Here Comes Some Peace

I am a flower quickly fading.
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean.
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling.
Lord you catch me when I'm falling.
You show me who I am.
I am your's.

Ben and I decided tonight on the way back home in the car that the lyrics from this song brought us peace after saying goodbye (which we prefer "See you later" because we will!) to Doug's dad - Ben's 'PaPa'. Just thought I'd share.

If you have never seen this video, you have GOT to check it out. It's not long and you will find yourself just mesmerized. That's right...I said mesmerized!

Those babies crack me up

Surely you have seen this, but if you haven't...take a look.

These babies crack me up and these commercials always put a smile on my face.

That's it...enjoy.

This one makes me laugh mostly because when Ben watches it, he rewinds it over and over again and laughs uncontrolably:




Just a good one many people haven't seen:



My absolute favorite commercial of all time...Shankapotomus!

Swept Off My Feet

I remember sitting with some friends years ago and we were all talking about our feet and wondering where in the world these "cracks" on our heels were coming from. Attractive, no?

Anyway, my friends's daughter asked her, "Do all mommies have cracks on their heels?" and her answer was priceless. Without missing a beat, she replied, "Only the good ones, honey." I love that. Obviously more so because I was one of the cracked-heeled-mommies out there dying for some kind of fix.

I've tried everything from pumice stones, foot creams to special socks...you name it. Until last night...

Enter the PedEgg.

Two words: Love It!

It actually worked and I've gotta say, I'm impressed and probably addicted.

It totally swept me off my feet and left them "un" cracked and very soft. I sure hope this lasts.

Watch...I'll get to where I can't live without it and they'll stop making the refills. Better yet, some idiot woman with nothing better to do will sue the company who manufacturers it because she didn't use it correctly. This better not happen or I will have no choice but to hunt her down!

A "Trip" to the Dentist

I was really hoping my kids would avoid the circumstance of hearing that shrill, high-pitched whistling in their ears as a dentist drills part of their "yucky" tooth away and fills it with a patch of material ~ but it was not to be their destiny.

Both kiddos have a cavity. But at the rate our dentist is going, they are going to look forward to getting them. Why? Our dentist (who is also pretty much like family to us) is just too darn good at his job. I know...that's a good thing.

I gotta say, Ben was not too keen on the idea of getting a filling...fear of the unknown and all. He asked me to take pictures and I obliged.

Ben went in this week (Shelby goes next week) and he actually had a "great time" (his words). As you may have guessed, he got the nitrous gas and loved every second of it. You can pretty much tell when it started working from the order of the photos!

He had the whole office in stitches with such loud comments as:

"I LOVE this gas stuff!"
"Can we get some of this at home when I'm having a bad day?"
"Hey...how did my arms get up here?"
"I just wanna take off all my clothes and run around!"
"Mom, why are you laughing? Is it leaking into the air you're breathing too? Careful...you have to drive me home."
"I was born happy!"

Yep...as usual, Ben was the one-man-personal-party, as GC used to call him. Even at the dentist, getting a filling, Ben is fun to have around. Thanks buddy. You can always make your mom smile!

Now go floss...

It All Started With "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!"

After sending a new banner ad I designed to my favorite client this past week, he responded back with an approval I had never heard before..."Winner, winner, chicken dinner!"

Huh?

I like that!

Of course, that prompted the little place in my brain that doesn't have much running through it these days to wonder about other sayings that may be out there I'm not privy to. Of course, the best way to go about that these days is to solicit this info from all my Facebook buddies. And boy did I get some interesting responses. Some I've heard before and are even some we use in our house, but some...well, let's just say I was pleasantly surprised and had a great time laughing. Special author's note: I didn't choose some of the verbiage you are about to read! :-)

Enjoy...


Okie-dokie artichokie!

It's raining like a tall cow pissin' on a flat rock.

You can get glad in the same pants you just got mad in.

You can honey-glaze a turd and call it a ham, but it's still shit.

Rise 'n' shine! It's rabbit chasin' time!

Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey!

Anyone stirrin' up trouble is a big ole' spoon.

To all the virgins in America...thanks for nothing.

The sun don't shine on the same dog's tail all the time.

If I put his brain in a gnat's ass, it would fly backward.

and, of course, one of my faves ~

Don't be surprised when the monkey eats the banana.


Thanks so much to all my friends for sharing your sayings.

I still get a kick sitting with the "old folks" and hearing their sayings. My father-in-law has some doozies, as did all of our grandparents. Am I right?! They are starting to roll through that little place in your brain now, too, aren't they?

Me and my sister and cousins used to make fun of them just for saying things like "Over yonder" and "Sit a spell". Is it really surprising to think that many years from now, our grandkids will be making fun of us for our sayings of, "Awesome", "You rock", "Whatever", "Dude" or " 'Sup dawg?". I didn't say I said all these, nor am I saying the ones I do say will still be part of my vocabulary by then. But hey, they're out there now.

You know, it's been proven many times over the cyclical nature of things. Case in point, while substituting this year and heard "Groovy" and "Way cool" being said from a group of pre-teen girls. And aren't they on the cusp of everything cool? Well, at least they think they are.

Yes, the sayings out there in this world are chock-full of history. Obviously, my favorites are from the "olden days".

Such as:

"This thang is plum whompered-jawed."
"I'll slap you to the back side o' no where."
"He's lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut."
"Grinning like a jackass in a cactus patch."
"Slower than molasses in January."
"I'm going to jerk a knot in your tail"
and, of course...
"Jumpy as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

Wonder which one I'll try and bring back? Wouldn't that be funny if one of these sayings started getting around again? Or is that just the redneck in me comin' out?

Weed Eaters: Not for Amateurs

I am 42 years young and have been mowing the grass since I was in high school. It was one of my "chores". The house we lived in didn't have curbs so I didn't have to edge. Thankfully.

While I have still not taken on the edger, today was the first time for me to use a weed eater. Oh-my-goodness. Have you ever used one? If not, it looks soooo much easier than it is.

I had a difficult time getting the hang of it but am determined to do so. If you know me, that doesn't surprise you at all. I do not like admitting defeat at the hands of machines.

That being said, I will master this machine and the yard will look much better next time. Thankfully, the "yard master" isn't here to laugh at it. Of course, my dogs and kids will never notice a thing.

I cannot close without handing out some apologies.

To the fig tree that has done nothing but provide a fun place for the kids and dogs to hide and grown figs for Shelby to play with, I am so sorry I clipped your leaves hanging so close to the ground.

To the chairs, I had no idea the wire would actually wrap around your legs. That had to hurt.

To Ralph my terra cotta pig I've had for so long. I cannot apologize enough for what must have been a shocking slice to your backside. You didn't deserve that. You know you have long been my favorite thing in the yard! I still love you. Please forgive me as I'm still learning. I'll steer clear of you next week.

Finally, to whatever was rustling around behind the fig trees...I know where you live and next time, I'll have better control of that blasted hand-held weed whacker. Beware...I WILL slice you. Just ask Ralph.

4 Stuffed Animals Injured...News at Ten

It is with great regret for OOTC to report four of Shelby's stuffed animals suffered numerous injuries last night while participating in unsanctioned make-believe activities.

As I rounded the corner last night to find Shelby coming down the stairs with my First Aid kit I keep in the kitchen pantry she looked at me and said with a heavy sigh, "Uggghh...don't ask. My animals are a mess."

Here's the low down on what happened. Very sad story indeed.

Ruffy apparently hurt his paw after running after a rabbit.
The rabbit won and hasn't been seen since.




Spikey wasn't so lucky. He limped away with a cast on his paw after falling down the stairs. Apparently, Shelby was calling him down the stairs for dinner and in his excitement to beat all the other animals...well, you get the picture. Life lesson: Greed never wins.



Baby Duke, perhaps the sweetest of all the stuffed animals, suffered a nasty injury. He scratched and burned his back playing tug-of-war on the hot concrete with Ruffy. He was very embarrassed and didn't want his picture made. He claims Ruffy cheated. This matter is still being investigated.

And last, but not least, the newest member of the bunch - Peachy Bear. She scratched her ear in an activity on the Rainbow Tree that her and her friends at Target were playing before she even came home with us. Her injury was just discovered, poor thing. Had the others not received their injuries, we may have never known. Don't even want to think of the infection that could have ensued.



How do you get mad at a kid for providing such efficient first aid to animals...even if they are stuffed? Yep...it's official...I'm such a sucker for all animals.

We do have a new house rule though: Ask before using the First Aid kit, please. Which she did ask today. And she was allowed to use it...sadly we had another animal injured.

Granbury, Texas = Small Town Americana

Where do I begin on this piece of Americana, apple pie, old-glory, everyone goes by two names (i.e. Jimmy Joe, Billy Bob), God-fearing town of the South called "Granbury"? If you have a problem with people making eye-contact and greeting you with a kind word, a cross or ichthus being prominently displayed on businesses signs or the Texas and American flags being proudly displayed pretty much everywhere...don't bother going.

If all of this is appealing to you...read on...

D's family is not only from Granbury, but I'm convinced must have helped settle it. Why? Because we are beginning to find out he's related to so many people there (albeit some are distant-distant) who have lived there since the town was put on the map. We have a picture dating back so far it shows the actual Buster Brown and his dog on the awning on one of the shops on the square.

So, if you have not yet been to this little piece of heaven-on-earth, I'm happy to provide you with a list of "must sees" when you plan your trip. Of course, I'm sure the locals would have more/different suggestions than I do, but here's a start. You will no doubt find your own favorites.

On your way into town, on Highway 377, you'll see a place called "Heflins Produce Market". Without a doubt, you'll find no better fruit, veggies, salad dressings and even hanging plants here. If you don't stop now, hit it on the way out.

Once in town, there are a number of places you can "lodge". My favorite has always been the Nutt House on the Square. It has quite a history and was built in 1893, lodging guests since 1919. It's a popular place to stay so book it in advance.

Okay, so you are on The Historic Square of Granbury. If you can, try and visit when there is something going on that weekend. There's a festival of some sort planned at various times throughout the year. The square turns into a bustling center of activity for all ages and will make even the most mature person turn giddy at how they are now in the mix of yesteryear.

Make sure you eat lunch at Rinkytinks. Yes it may say "Ice Cream Parlor" on the sign, but you will not find a better grill than in here. (Phillips Family recommendations...the Chubby Smoked Turkey Avocado Wrap and for the kids...well, Belle says they have the best Chicken Strips). Also, please take time to venture in the back to the restroom where an old picture of Marilyn Monroe is hanging alongside a pink hula-hoop. I kid you not. Why? Who knows. I don't want to ask because I don't want them to take it as a criticism and risk it being taken down. I enjoy it too much for that to happen. I'm sure there must be a great reason, so as I get to know the folks who run the place a bit better, I plan on asking with great enthusiasm at learning the story behind it.

Plan on taking in a show at the Granbury Opera House. Along with the whole Granbury Square, the Opera House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a charter member of the League of Historic American Theatres. I haven't been since I was very young, but still remember the quaintness of it. Chandeliers, stone walls, heavy velvet curtains and that vintage smell (at least at the time!). It's a must see.

Ladies, there are so many shops to visit that will pull at your purse strings. My favorites (at least for now) are: Pamela & Company, Whimsey, Brazos Moon Antiques and Crazy Horse (at least I think that's the name! It's right next to Dakota's Kabin and has the best women's clothes and great prices...WOW! Except for the always expensive/overpriced Ed Hardy apparel).

Off the Square...You've got to make time to get out on the lake. Either bring your own watercraft or rent one. Just go and have a great time. It's a beautiful lake lined with not just stunning homes, but also simple and humble ones.

At some point you'll want to pull up and dock at Groggy Dawgs Marina. If you get there by around 7pm on a Saturday night, you may enjoy a live band. We recommend the popcorn shrimp and fish and chips. Unfortunately, the menu isn't the best and they seriously need to do something about making the beer ice cold (shouldn't it always be ice cold, and especially on a marina?), but the ambiance can't be beat. It's literally on the shore Lake Granbury and you get to feed huge carp and catfish in the space they've created and fenced off in center of the barge. It's the kids favorite thing to do. Watch for the two grand-daddy catfish that hang out in the corners.

The Brazos Drive-In. Yes! It's an actual drive-in movie theater that I regret to say I've never been to...yet. I've never been to a drive-in movie in my life, but plan on going and so I must recommend this attraction. Hopefully someone will take me someday soon. (hint, hint!)

If you are a history buff, you gotta go to the Granbury Cemetery and see the final resting spot of Jesse James, as well as many other of D's relatives. Yes...Jesse James is in our family tree. Seriously.

We have some regular haunts, but they wouldn't necessarily catch the eye of or even be memorable to a visitor. They are endearing to us for other reasons and when in town, we will either stop by for a visit or at the very least, tip our head their way. To the Broadway Grill and the First National Bank of Granbury (on the square)...you will forever occupy a place in our hearts.

I highly recommend this inspiring town to everyone and hope you get to visit soon. It holds many fond memories for my family. The places and especially the people in this town will generate some great times for your family as well...I promise.

You can thank me later.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

I guess it all started when I was very young, giving my mom grief about something and she said, "I hope you have a daughter just like you one day..." to which I indignantly (and stupidly) replied, "Me too!".

Little did I know. I now have a blonde-haired, blue-eyed cutie overflowing with sass and 'tude. Now I'm not saying I was a cutie, but the other description...wellllllll...... .

Mercy...Belle is a handful. I'm hoping (praying on my knees, more like it) that it is this time in her life when she gives me the most trouble. And really, I guess what our biggest issue is about right now isn't really that huge, but it ticks me off to no end.

She will not quit moving, using, touching, playing with, you name it...my stuff. I'm talking make-up, perfume, room spray, yoga ball, tape, glue, paper...everything. She has a room full of stuff to play with that any girl should love and what does she do? Mess with my stuff. I swear she's doing it just to push my buttons. Kind of like she does with Ben. Hmmmmm...I'm just realizing this as I type. Could it be she wants my attention? Yep...that "Mom-of-the-Year" certificate should arrive any day now. See? Blogging is a form of my therapy.

I digress...Some of it I don't mind. But when she gets into a new bottle of my new favorite scent of lotion from Bath and Body Works and some fabric refresher spray they just came out with and is fantastic and literally sprays it all over everything, including herself, I have issue, people.

Today, I took her Pink Puppy from her (yes, her precious pink puppy) to prove a point. Will it help? Probably not.

As I've said before to many a friend, I will not break so she's gonna have to. I will not give in, so she will have to. And to all my friends out there laughing right now saying, "Oh yeah...the apple doesn't fall far..." I reply, "Work with me, not against me.".

I actually went to my sweet friend Kristen one time to ask her advice because she has a pre-teen girl, I totally respect her as a mom and she said, "You know what...I'm just going to pray for you right now. Wait until she starts slamming doors and telling you how awful you are." Gulp. If an awesome mom like her is having 'issues'...what am I in for? I should note, I LOVE her daughter and have never, ever seen that side of her. They save it for us, don't they?

Insert Prayer Here: Please let Belle break soon, God. Just a little? We both need some respite.

And even in all this, I'm extremely blessed to have her and will surely look back on this and laugh one day. She is also my ray of sunshine in days when I desperately need it and she totally cracks me up with her "wanna-be-grown-up" personality and "dance with me, Mommy!" invitations. All-in-all...I wouldn't change a thing. (Except her touching my stuff...of course).

Your mom does love you with all her heart, my Belle. I hope you thank me one day for not being the one who breaks...because I ain't gonna!

Day Uno of Working Out...Again

Wish I had more to say...I worked out today. Yes indeedie. But, like I said, I'd probably start with baby steps because I'm SO out of shape. Which is exactly what I did.

Bought myself a small yoga ball from Target for the "on sale" price of $9.99 and did some sit ups and leg lifts with it. (Leg lifts are when you hold the yoga ball between your ankles and raise and lower your legs without letting the feet/yoga ball touch the ground.

Also mowed the grass in the backyard. The sun went down so I didn't get to the front...tomorrow maybe.

Anyway, I didn't do a lot today but have big plans for my future. I'm going to take the best care of myself I can so I'm here as long as possible for me and my kiddos...especially my kiddos. Shelby asked me the other day how long I knew my mom and I responded, "Almost 16 years."

After I said it, I realized how strange it sounded. I knew my mom only 16 years. She died about 6 weeks or so before my 16th birthday. I turned to D and said, "Doesn't that sound odd?"

I'm determined to be around a long, long time. In order for that to happen, I have to take care of myself. You are invited along for the ride! Let's do it...let's get healthy.

Step One: Water, water, water. I cut out the sodas months ago. WOW. What a huge help. Also, as little sugar as possible in the food. I'll never cut-out carbs (I'm a carb girl), but lowering them does help.

Step Two: Cardio and Strength. Gotta have both to make it work.

Step Three: Mental Clarity. My blog and trusted friends/loved ones help me...what will you do?

Step Four: Support. I got my pals cheering me on. Tell someone what you are doing and they will help hold you accountable.

Step Five: Keep the Ibuprofen/Tylenol in supply...go to Sams/Costco. We're gonna need it.

Step Six: Make sure you go to the doctor for your regular/annual check-ups. It's important and the only way to stay ahead of any issues. Having said this, I'll go ahead and put it out there that I'm behind on MY yearly check-up...there...I fully expect to hear from my friends about this because I have always, always been one to harp on those who have not. Bad insurance (no co-pay) and companies not paying me when they should have prohibited this. I'm not only embarrassed but a little ashamed and scared. No...no symptoms/complaints...but that's why we get check-ups.

Step Seven: Know you will constantly be adding steps (and maybe taking some away) as you progress in your journey for health. It's called growth!

Let's keep it up. Baby steps grow into "big kid" steps. And big kid steps grow into healthy bodies.

Now go do 100 crunches...except AC...you do more and go to your 'happy place' on the beach. I'm not being mean...crunches are her "easy" exercise. I know...sickening.

But for the rest of us, we're gonna have to sweat it out.

A Throne Indeed

I just have to take a moment out of my day and say a huge 'Thank You' to Larry the Plumber who came out today and replaced the toilet in the master bath.

Ever since we moved in this house, that blasted toilet has "ran". It was one of those "fancy" low-flo (??) Kohler toilets and had all kinds of issues. Wouldn't even flush properly. If you didn't stand there and hold the handle down until it was done flushing then pull the handle back up, it would get stuck in the down position and you guessed it...it would just continue to run.

Every five minutes or so, it would make this loud hissing sound. At night, we had to keep the door closed because it was so loud. Of course, this house was built without an a/c vent in the commode room, so it would be burning hot in there when you did need to use the restroom.

But, Larry solved all that today. Put in a good ole' elongated American Standard, white potty. Even sits a little higher off the ground than the other, which is a plus to most inhabitants of the house.

I declare this potty to be a Throne. Thanks, Larry.

Getting Mentally Prepared

Here it is, almost midnight, and I've made the proclamation that tomorrow will be the start of my new workout "regime" to tone this flabby body. I have NO idea what I'm going to do tomorrow. Could be just some Wii, could be more...whatever, it will be something. I may start off with baby steps, but I will start off.

Wish me luck. I'll be sure and report.

And...Here's the challenge for all you reading this...join me and let me know how you are doing! Be sure and post your comments and we'll keep each other motivated (fyi...if you sign up with Google or Blogger you will not receive any SPAM or anything like that...just able to post comments and follow/subscribe to blog). AC has already agreed to some accountability with me (though she's never had the "accountability" problem and is starting on her umpteenth boot camp tomorrow morning at 5:30, so she doesn't need my motivation). She will actually be waking the roosters.

And speaking of readers, thank you to my new readers. I'm flattered you've joined us and are tuning in to my ramblings. :-)

Excuses, excuses

Why is it so difficult for kids to stay in bed? I know I used to get out of bed when I was young from time-to-time and remember if I overheard The Tonight Show theme song I knew I was up really late and would get so excited. Woohoo! Party!

My kids have come up with the most interesting excuses for getting out of bed. Here are just a few:

1. Shelby just came in and kissed me on the face and now I have to go wash my face.
2. I need a band aid.
3. I need a drink.
4. I need to go potty.
5. I had a bad dream. (Note: This excuse is inexcusable when they've only been in bed for 10 minutes and therefore not even had time to have any kind of dream yet...good or bad.)
6. I forgot to tell you something. What? I forgot...
7. Where's Scout? (our dog)

8. Duke is snoring. (our other dog)
9. When are you going to bed?
10. I'm hungry.
11. I'm itchy.
12. What are we doing tomorrow?
13. When can we go back to Disney World?
14. I just wanted to tell you I love you. (Okay this one gets me.)
15. Will you come snuggle me?
16. Can <insert name here> come over tomorrow? Can we call them now?
17. If I clean my room tomorrow, can we go to Target and get a toy?
18. I'm hot/cold.
19. I saw a commercial today that scared me and can't stop thinking about it.
20. Shelby won't quit singing.

Yes, the list goes on and on. I've gotta say...they're creative. Especially the oldest...Ben. Shelby, more often than not, closes her eyes and is out. Oh yes...which reminds me of number 21...Why does Shelby fall asleep faster than me? It's so frustrating! I can't fall asleep. That's because you are in here talking to me vs. laying in bed with your eyes closed!

I should say, they haven't always done this. We've had a "busy" past 8 months or so with moving into a new house, etc... so kids are bound to feel a little uneasy at night. However, Shelby started sleeping through the night around 5 weeks old...she just likes to sleep! Has even put herself to bed on more than one occasion.

But every night, we tuck them in, kiss them good night, tell them we love them, say some prayers, sometimes get a little song from Daddy ("Jesus Loves Me") and tell them "Sweet Dreamerz." Most nights, they're out. But oh the excuses when they aren't...too funny.

Speaking of...it's about that time for me too. Zzzzzzzzz...I can promise you the only thing getting me out of bed will be two dogs around 2 a.m. having to go outside. Ughhh!

A Proclamation

I mean seriously, I just recently (like within the past couple months) shed about 15 pounds. Now ladies...you know just how difficult a task that is. Sorry fellas...you guys tend to walk quickly from one room to another and boom...10 pounds gone. Not so for the ladies. Especially, and I mean especially, if you've had kids. Okay, let me qualify that last statement. Especially if you took fertility drugs that really helped plump you up and then on top of that were pretty darn lazy after the kids were born and never bothered to lose it. There - is that better?

Anyway, I lost some weight and found that underneath all of that was...errr...is just a whole lotta flab. Ughhh... . Aren't you glad you tuned in? Yep, hail damage on the back and front sides, bruises (which will just always be there complements of years of heparin and still-daily aspirin therapy) and un-sunkissed skin. I'm working on that. These days though, gotta take that slow with all the skin cancer threats. Yep, I chose to tan through SPF 30 so it takes awhile.

If you know me, you know I have always been an athlete. I've played organized sports since grade school and through college. Therefore, I never had to 'worry' about working out...until later.

At one point, I found one workout regiment that not only suited me, but I swear was also a form of therapy. AC is going, "Oh yeah, sister...I know what you're talking about!" We used to imagine the bags we were punching and kicking were people who were on our very last nerve. Not to toot our horn, but we even garnered nicknames at the gym and you did not want to get in the way of one of our swings or kicks. Hi-ya! Enough bragging already...

She and I used to hit and kick each other across a sweaty gym every morning around 5:30 a.m. That's right booooooy...Kickboxing with a little Krav Maga thrown in. We would get so aggravated at the people who showed up not willing to give 110%. See, if everyone didn't do it right, you all did it again. Our way of thinking was, "We bothered to show up, why the h#&% wouldn't you make the most of it?"

Before our morning sessions began, we used to work out every day but Sunday during our 10 Weeks of Torture. Ouchhhh! We lived on Ibuprofen, but it was great. On Sundays, we were "off" and got to eat and drink whatever we wanted. Which I did and I'm pretty sure she did not. Regardless, the gym closed down and I fell off the workout wagon.

I tried various things and the closest I found was spinning. But, I'm sorry, that killed my backside. Everyone kept saying, "Oh, did the same thing to me, but you'll get used to it." I did NOT get used to it. And, I don't care for classes where you have to do the same moves as the oh-so-chipper person at the front. I don't have a dance background, therefore, I don't follow quick-taught choreography well. I'm best on my own or with another person who keeps me motivated and accountable.

Enter my kids. Why there is a Wii sitting upstairs in my game room and why it is not getting extreme use by me is uncalled for. I've played the kids at various Wii games, but like their dear old mom...they are competitive and don't like it when they don't win. Being that I come from a sports background, my thinking is that if I let them win every time, they will never "learn" how to be a good sport upon losing. Unfortunately, we haven't found that balance yet.

That shouldn't stop me though and so I get to the point of this post. Today, I proclaim I will not procrastinate any longer. I will start a workout routine of some sort. May include the Wii...may not. Because of finances, gym memberships or paying to workout somewhere is a thing of the past. At least for now. I will make sure I do something every day.

How you ask?

Simple...

I'm going to tell me kids. You know kids...they don't forget a thing and will think it's hilarious that they have to remind me to do something every day, like it or not, the same way I remind them of things (clean your room, go scoop doggie presents in back yard, bring down your trash...). Yep...here I go.

Well, obviously not NOW. And, tomorrow is July 4th...so Monday. Yes, Monday it is. Lookout blogworld...get ready for some nasty posts from a woman who is sore from working out! ha!

Hey, I can dream can't I?

It's All Cyclical

We (me and kids) just got home from a visit with daddy and PawPaw at the lake and are already missing them so much. You know, the kind of ache you get in your chest and throat. Yep...that's the one. The kids got to see their sweet PawPaw and I know my heart literally broke a little when I watched him look at them walk in the room.

He had both extreme joy and pain on his face when they reached down to hug what used to be a larger-than-life man whose body has reluctantly withered away due to this devastating disease he is fighting. Yes...fighting, in the present tense. He just is not ready to go.

He's only 70, so I can understand why he isn't ready. He is full of life, in his heart, so I empathize why he isn't ready. And, on his "good" days, his brain is present-day. But those days are coming fewer and farther between the days where the disease has set up camp in his brain and refuses to let him remember even which cord to pull to call the nurses or what city he is in.

Doug and I were talking the other day about things that "start and end" and D said the human soul was the only thing he could think of that starts from a true beginning and then doesn't end. I argued, well that's not true...it starts in heaven and ends in heaven...like a circle. I likened it to rain. It may start from the clouds or evaporate from a lake, but it's an endless circle. He said, yes he understood that, but the actual creation of it and that it's the only thing that has no ending. Our souls are eternal. Only God can do that. Once our bodies quit, our souls go on forever. Okay...good point. I concede...Doug was right. :-).

So many things in life start off at one point and then come back around full circle. Our parents' advice...ughhhh. How many times did your parents tell you something when you were young and you'd roll your eyes because you were so far beyond their words of wisdom. And now, you look in the rearview mirror thinking, "Wow...I can think of so many parts of my life that would've been so much easier had I taken that advice." Of course, I say "you" because I always listed to my parents...ha! I wish. Nope, this hard-headed person still seems to learn some things after being hit on the head with the hammer of God.

Yes, some things can only be learned from experience. AKA...the hard way. These are the times we step back and watch our kids do something we know is a mistake, but can only be learned when they actually make the mistake. Sometimes it's tough to do. Othertimes...God takes care of the lesson for us. Poor Belle has suffered from what we like to call "instant discipline from God" a couple times this past week!

Once she was making a face at Ben and being a real stinker, then flipped her head around in delight that she had gotten to him (again)...only to be met in the forehead with a door. Bruise number one. Then last night she ran by him on the stone walk at the lake and hit him on purpose (acting, of course, like it was an accident...but mom saw it) then slipped and fell. Ouch. Bruise number two. Yep, Ben called it "Karma with a capital K!". What goes around, comes around...there's that circle again.

Of course I can't leave out the biggest circle of all...Love. Awwwwe. You knew I'd go there. Yep...true love never dies. Our brains may lose perspective or get lost from time-to-time, but our hearts always know the way home and help us re-evaluate what is important and put it right back where it belongs. It doesn't mean our interests change or our likes/dislikes change...that's just part of growing. But our core values remain and love makes them stronger. If you have true love with someone, put it front and center in your life and don't let anything knock it out of perspective. Don't be disheartened if you falter...we all do. Hello? That's why we called human. Just know love will bring it back around and work to make sure it does.

We have noticed and spotted so many "circles" lately and I can't think of all of them. I wish I could. So many times lately, we've looked at each other and said, "That's another circle."

What I do know is I want the circles in my life to be full. Full of life. Full of laughs. Full of memories...the good and the bad. Full of experiences. Full of faith. Full of knowledge. Full of love. They don't have to be huge circles, just full. There are plenty of small circles out there that are perfectly full. I'm trying to concentrate on the things that lie within my circles of life and make them the best and fullest possible.