Rhonda made! Super Cute! And they were really good too!



Mary Lou's sugar cookies


Me & Tracy

Pop Pop

Let me give you a little background.

I have 2 step-siblings, Ron & Tracy. My dad & their mom got married 6 years ago. My parents were married for 39 years when my mom passed away due to cancer. Ron & Tracy's parents were married for either 33 or 35 years, either way a very long time, when they divorced. My dad & their mom met, and of course the rest is history!

I had never met their father {George, Pop Pop to the kids} until I moved down here almost 3 years ago. Let me tell you, I was so nervous to meet him. I had no clue if he had any animosity towards me, since I was the kid of the guy his ex-wife married.

Well, meeting George was a breeze! We get along great! I have even taken him to the doctor when Ron & Tracy couldn't take him! The best part about George is that he loves the little kids, his grandkids. And the most amazing thing about that is that he considers Caroline one of his own!

Our 1st Christmas down here, we were invited to their family Christmas, which I tried to politely duck out of. Not that I didn't want to go, but I'm not his family, and I didn't want to intrude! Tracy & Ron told me I had to be there with Caroline because he had bought her presents! WOW! I wasn't expecting that!

So, on Christmas Eve, Caroline spends Christmas with Pop Pop, when she's not with her dad.

She didn't make it in time this year, but she did call and talk to him while we were there!

Blake

Dillon

Pop Pop & his girlfriend Sherry


My sister-in-law, Analisa got these huge blow-up boxing gloves for all the kiddos


As you can see, it wasn't long until the adults took them away from the kids!

Ron & Tracy

Tab & Tracy

Tracy got knocked over the back of the couch



Boog opening one of her gifts from Pop Pop in the car on Christmas Eve