Becky's Blogs

Brittany's New Room

2009-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

In my previous post I mentioned that Brittany and I decorated her room at her new apartment, so...here is the finished project....we had sooo much fun shopping and decorating and hanging out. I miss my baby girl and am so very proud of her!!

Check out the fabulous lamp we found!

The awesome wine glass we found that matches her room...you can't tell but it has a "B" on it...CUTE!!

We painted the words above the mirror with polka dots to match her comforter..

These are the awesome candle holders that Brittany worked so painstakingly hard on because she had to cut each bead off a necklace...GOOD JOB!!

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful daughter like Brittany and I'm so very proud of her!! I hope she enjoys her room even half as much as I enjoyed spending the time with her...

My Trip to San Antonio

2009-09-21T11:59:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, Memorial Day Weekend, I went to San Antonio to visit my beautiful daughter and help her get settled in her new apartment, where she is attending UTSA.

I will post the pics of her newly decorated room, which we worked so hard on and had a blast doing, in another blog, but in this one I wanted to share our fun adventure to The Magic Time Machine.

The last time that I took Brittany and Jacob to the Magic Time Machine was when she was 11 and Jacob was 6. I thought it would be a fun thing to do for us, since we had not been in so long and had so much fun the last time we went.

Here we are enjoying our "smoking" drinks...although, you can't really tell they're smoking in the picture..

Here's Brittany with our waitress, Lara Croft...she is having to stand on her tip-toes because Brittany's so much taller than her...tee hee

Here's Brittany with Shaggy....as Brittany put it, "He IS the cartoon character!" He sounded like him, walked like him....he was great!!

Then of course, there was Jack Sparrow.....YUM! He sounded like him and acted like him...he was alot of fun!

And here we are posing with Homer and Marge Simpson...

And, Brittany with Harry Potter....lol...get a load of that face she's making. When she asked him if she could take a picture with him he said, "I love to be flashed baby!" ~ LOL....

We had a GREAT time and I highly recommend visiting this place, which is fun for ALL ages, to anyone who is in the mood for laughter, and great memories, with their meal.

~A Walk Down Memory Lane~

2009-08-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

My walk today is First Days of School Past....and Present....it is bittersweet how fast the time goes by and how much your kids change over the years and how wonderful it is to watch them blossom and grow into the beautiful individuals, and young adults, they become.

Here we go....

Here is Brittany and Jacob, August '99.

1st Grade for Jacob (6 years old)

6th Grade for Brittany (11 years old)

Brittany and Jacob in August '00

2nd Grade for Jacob (7 years old)

7th Grade for Brittany (12 years old)

Jacob, August 2009 (16 years old ~ 11th Grade)

Unfortunately, I don't have a current picture of Brittany on her first day of UTSA...which was today...:-(

But I do have this one of her graduating Navarro College and getting her Associate's Degree this past May/June (Magna Cum Laude)

I am so lucky to have these two wonderful kids in my life!!

This Past Weekend

2009-08-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the best time ever with old friends, and family.

Went out to dinner with an old, and very dear friend Thursday and ended up spending more time with him Friday. Was a very pleasant surprise!

Then Saturday went to my Mom and my sister's, and drug my sister out to The Ranch with me, in Rockdale. Met up with old friends, and had a total BLAST!!

Although I didn't take any pics of all my outings, these two pics are my favorites...my niece, Brynly, played dress-up Sunday before I left to come home and she is the cutest thing. She just makes me smile...so I thought maybe you could get the same reaction...smiles are contagious, after all...

Here she is posing.....Vogue look out!! Tee hee...

And, the MANY ponytails...LOL. Everywhere she felt hair we had to make a ponytail.

I wish we lived closer....

~ A Walk Down Memory Lane ~

2009-08-05T16:31:00.001-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

Today I am taking a walk down Memory Lane, back to June of 2002, when Doug and I took the kids on vacation and drove through Memphis, TN....stopping to take a tour of Graceland....

Here's Brittany and Jacob outside of Elvis' house...teehee....

Then driving up to Gatlinburg, TN, where we had the best time EVER!!

I'm pretty sure the kids will agree that this was one of the best vacations ever...even considering Disney World, which was pretty dang amazing!!

~ A Walk Down Memory Lane ~

2009-06-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

Today's walk for me is the vacation the kids and I took to San Antonio about 4 or 5 years ago.....we had a GREAT time, and I know I have way more pictures of us doing the carriage ride around the Alamo, and the ghost walk tour, etc., but could only find the ones I have posted here for now.

We went to Dick's on the Riverwalk and ate dinner the first night there, and we enjoyed that very much...

As you can see...

If you've never been there I highly suggest it. The waiters and waitresses, instead of being nice and courteous, actually pick on you and it really does make it fun...especially for the kiddos.

Then, after we ate at Dick's we took a stroll around the Alamo...

This is Jacob and his friend, Christian, who went with us.

We truly had a terrific time and the kids still talk about it...we spent about four days, weren't on a time schedule, relaxed at the hotel, which was close to the Riverwalk and Alamo, did some shopping at the mall there, took in sites, did tours and horse carriage rides, and visited the Wax Museum. I wish I had the money to take them again....but, at least we have the memories....and they are truly wonderful ones of just me and my kiddos!

This isn't the best picture of me, but I do love it of me and Brittany....we just look so happy, and she's ALWAYS beautiful!

~Memory Lane~

2009-06-11T15:27:00.001-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

Okay..so I'm a day late, but I had to find the pics I wanted to put on here at home and scan them in...so...better late, than NEVER....

Let's go back to a time when Brutus was but a mere puppy...

When his baby was bigger than he was....

Whan Jacob and he played on the floor, non-stop....

And then Jacob would carry him around, like he was his little baby...And look how young Jacob was then....these were taken back in December of 2001, so that would make Jacob about 8 years old, which is about the age Brutus is now...

See how big he has grown.....you can't tell from this pic, but it is actually taking BOTH Mal and Katie to hold him up..lol

He gives us so much joy and love.....

He is definitely part of the family...and we wouldn't have it any other way...

I Heart Faces ~ My Story in Photos the Vacation Edition

2009-06-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, so over at I Heart Faces this week the theme is "My Story in Photos - The Vacation Edition." Unfortunately, I have not been able to scan in any old vacation photos..with my kids, but will put some of my favorite pics I "DO" have on the computer here at work, of us having a good time...

Here's the trip, where we took the girls to Galveston Beach. This was some time before they came to live with us, so probably about 2 years ago, or there about...

Chris and Mallory...

Myranda posing....

Mal posing....

Me, Chris and Myranda...

And the girls burying Chris in the sand...

Then there was the time that the girls and I went to visit Chris at Lake Whitney, where he happened to be working, and Andy and Kindell brought their bunch and we made a day of it at the lake. We all had a great time...

Paddle Boating...

Canoeing....

And just plain hanging out....

Even getting splashed....LOL..

These are just a very few of some good times....hopefully there will be many more to come!

Memory Lane..

2009-06-03T10:16:00.001-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

I remember when....Katie came to visit and the girls talked me into doing makeovers with them...

LOL..weren't we purty??

Well, we sure had fun, at least I know I did. Those are the best times...the ones that make you be silly, make you laugh, and of course, make you pretty, as you can see below...our finished product!

Huntsville State Park

2009-06-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Chris and I decided to do "something," to get out of the house! So, we loaded up the girls...(Brittany wasn't in town and Jacob, of course, stayed in town with his dad to get his car...)...and drove to Huntsville State Park for the day. We wanted to try and rent a screened shelter and stay overnight, but it just wasn't meant to be, as they were all rented. So, we figured we'd just grill some good food, swim, maybe do some canoeing and horseback riding and check it out for camping next time.

Turns out the girls didn't want to canoe, or swim, because the swimming area was so crowded, but we did enjoy ourselves just relaxing, taking in the scenery, and grilling some shrimp, steak, corn on the cob and good veggies....

This little bird was too cute...it started singing to us and came in for a closer look and inspection...

Chris took advantage of the lounging and relaxation....

As did the girls...lol...although, they may prefer to call it "being bored"...

So, Mal decided that she would "fix" her Dad's hair, while we waited on the food to get ready...

Awww....ain't he purty?? LOL

Finally, Chris could take the heat no longer...and took the plunge...

We have decided that we are going to try to rent a screened shelter some time this summer and take ALL the kids there, as well as invite family and friends, so that we can do all the fun things like canoeing, horseback riding and hiking.

It really is beautiful there....

My Graduate

2009-05-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Okay...so, I'm a little late on this, but it's never too late to brag on your kids...right?? ;OP

Brittany just graduated Magna Cum Laude from Navarro College, about 3 weeks ago. She got her Associates Degree in general studies and will now go on to UTSA to get her Bachelor's. She was only .17 away from making Summa Cum Laude....I AM SO VERY PROUD OF HER!!!!

This is Brittany and her Pops! He's very proud too!!

And this is Brittany and her little sister, Emily.....

Isn't she beautiful?? It was a rough road but she made it and I am so very proud of the young woman she has become and am anxious to be a part of all the new chapters in her life..WAY TO GO BRITTANY!! I love you!!

I Heart Faces ~ "My Favorite Face Photo"

2009-05-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

This week's theme over at I Heart Faces is "My Favorite Face Photo."

I have sooo many actual favorite "faces" in my collection that I wasn't sure which to pick...so, since this one of my niece and nephew, JT and Emma, making a face for the camera always makes me smile, I thought I'd share it with you, so you could have a smile, as well.

Enjoy!

~Walk Down Memory Lane~

2009-05-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

This week my walk down memory lane is of my oldest, Brittany. I love this picture of her, which was taken when she was about 1 1/2 years old. She LOVED to drag out every pot, pan, AND lid, in the house everynight and pretend to cook. She would even sometimes accessorize with wooden spoons, and as you can see below, my oven mitts..LOL...I also have some of her "standing" in the pans, which she also liked to do, but haven't had the time to scan them in yet.

Isn't she the cutest!?? Funny thing...she can't cook a lick now...LOL...

A Walk Down Memory Lane...

2009-05-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

This week's walk down memory lane for me is the picture below of my brother, myself, my sister and Marty (my Mom's step-grandson). As you can see I was very young...about 18 years old, and pregnant with Brittany. And this was my baby shower, thrown by my Mom and friends from school.

No, my hair is NOT that short, it is pulled back in a banana clip...do you remember those wonderful inventions?? LOL.....Anyway, it amazes me how young my siblings and I look...well, okay, so we were ALL young...LOL...

I Heart Faces - "Laughter"

2009-05-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

This week's theme over at I Heart Faces is "Laughter."

This pic of Chris and the girls was taken about 1 1/2 years ago at Lake Whitney. I took the girls up one weekend to see Chris, because he was working there and Andy and his crew drove up and spent the day with us. We had a GREAT time!! I love this pic, because the girls are laughing and having a great time with their dad!

And this one was taken of me and Chris, totally spontaneously and we were joking and having a good time, at home one day. I hate it of me, because of my snout-like profile, but love that we look so happy and like we're having the best time. This one was also taken about 1 1/2 years ago...

I need to take pics more often, huh? LOL

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2009-05-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

I just want to wish all you Mom's a Wonderful and Happy Mother's Day Weekend!!

I just had to make and share the slideshow below, of just a few of my favorite memories of my babies....

Unfortunately, these are all the pics I have of the girls, when they were younger...

Enjoy your weekend!!!

A Walk Down Memory Lane...

2009-05-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

I know it's a day late, but I have been totally busy this week at work....imagine that! Actually having to work for a living...LOL...

Anyway, here's my memory for this week.

It is a picture I took of my Paw-Paw, Jacob and Brittany, a month before he sadly succumbed to liver cancer. He was a funny, loving and caring person, who loved his family above all else. He's not smiling here, but he always had a smile, and often a joke to brighten his grandkids, and great-grandkids, day. That day was very special to me. The kids and I spent it with him and it will never be forgotten, nor will he.

We miss you Paw-Paw and you are still here in our hearts!

~Memory Lane~

2009-04-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

Today's walk, for me, is of my baby boy, Jacob. This picture was taken when he was about 3 months old. He was always so happy in the mornings, when I woke him to get him ready for daycare, that he would stretch and cue and smile....boy, where did those days go???? Now he growls and whines and complains the entire morning....

So, yea, I think I will take this Jacob any day....LOL...

"Reflection" - I Heart Faces

2009-04-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

This week's theme over at I Heart Faces is "Reflection." Unfortunately, I do not take many pictures of my reflection, or anyone else's...but, I immediately thought of Myranda and Mal..LOL. This is a common occurrence for them, and their friends.

They love to do the whole "reflection" picture taking thing....below is just one of many of some that Myranda has taken of herself....cute, cute, cute!!

A Walk Down Memory Lane

2009-04-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!

So, I saw this on Kristi's Blog and thought I'd like to start doing it.....sorry it's not Wednesday, but hopefully next week I can get it right..:-)

This picture was taken at Kings Daughters Hospital in Temple, Texas, on October 12, 1987. It was THE proudest moment in my life...the day my daughter, Brittany Danielle Garza, was born. She is now 21 years old and so I love to walk down memory lane and remember all the wonderful memories of her childhood. Geeeezzz, now I'm feeling a little old..LOL...

I was only 18 in this picture, just a baby myself, and scared to death, but it was ALL worth it. The day Brittany came into the world I became a better person for it!

"Self Portrait" - I Heart Faces

2009-04-22T12:38:00.001-07:00

This week's theme over at I Heart Faces is "Self Portrait."

I have to say that I absolutely HATE taking pictures of myself, or letting anyone else take pics of me, because I am NOT photogenic, at all. My nose always looks too big, I look too fat (you know the camera puts on 10 pounds, right...teehee...and that's never good when you already need to drop a few lbs.), my hair is horrendous, I close my eyes....well, you get the picture. :-)

Anyway, I guess this one has to be my favorite, because I look a little mischievious and amused at the same time. Plus, I got to play around with it some on Photobucket, which is always fun. It was taken almost a year ago and my hair is much shorter now and the color is probably different, but I hope you enjoy!

I've Been Tagged....

2009-04-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been tagged by Laura over at A Form of Therapy..... so here it goes!

**8 Things I'm Looking Forward To**
1) Some time off...whenever that may be
2) June 25th hearing for the girls, to see if we get any money back from AG, which is badly needed
3) Jacob getting his driver's license, so I can send him on errands
4) Hopefully getting to see Ethan this summer and going on a little vacation with all the kids
5) Getting some work done around my house this summer, hopefully
6) The little class reunion we're planning in September or October
7) Relaxing on the weekends
8) Planning a trip somewhere

**8 Things I Did Yesterday**
1) Nada....LOL....that's right....a whole lotta NADA
2) Took a nap
3) Messed around on the computer
4) Balanced the checkbooks
5) Watched Home and Garden television
6) Read
7) Watched the movie The Holiday
8) Went to Dairy Queen and met my brother, who bought me a dipped cone and sweet tea..had a wonderful visit!

**8 Things I Wish I Could Do**
1) The same thing I did yesterday....a whole lotta NADA!
2) Go on a vacation
3) Fix up my house now
4) Go horseback riding
5) Find some peace in my life
6) Have an entire weekend to myself
7) Go on a spa day with my girlfriends
8) Find someone who treats me the way I deserve to be treated

**8 Shows I Watch On TV**
1) One Tree Hill
2) Intervention
3) Anything on Home and Garden Channel
4) Seinfeld
5) Frasier
6) Two and a half Men
7) Law & Order (Any of them....)
8) Medium

I Heart Faces - Easter/Spring

2009-04-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

This week's theme over at I Heart Faces is Easter/Spring. I have so many pictures from our amazing Easter Weekend with family and friends that I'm not sure which one I should share, so I think I will share a few...seeing as I'm not really entering the contest and just sharing with you, my friends.

Here are few of my amateur photos from my Easter/Spring weekend....

Emma and JT Ready for the Egg Hunt at Granny's

Me and The Nieces and Nephews Before the Egg Hunt

My Niece Kara...Hunting Eggs

Flying A Kite

Granny's Grandbabies....A Fine Looking Bunch!

Brittany and Jacob

The BIG Hunt at Nannie's....+10,000 Eggs!!

Waiting on the BIG Egg Hunt

My Nannie...keeping everyone in check...literally...LOL!

Me and Brittany...before the BIG Hunt

Lining up for the Hunt...

Go Brittany, Go Myranda...Go Mallory!!!

Myranda and Mally with their LOOT!!

Look at all them Egg Hunt'n Fools!!!!

Jacob and his girlfriend, Kayla with their loot!

Empty'n the eggs and looking for prizes!!

Water Gun Fight!!!!

These are just a few...but I think I "tried" to capture the good times!!!

Hope you all had a great Easter Weekend!!! :-)

My Friend and I ~ I Heart Faces

2009-04-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

This week's theme is "My Friend and I"

This shot is of me and one of my bestest friends, Beth. It was taken about 3 years ago at the Bailey & Galyen Christmas Party, which I organized and planned. It was a great party, and I had a TERRIFIC evening with my friend! She always makes me smile!!! No wonder, just look at the great smile she has!

WOOHOO!!!

2009-04-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Best Man I Know Is...

2009-04-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

My Baby Brother, Bo.

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero. ~Marc Brown

I am so very proud of him!

He is my hero, my friend and my brother, he is James "Bo" Lester Davis, Jr., and I am lucky to call him "brother," and even luckier to call him "friend."

2009-03-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friend, Lala, this is my first time, and my first week participating in I Heart Faces. This week's theme over at I HEART FACES is Pouting. While, like Lala, alot of this goes on in my home at several times throughout the day, and evening, I often do not have my camera ready for that perfect shot.

And I do not think it as as cute when teenagers, or adults, do it anyway...LOL..

So, here's the cutest ever...my niece, Emma, last Easter pouting because she didn't want her picture taken by Aunt Beck..GOTCHA!!

It's Friday

2009-03-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

And that makes me happy!!

Not as happy, as say having a million bucks would make me....

Or, being able to take a vacation to some wonderful tropical place, or some wonderful mountain lodge escape...

Or, riding horses on a beach somewhere....

Or, walking barefoot in a green field somewhere secluded....

Nonetheless.....it's Friday, and that still makes me pretty darn happy!!

Hope everyone has a terrific weekend!!

For you Lala....

2009-03-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

NOT ME MONDAY....

2009-03-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! Thanks Laura (A Form of Therapy) for the inspiration. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did NOT have an absolutely depressing Friday, after hearing about Jacob's biological father passing away and hearing how upset he was on the phone.

I did NOT get even the slightest bit angry when finding out that they waited three days to tell Jacob, and then did it on MySpace...no, not me.

I did NOT go home and end up spending the evening disgusted, upset and worried about my son.

I did NOT get a call at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning from Jacob (he was at his Dad's house--His adoptive father) telling me he thought he had the Chicken Pox.

I did NOT spend most of my morning at the Urgent Care Medical Center with Jacob because he had, not Chicken Pox, but Hives all over his entire body.

And he was totally happy about the shot he received in his buttocks...

I did NOT have a nice time with my son after the clinic visit, just laughing and talking and hanging out before taking him back to his Dad's for the day, so he could hang with friends.

I did NOT argue with Chris...cause that never happens....

I did NOT plant Petunias and clean up the yard a little bit, nor did Chris mow and weedeat the backyard....which was a jungle!

I did NOT enjoy spending some time with my Brother and his family at Barnes & Noble Saturday evening, while we were all out and about running errands.

I did NOT get lots of hugs and kisses from my niece and nephew, Emma and JT, at Barnes & Noble....and I absolutely refused to buy them gifts they wanted, because I never spoil them.

I did NOT insist on doing something for myself with a small gift inheritance money received from my Mom, and get my hair highlighted and trimmed, nor did I buy me a flat iron that was marked down from $70.00 to $35.00, for myself. No, I would never do that, because I always spend money on myself and not my kids first.

I did NOT watch Twilight last night, before going to bed.

And, I absolutely LOVED getting up this morning to start all over again!!

This is NOT my adorable Emma and JT!!!

Jacob's Biological Father

2009-03-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got the news that Jacob's biological father, Jack Carroll Sardelich, age 44, died on Tuesday, March 17th. We are not quite sure how. They think it was from Pneumonia, and he was working in Africa, at the time.

To say that Jacob is torn up and confused, is an understatement. Jack gave his rights up to Jacob, for Doug to adopt him, about 7 years ago and has never looked back. What do I tell him to comfort him?

I have explained that he has nothing to regret, and that Jack made his peace with it a long time ago, and that he should now, too. He says that he took for granted that he could go and see him when he turned 18 and was putting it off until then. They spoke briefly, by email, about a year ago, and Jacob felt "weird" about it and stopped. He says that maybe Jack felt he was angry with him.

I told him, no. That if anything, Jack was lucky to have had him touch his life, if ever so briefly, and that he took the time to talk to him, even by email, when he did.

My heart breaks for my son, for Jack's widow, and his four (4) boys they had together. The picture above was taken a few years ago, and that is Jack with three of his four boys, on the four-wheeler. Sadly, I do not have any pics of Jacob and Jack on the computer, which is what I would've preferred to put up.

Please just keep them all in your prayers...thanks!

Tagged By Laura

2009-03-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

I got tagged by LAURA over at A Form of Therapy....

1) What is your blogger name? BECKY

2) When is your birthday? OCTOBER 14, 1968

3) How long have you been blogging? NOT SURE, I THINK AROUND SEPTEMBER, OR OCTOBER OF '08

4) Who tagged you? LAURA

5) Tell me your 5 most favorite body parts?
1- EYES
2- BOOBS
3- MOUTH
4- LEGS
5- CHEEKBONES

6) What do you wish most for your birthday? MONEY...AND LOTS OF IT

7) What color are your nails now? FRENCH MANICURE WITH GLITTER IN THE TIPS

8) Any depressing thoughts lately? YEP....UNFORTUNATELY

9) What's your next 1 month's plan? TO JUST KEEP ON KEEP'N ON

10) At what age did you have your 1st crush? 2ND GRADE...WARREN WILLIAMS

11) Did you attend any school reunion after you graduated till now? HELL YES! EVERY ONE OF THEM!!!

12) Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended you didn't smell anything? NO, I JUST PRETENDED IT WASN'T ME***DITTO****LOL

13) Are you a clean freak? NOT LIKE I USED TO BE, BUT I TRY TO KEEP THINGS STRAIGHTENED

14) Which era do you wish you were born into? THE FONZ ERA BABY!! I WOULD SOOOO BE LIKE PINKY TUSKADARO....

15) Are you a vegetarian? HELL NO!!

16) How many pillows do you sleep with at night? TWO

17) Are you a light sleeper or an I-don't-care-if-there's-a-bomb-here sleeper? LIGHT SLEEPER....

18) Do you secretly wear comfortable granny panties when your man is not around? NOT SECRETLY..I "ALWAYS" WEAR GRANNY PANTIES MAN!!

19) What is your ultimate dream job? BEING PAID TO LAY ON THE BEACH, DRINKING MIXED DRINKS...*I'LL SECOND THAT ONE*

20) What is it your hubby does that annoys you the most? DON'T HAVE A HUBBY, BUT THE BOYFRIEND, WHO IS STILL TRYING TO MAKE AMENDS, LIES, LIES, LIES......

21) What is your dream car? I MISS MY TOYOTA AVALON....I LOVED THAT CAR

22) Do you easily wake up in the morning? NOPE...HATE MORNINGS

23) Do you like hairy men? NOPE...CAN'T DO IT...BEEN THERE, TRIED THAT....MARRIED AND DIVORCED THAT....DUDE, JUST COULD NEVER GET PAST IT

24) How about goateed men? DEPENDS...SOMETIMES I LIKE THEM

25) Which one would you prefer, 2 hour spa, 2 hours Thai Massage or 2 hour foot massage? 2 HOUR FOOT MASSAGE

26) Have you ever wished you had a different name other than your real name? YEP...I ALWAYS LIKED GRANELDA THERMA....

27) What is the most extreme sport you have ever done? BASKETBALL..LOL

28) Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia? EUROPE

29) What is your favorite food? CHEESEBURGERS OR MEXICAN

30) What is the most embarrassing moment when you were out on a date? OMG....WHEN THE IDIOT I WENT OUT WITH TOLD ME WE WERE GOING TO DINNER, AND A MOVIE, AND I DIDN'T EAT ALL DAY, EXPECTING A GOOD MEAL....CUE THE STOMACH GROWLING ALL DURING MOVIE AND NO OFFER OF SODA, OR POPCORN, AND THEN WHEN I ASKED HIM ABOUT EATING, AFTERWARDS, BECAUSE I WAS SO EMBARRASSED ABOUT MY VERY LOUD, GROWLING BELLY NOISES, HE TOLD ME HE HAD ALREADY EATEN....HE ACTUALLY ENDED UP TAKING ME TO WENDY'S (YES, I SAID WENDY'S) AND HE ORDERED FOR HIMSELF!!! LET ME TELL YA....HE DIDN'T EVEN GET A GOOD-BYE "PECK"!!!

Here are the rules: Copy and paste the whole questionnaire and replace my answers with yours. You have to create a link for the blogger who tagged you. Pass to 4 other bloggers. Remember to inform them by commenting on their recent post. Display the logo anywhere on your blog. Last, answer each question with the truth, and nothing but the TRUTH...this is a confession tag, you know.

The 4 people I am tagging are:
KRISTIE
LISA
YOU
AND YOU

Thousand Word Thursday - Gentle Innocence

2009-03-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is my niece, Emma. I took this picture and while it may not be special to some, it is priceless to me. It reminds me of gentle innocence...

Myranda's Birthday

2009-03-10T12:50:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Myranda turned 15. We celebrated on Saturday night by taking her and Jacob out, with some of their friends, and family, to Mom Alone's (a great mexican food establishment on Nasa Road One). We all had a great time and, as you can see...a lot of fun at Jacob and Myranda's expense..tee hee...

Since Friday was Jacob's birthday, he got his favorite, by request, of banana pudding; and yesterday Myranda got her favorite, strawberry cake with fresh strawberries.

Happy Birthday Ponchito and Ponchita!!

Jacob's 16th Birthday

2009-03-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

Well, today is the day. Jacob made his debut into the world 16 years ago today at 9:46 a.m. in Bay City, Texas. He was 2 weeks early and weighed 9 lbs 3 ounces. He was my little preemie baby "monster." LOL...as you will see from the pics below.

We made it another year, and considering all that's happened this past year, with him, this is quite the miracle and here's to hoping there are many, many, many, many more!!!!

Here are some pics of my "little" man, who was never little...as you can see...LOL

One Word Game~~From Laura

2009-03-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

More 1 word answers but not just yes/no ...

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your significant other? Doghouse
3. Your hair? Nappy
4. Your mother? Home
5. Your father? Smoker
6. Your favorite sound? Rain
7. Your dream last night? Strange
8. Your favorite drink? Wine
9. What room you are in? Office
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Snakes
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren't? Happy
15. Muffins? Cinnamon
16. Wish list item? Money
17. Where you grew up? Rockdale
18. Last thing you did? Eat
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Your TV? Home
21. Your pets? Sweet
22. Friends? Great
23. Your life? Exhausting
24. Your mood? Cranky
25. Missing someone? Daughter
26. Car? Red
27. Something you're not wearing? Socks
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When is the last time you laughed? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. One place that you go to over and over? Bathroom
33. One person who emails you regularly? Meleta
34. Your favorite place to eat? Outback

The Letter Game

2009-02-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I'll assign you a letter. You post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on. I got the letter R from my friend Kristi...thanks Kristi!!

(1).
ockdale High School.....where I graduated from....back in ye old 1987...actually I had some of the best times of my life there, if you can believe that.

(2).
adio. I do not know what I'd do without the trusty Radio blasting away on my looong drives to and from work every day. I think it helps keep me sane...

(3).
ag Doll....I love rag dolls. My Nannie and My Aunt Grace used to make them and I had a whole slew of them, but I'm not sure where they all ended up at. But I have fond memories of one in particular that my Aunt Grace made me.

(4).
ain. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the rain...especially when I can cuddle on the couch at home...there's just something very soothing, calm and serene about it..

(5).
ainbows. Then after the rain comes the rainbow...not only are they beautiful to look at, but when I was little I used to dream about finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and of course, the Leprechaun...LOL.

(6).
aisin Nut Cookies~~But who am I kidding? I love ALL cookies!!!! Yum, yum, yum

(7).
eading...I love to read! Especially anything by Dean Koontz, Lisa Jackson, Anne Rice and some stuff from Stephen King...I like the supernatural and thrillers! And the best time to relax? On the toilet, fo sure!

(8).
ebel. Yes, like most, I always FALL for the rebel! You all know the one I'm talking about...the one who will test every boundary you set...When will I learn?

(9).
ecord Player..yes, I am from the Stone Ages..LOL...kids no days have NO idea what a record player is. I absolutely LOVED my record player when I was young. I would sit for hours and listen to my records, like Leif Garrett, Dolly Parton, The Statler Brothers, Captain & Tenille, Olivia Newton-John, Air Supply...okay, so maybe I was only 8 or 9, and maybe my parents picked them out, but I loved them.

And Last, but not least.....(*drum roll please**)
(10).
ednecks. Of course I love the Redneck....because most of my family consists of them!! Especially my East Texas kinfolk..LOL!

Help!

2009-02-18T11:29:00.001-08:00

I can't figure out how to get that Pimp-My-Profile pic out of my heading!! It's not showing any code for it, so it should be gone, but it's not.

Any ideas....anyone?

I appreciate any help you can throw my way.

Thanks!

25 Random Things About Me...

2009-02-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

I loved Kristie's so much, I thought I'd play along..

1. I was born in Taylor, Texas and am the oldest of three children. We are all three years apart....my brother and sister lovingly call me "The Boss."~~At least I like to believe it's "lovingly."

2. My Nannie and Paw-Paw practically raised me and used to own a Chicken/Egg Farm. I would sneak out to the Chicken House at night, when I was around 2, or 3, and get the egg fillers to chew on. Yes, I was a strange kid...

3. I am named after my Nannie's mom, and my Great-Grandmother, Rebecca Cummings. I hear she was a GREAT lady.

4. When I was about 3 I came up missing one day and my Nannie thought I had drowned in the tank, so she rallied up the small community of Davilla to come drag the tank for me and lo and behold, as they were driving up I came walking out of the pasture, crying. Apparently, I was walking across the pasture to my Aunt's house and got tired, layed down and took a nap in the pasture, and a bull woke me up sniffing of me and scared me. My Nannie loves telling that story...and I love her for it.

5. I graduated from Rockdale High School in 1987.....yes, I am OOOOLLLLDDD....

6. My "little" brother, who towers over me and is well over 6' tall, is my male hero. He is the best brother, husband, father and person I know.

7. When I was young I sucked my bottle until I was well over 5 years old. One day I was at home, funny that I remember this in such detail, and my Paw-Paw drove up in the front yard, with a horse trailer with a Shetland Pony in it. I ran out and asked him who it was for and he told me that it was for me, if I threw that stinking bottle away. I ran in the house as fast as I could, in my underwear mind you (yes, we were very country), and threw the bottle in the sink. Would only suck it at night after that, when I stole my brother's...tee hee....

8. I come from a huge family, on both my mom's and dad's side. My mom's side is from East Texas, and I have an Aunt Bea, Aunt Veenie, Uncle Buford, Aunt Merlene and a cousin named Goober...it's true....

9. I have been a Legal Assistant for almost 20 years now, and strictly Family Law for about 10 of those years.

10. I love my two kids more than anything in life and am so very proud of them. Even when they make mistakes.

11. I am also raising two wonderful girls, whom I love and cherish like my own.

12. I have a Pug named Brutus, who snores and likes to sleep on my head..or under the covers snuggled up to my legs....he's my 'wil baby.....

13. I learn something new everyday..sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, but with everything learned comes wisdom, or so they say...

14. When I was 12 my mom bought me a Paint Gelding and I named him Bud. He was the best horse ever!!! I rode him everyday.

15. I went to Barbizon Modeling School, in Dallas/Ft. Worth, when I was in 8th Grade.

16. Brittany, my oldest, was due on October 11th and I went into labor with her that night and had her on October 12th at 6:13 a.m., she weighed 8 lbs. 10 ounces, and was born on her Dad's birthday. Two days later, on October 14th, my birthday, we were discharged from the hospital.

17. Jacob, my baby, was two weeks early and I went in on a Thursday night, with a UTI which threw me into early labor, and finally had him on Saturday morning, March 6th, at 9:46 a.m. He was my 9 lb. 3 ounce preemie! LOL...seriously, it was funny seeing him with all the "full-term" 6 lb babies...I called him my "baby monster." He is now over 6' tall.

18. I am in desperate need of a vacation, even if it's just to veg at home and do NOTHING!

19. I like to read...anything by Dean Koontz and Lisa Jackson. I also like Anne Rice alot.

20. My lawyer friends, and my kids, always want to know why I don't become a lawyer...sometimes I think maybe...then, I think....nahhh....

21. Like Kristie, sad movies ALWAYS make me cry, too, as do sad commercials, etc., and my son and Chris always make fun of me.

22. Sad movies also make my daughter cry...so we love to watch them together.

23. I broke my right index finger when I was a Freshman in high school, fighting with my baby brother at home one day when my mom was at work. The doctor didn't set it right and it grew back to where I cannot bend the end of my finger now.

24. On my very first day of fourth grade my mom shot herself in front of me....sad, but true. I became very devout to God, and would get myself up on Sundays and walk to church, while my parents slept, after that. Because of Him, and my wonderful grandparents, I am who I am today, which I think is a pretty amazing person, flaws and all.

and....

25. I can touch my nose with my tongue....LOL...

2009-02-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

"In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.”
~Charlie Brown~

What a smart boy that Charlie Brown is, don't ya think?

Just Smile...

2009-01-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

This is just my reminder for today, and the rest of the week.

Who knows....maybe it will inspire many....

Moving Forward....

2009-01-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a looooong, hard, and draining last two weeks, but am finally seeing "some' hope at the end of the looooong tunnel that I have yet to travel.

I am thankful for the love and support of my friends, family and my beautiful daughter; and more than anything...I am thankful that she is back in my life, and just in the knick of time.

It is true. Sometimes we're hurting so much that we can't see that God is guiding us in the right direction when he closes doors to us, because he always opens others and it just takes getting through the tears sometimes to open our eyes and see those doors he has opened before us, and then we must pray for the courage and strength to walk through them.

There is still a long, hard path to travel with my son and his "first stages" of addiction, as well as raising the girls. I have learned that I can't "keep" Chris, or my son, from doing what they will do, but have to accept that I am powerless. So, my focus will remain on Jacob and the girls, for now.

So thanks for all your support, hope and prayers.

Love to all!

Raindrops Are Fallin on My Head

2009-01-15T15:48:00.001-08:00

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed
Nothin' seems to fit
Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'

So I just did me some talkin' to the sun
And I said I didn't like the way he got things done
Sleepin' on the job
Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'

But there's one thing I know
The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me
It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red
Cryin's not for me
'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'
Because I'm free
Nothin's worryin' me

It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red
Cryin's not for me
'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'
Because I'm free
Nothin's worryin' me

Serenity....

2009-01-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

Amen.

Children and How They Change and Shape our Lives

2009-01-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl all I wanted was to grow up, get married, have kids and be a mom. The wonder and the fantasy of it all was so awe-inspiring to me. Not that I had much of a role model in my mom, but in my Nannie and my Aunt Patty. I wanted so much to be like them.

And now here I am. I have two wonderful children, whom I love with all my heart and soul and would die for today. And I also have wonderful step-children (for lack of a better word), whom I raise and love with all my heart and whom there is nothing I wouldn't do anything in my power for.

But what do you do when one of your beloved children turns their back on all that you've taught and tried to instill in them?

Bottom line....my son was arrested for buying drugs at school yesterday and as bad as that is, the worst part is that he could've died from an overdose and I would have been clueless.

Everything happens for a reason? Yes, I sincerely believe that. If he hadn't of passed out yesterday from the rush of the drug and gotten caught, he might very well have ended up dead. Now I learn that he has been using a variety of very hard, addictive drugs.

Maybe by refusing to learn and understand more about drugs, I have enabled my children to pull the wool over my eyes. And for that I can never forgive myself. It's not enough to know that they are bad, but also to know WHY they are bad and how each generation is experimenting and using them.

Now I'm dealing with moving past...he's experimenting with them, to he's abusing them, and now have to find out if he's actually addicted. As if one addict in my life is not enough.

I know one thing...I have failed my son thus far, but will NOT fail him any further in this fight.

So, hug your wonderful kids and always know who they are hanging out with (I only "thought" I knew), and what they're doing when they're "hanging" with their friends. Also, know what drugs are out there being used and abused by children. Each generation is different. Can you believe that Ambien is what my son bought and used yesterday? A sleep aid. Of all things....

Does this make him a bad kid? Hell no....but hopefully it will be what it needs to be, a life lesson that we all learn from....Jacob, me, Doug, Chris....everyone in my life.

Did he want more of my attention? Doesn't matter, cause now he's gotten it. Someone helped me to see that yesterday my son still needs me and for that there is not enough thanks in the world. Thank GOD he is still here TO need me.

I am here and I am listening....

Stuffy Nose

2008-12-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

You just never realize how wonderful it is to be able to breathe, until you get a head/chest cold and you feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest, with it's trunk wrapped around your head, squeezing for dear life. Exaggeration? Maybe...but it sure feels that way.

It also feels a little like this guy, when I smile...

Now, I'm off to drink my TheraFlu and try to get this elephant off my chest...

Christmas '08

2008-12-29T11:04:00.001-08:00

Christmas was really great this year. No running around trying to make sure we saw everyone, just relaxing, calm, and enjoyable, as it should be. Although, I did miss being at my Nannie's, as I do most years, my brother sent me pics of my niece and nephew playing outside and letting me know that I was in their hearts and thoughts.

Of course, Santa came and, to Ethan's surprise did NOT eat the cookies he left out that he had taken a bite out of..LOL..(I wonder why that was and how he knew?)...Anyway, he did eat the ones that were NOT bitten off of, so don't fear, Santa did get his required portion of cookie and milk fuel.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying family and shooting each other with dart guns...I must thank Chris for thinking of that wonderful gift for he and Ethan, that just keeps on giving.

Then my daughter came on Friday and we enjoyed some quality one-on-one mother-daughter time. We watched The Women on pay-per-view, made sand tarts (our favorites), and then on Saturday we walked around the mall, so she could spend her gift cards. It was the best Christmas present ever!!!

And, isn't that what Christmas should be all about anyway, family? Well, mine certainly was and spending time with my daughter after almost a year was the best ever!! No amount of material things could ever replace that!

Now, if I could just shake this pesky chest cold that is trying to turn into more..grrr..

2008-12-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I usually dread going to Luling, Texas, but this past weekend was a very nice surprise. We got to spend most of the day (it was later than we expected when we finally got there) with Heidi and we went to Seguin to take pictures. After a long and tedious photo shoot, where Ethan was being "uncooperative," as Heidi so lovingly pointed out..LOL..we went to Dairy Queen for some ice cream.

Chris got to spend some one-on-one time with Heidi and Ethan in the game arcade at Wal-Mart while I was looking at, and purchasing, the pictures.

Then we had a great visit with Kristie and Bud, at the end of the evening. Those two are very special and always make me laugh.

Yesterday we went to Aaron and Karrie's for the family Christmas festivities. Andy and his crew were late, as usual...LOL..glad I'm not the only one known for that trait, but a good time was had by all. It's always nice to get to spend time with Net and the family..especially with all the good food and merriment. Although, we did miss having Heidi and my daughter, Brittany, there, they were in our thoughts and hearts. I wore my beautiful necklace that Heidi made, and gave, to me the night before. Which I have been wearing ever since.

Ethan helped me make pies to take over to Aaron and Karrie's Sunday morning and approved both to his liking. He didn't care much about eating the food, but was very concerned about the chocolate and pumpkin pies we made..LOL...

Now I not only have Christmas to look forward to in a couple of days, but the weekend, as well, when my daughter and I will be spending the day together for Christmas.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

2008-12-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

The older I get the more I experience how true the old adage "Actions speak louder than words," is. I've found that not only do they speak louder than words, but they hurt more, as well.

Then there's the one, "Ignorance is blind."

Have you ever loved someone to the point where you gave up most, if not all, of yourself to take on their problems? Well, maybe it's just me....but, I doubt as much.

In doing this the only thing I regret is that I cannot fix those problems, try as I may, nor can I make them go away. Nor can I fix the pain they've caused, or make it go away, and everyday I am reminded of the injury, as insult is added over and over.

So, wherein lies the forgiveness? If you bear the injury and every day a knife is inserted and turned, to where there is no possible way of healing, then where do you start the healing process. And maybe the other adage is true..."Only HE can forgive."

I pray for a deeper understanding of how to begin this healing process, because maybe in that lies my salvation. But, what if the salvation only comes from cutting the tumor out of the scar and thus, hurting not just yourself, or the one you love, but the little people who depend on you and are innocent in all the treachery and deceitfullness.

This my dear friends is what I struggle with everyday and by writing it down and reading it over and over, maybe I can find some deeper meaning and understanding that I have thus far not been able to reach.

Christmas Memories

2008-12-17T13:09:00.001-08:00

My daughter helped to remind me of a beautiful memory today.......back when I had to drive 7 hours on a Sunday to and from Mexia to pick her up from her father's house we would listen to The Christmas Guest by Reba. Although those trips seemed loooong and at times a pain in the butt, now I look back on them with fond memories, because once I got her in the car with me and we were back on the road again towards Houston, those were the best bonding times ever!

I can't wait to see her next week and relive some old memories of baking sand tarts, listening to Christmas music and just hanging with one another. I think I'll even run out and buy another Reba CD if I can't locate my old one..

This is the best Christmas gift a mother could ever get! So, I guess my point is to remember NOT to take any little moment for granted with your children, because no matter how small they may seem, one day they may end up being one of the biggest and best memories you have of being together.

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas, I know I am!

Snow in Houston (12-11-2008)

2008-12-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

Snow Night in Houston (12-10-2008)

Well, it finally happened...it snowed in Houston, which only happens about once every 4 years, or so. Of course, it was mostly all melted this morning by 9:00 a.m.; however, it was great to see how excited the kids were to play in it and reminded me of when I was a kid and always prayed for snow.

Of course, to their disappointment school was NOT cancelled today...LOL..which was a big surprise.

But I can tell you that we had a great time and after the snowball fight, which poor Lil Mal lost, due to big bro and big sis ganging up on her....we had hot chocolate with LOTS of marshmallows and homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. It was a truly wonderful end to a looong, cold winter's day.♥

Now we just have to wait another 4 years...

Beginnings....and Halloween

2008-11-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

This is a new beginning for me...I'm not much of a writer, but Lord knows I always have much to say, to the dismay of most. :0P

Halloween was fun, and very relaxing, for a change. But also, a little sad.

Gone are the days of trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell every 5 seconds, or you having to just sit outside and hand out candy because it's just more time efficient than having to keep getting up and run to the door, like a jack-in-the-box.

Gone are the days where I get to set up the apple-bobbing tub for my kids and their friends, and make ice cream cupcakes. They are too big for such matters as those now, and frankly can't be bothered with child's games and silly things such as bobbing for apples.

And even sadder still...gone are the days when I was young and we kids would all load up in the back of the pick-up, dressed as our favorite cartoon character, or superhero, and drive from house to house, where the little old ladies of Davilla would have the apple-bobbing tub set up for us, or homemade treats and goodies, such as popcorn balls, candy apples and other numerous wonders made of sugar and love.

And this is what I miss the most. The fun and simple innocence of youth. Nowdays if I was to be like those wonderful lil ole ladies and have such treats for the very few trick-or-treaters that are allowed to go door-to-door, I would probably be labled as a "crazy lady," or even worse, still.

So, it is safe to say that I miss the Halloween of yesteryear and have to say that it saddens me that my kids, or even my grandkids, will never know those wonderful things that I, myself, took for granted when I was growing up. Nor will they have the wonderful memories that I, alone, have experienced, and miss.