Some of my favorite movies...not in any particular order.
American President
Moulin Rouge
While You Were Sleeping
Ever After
Fools Rush In
Die Hard
Independence Day
Saving Private Ryan
Tommy Boy
Meet the Robinson's
Last of the Mohicans
Meet the Robinson's made me cry, Ever After fulfilled the fairytale ending every girl wants, Fools Rush In is a true love story, While You Were Sleeping shows that dreams really do come true...in ways that you never expected, American President is strong and gentle, Moulin Rouge is dark and dreamy at the same time, Independence Day kept me happy for days and days without cable when we first moved to College Station...and I just really like it, Tommy Boy...enough said...hahahaha, Saving Private Ryan reminds me of what's important, Die Hard was just super cool, and Last of the Mohicans was beautiful, sad, powerful, musically stunning and made me fall in love with the name Cora.
When I was elementary/early junior high age, I didn't care for Country music at all. I would never listen to it on the radio...never, ever! I thought it was silly, though I'm not sure why. I think the "twang" of it was annoying to me.
But, as I got older, so many of my friends listened to it. Everyone wanted to listen to Country music when we had sleep overs or when we were just hanging out at each others houses.
One morning I decided to give it a try, and turned my radio on to the local Country radio station and listened while I was getting ready for school. I just couldn't get into it...it was just too "country sounding". The next morning, I turned on the radio and jumped in the shower. UGH...I had forgotten to change the station and had to endure the Country music for the duration of my shower (which according to the screams of my parents to "get out of the shower", was at least half an hour!!). And then I heard it...the most Country song of them all. It had all that country "twang"...everything I hated about the music. This song was about as Country as you can get and I LOVED IT. I really, really loved it. I found myself listening all the time just to hear "this" song. Of course, I discovered that I liked so many songs and the more "country sounding" the better. (Digging Up Bones, by Randy Travis, was also one of my first favorites...and that's real country!)
So thanks to "this" song, I've been hooked ever since!
Fishing in the Dark
Lazy yellow moon coming up tonight
Shining through the trees
Crickets are singing
And the lightning bugs are floating on the breeze
Baby get ready
Across the field where the creek turns back
By the old stump road
I'm going to take you to a special place
That nobody knows
Baby get ready
Ooo ooo ooo
You and me going fishing in the dark
Lying on our backs and counting the stars
Where the cool grass grows
Down by the river in the full moon light
We’ll be falling in love in the middle of the night
Just moving slow
Staying the whole night through
Feels so good to be with you
Spring is almost over and the summers comin
The days are getting long
Waited all winter for the time to be right
Just to take you along
Baby get ready
And it don’t matter if we sit forever
And the fish don’t bite
Jump in the river and cool ourselves
from the heat of the night
Baby get ready
Ooo ooo ooo
You and me going fishin in the dark
Lying on our backs and counting the stars
Where the cool grass grows
Down by the river in the full moon light
We’ll be falling in love in the middle of the night
Just moving slow
Staying the whole night through
Feels so good to be with you
Who doesn't like S'mores? Well...I'm not a huge fan, unless the marshmallows have been blackened over a campfire. ;) But in general, most people love them. And I have found two boys that think they are the best thing EVER!
Three little ingredients = Two happy boys
Sticky faces and sticky fingers! Notice their faces and then their napkins...funny!
It appears that something I wrote was terribly, and totally misunderstood. I hope not everyone took it that way. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then GOOD! I changed it and we can all move on! :)
As I woke up this morning, all I wanted was to be back at my mother-in-law's house hanging out by the pool with the kids. It was nice watching the kids play with their daddy and Aunt Lisa. Nate had the best time and he deserved it. You see, late Saturday morning began the long, and painful torture of Nate Trenary (and parents). We (smart parents that we are) took Nate on a boat for a 3 hour wedding and celebration. The wedding was lovely, and Bryan and Sonyia looked like the happiest people alive! On the other hand, Nate looked like a little crazy person and Randy and I looked like two sweaty, exhausted parents. Ha! Who would ask a feisty 2 year old to behave in a small space, with nothing to do, without a nap for hours and hours...that would be US! As you can see, we didn't think it through...at all. So after an "almost" fall down the stairs, an outburst during the ceremony, fits being thrown in front of everyone, refusing to eat, peeing all in my shoes, on my dress, and his pants, we made it out alive! Nate was asleep in the car before we even left the parking lot!
But, things turned out just fine. Once the boys were back at their MeMe's house swimming, all was good. Zachary stayed under the water most of the time, while Nate finally decided to get in the pool! He loved it and kicked all around for hours. In the evening, Zachary got to watch Monsters vs Aliens 3D on his Poppy's new TV. The effects were so cool. :)
It turned out to be a nice weekend. Now back to reality :) But Z will be out of school soon, and I'm looking forward to the freedom that summer will provide!
Why are they doing this to me?
Randy and Nate at the back of the boat after having to leave the ceremony.
Zachary had a good time!
Finally...some fun!
This is the first time Nate has actually enjoyed the pool. ;)
There's nothing like thinking your 2 year old has taken to potty training so easily, to only discover that the honeymoon is OVER! Today for instance, he has wet his pants over and over again all day. The only time he went in the potty was when were out running errands. I guess we will be going back to taking him to the restroom every 20 to 30 minutes...no exception! It is just so frustrating. I feel like I am constantly cleaning up puddles and washing clothes. Not to mention, when he does "make it" to the potty he seems to spray all over the toilet, bathroom floors, walls...you name it and he has "hit" it!
His behavior has also gone down hill this week...why me??? Nate has been hitting me quite a bit. And NO, I don't allow it, I don't stand for it, and YES, he is punished. He is hard headed and very stubborn...the strong willed child. He usually starts hitting when he is being put into his car-seat. He wants to get in by himself, which is fine, but he also "wants" to explore anywhere and everywhere in the car before getting in his seat. And he doesn't like to be told "no"! So, when he is asked to get into his seat and doesn't comply, I have to "help" him. That's when he gets sooo ugly. Deep breath...this too shall pass.
You know, I used to think that Zachary didn't throw fits in public because I wouldn't allow it. I used to think that he never hit or tried to bite me because I wouldn't allow it. I used to think that he did what he wad told, because that is what I expected. Guess I used to think that he did so well because I was a good parent. Boy has Nate taught me a thing or two. :) Kids are people too...guess I had forgotten that. They have their own personalities...some are more likely to rebel, throw fits , question authority and on and on. Others are more likely to "go with the flow", do what is expected and not ask too many questions. It is what it is!!
I think the earlier you "know" your child, the sooner you can begin parenting them in the way that best fits their own individual needs. So I know Nate is going to challenge me, it is my job to be consistent and to discipline in a way that will teach him what is expected, as well as what he will need to know for the future. He will rebel, but he will learn what is right and that will one day pay off...right?
But for today, I'm just breathing deep and counting to ten. 1...2...3...4...5...6.......
Yes...this is a fit!! You might have even seen this one if you were at the PC Carnival. ;)
Got the munchies? No? You must be crazy...I always have the munchies.
A comfy couch + bad TV + something to munch on = one HAPPY girl!
Here is a great (and quick) recipe that I got from my mom. It was given to her in the form of a Christmas gift this past year. We LOVE it and believe it or not, it's not as HOT as you would think! I just made them for the Faculty Meeting at Zachary's school tomorrow. Give it a try and enjoy. :)
Firecrackers
3 sleeves of crackers
1 ½ cups canola oil
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 pkg dry ranch salad dressing
1 tsp. black pepper
2 ½ tsp crushed red pepper
Mix all ingredients except crackers. Place crackers in gallon jar. Pour mixture over crackers. Seal jar and roll jar about 20 times to coat crackers. Enjoy!
In a prior post, I shared that Nate was potty training and doing great...better than great. The only problem is that he wouldn't poop in the potty. (Yes...most of you don't care about this, so feel free to stop reading now.) Well, yesterday, I left him with a sitter for a few hours and he did it! He just told her he had to go and went like a big boy. I couldn't believe it. I even asked if she could come back today! ;)
That was going to be my big exciting post for today (not that anyone but me actually cares about it), but NO...an event happened today that totally overshadows that news...a very horrible and disturbing event!!
Zachary had a Sing-a-Long performance at school today. He has been so excited about it all week. He kept telling me that he was singing a solo. I couldn't believe it...well, I shouldn't have, because what he meant was that he was standing in front of the microphone with two other kiddos. Which is totally cool, but very different. Anyways, he was very excited. He kept telling me to make sure I was there on time. :) I'm rarely ever late, so I thought that was funny.
Nate and I arrived 30 minutes early and got in line outside of the school. Nate was running around and refusing to listen to me. You know, acting like a toddler without a nap. After about 15 minutes he walks over to me and says "poop". After confirming that he really had to go, I asked the dad behind me to save my spot and I headed into the school with Nate on my hip. I open the door to the school and ALL the students were heading to the assembly. I couldn't "break through" their lines to get to a restroom. AND THEN IT HAPPENED! I felt this warm feeling down my arm and could faintly hear the word "poop" in my ear. The look on my face must have been horrible, because a teacher immediately asked if I was ok. I just blurted out the word "restroom". She pointed and I ran.
By the time we made it, there was poop all down his legs, sliding down my arm and now in my hand...my hand people...my hand! Imagine, half Elmer's school glue and half Elmer's paste (remember that paste with the little stick?)...OMG! It was everywhere. I can't even describe how horrible and gross it was. I couldn't get it off of him and everything else. I had no wipes...I had left the bag in the car...what??? Did you know that toilet paper will not get this type of poop off of anything? I think I finally just massaged the poop into his skin, washed us up the best I could, which wasn't very well, and then headed out to get back in line. (Something else horrible took place, but I can't admit what it was...I was panicked...you do crazy things.) The line was already moving, so I guess we had been in the bathroom for about 15 minutes.
I smelled, he smelled, and there we were smiling at Zachary while he sang as if nothing had happened. That's how much I love you Zachary. I really wanted to leave, and the fact that I started crying about 5 minutes into the clean up didn't help!! But we stuck around, recorded the performance and took you home a few minutes early. (If you are reading this Mrs. Stagg, don't worry, I washed my hands really well before using your pen to sign Zachary out of school...I promise!!) :)
There is no moral to this story and nothing to be learned...though wipes and a change of clothes would have been nice...hahahahahaha! So I guess there is something to be learned!!
I'm still mortified thinking about it all. That didn't just happen...did it?
Not much of a blog entry today...I'm just too tired. You know that kind of tired where you really can't keep your eyes open, the kind that causes you to forget what you were doing and saying, the kind that zaps your energy and makes you painfully short on patience. You know the kind that won't go away with 5, 6, or even 7 cups of coffee. That's me! Why you may ask...I have no idea.
So, the boys are about to get a bath, and then we will count down the minutes until bed time. I think we will all be in bed by 8:30. I hope!
Zachary always wants a Pop-Tart for breakfast...always. Nate always wants to do what Bubba does, so he has a Pop-Tart too. But Nate doesn't like Pop-Tarts, so he nibbles the edges until Zachary is done and then asks for real food like pancakes, breakfast sausages or oatmeal. Maybe I should let Nate eat the edges and give the rest of the Pop-Tart to Zachary...he prefers to only eat the middle. :)
Nate picked up a piece of dog poop out in our front yard today (...we don't have a dog). GROSS!!!!!
Nate and Zachary were in the playroom and I hear "Nate! Please move. I can't see." Nate replies, "no". Zachary quietly says, "Don't you dare tell me no young man." Oh my!!!
While checking out at the grocery store today, a cashier from another line comes over to say hi to Nate. He frowned at her last time we were there and she thought it was so funny. So she wanted to see what his mood would be this week. Too bad for her because when she said "hi"...he tooted, smiled and said "poo-poo". Yep, that's my boy!
Zachary and I watch Wheel of Fortune together almost every night. Tonight the man who won was named Staci. Zachary excitedly said, "Mom! His name is Staci! That is Mrs. Stagg's (his teacher) husband's name! Can you believe it?! Wow!" He was amazed...it was funny, but maybe you had to be here. ;)
And the last Monday moment actually happened first thing this morning. Nate woke me up and forced me out of bed. I picked him up and he pointed to the door. So I walked out the door and he pointed to the kitchen. I figured he wanted a drink. Instead, as we entered the kitchen, he pointed at the coffee pot and said, "coffee, momma, coffee, hot". Even he knows I'm no good without my coffee!!
Mother's Day was wonderful and I am so thankful for my family. But I found myself feeling a bit somber at moments. My heart was burdened today for all of the women out there who are waiting and struggling to be a mommy. Becoming a mom isn't easy for everyone, and I just had all of these women on my mind today. I guess we most often think about those that we can relate to. To all of you out there, remember that you are not alone...even when it feels like it.
My heart was also thinking about a little girl today. A little girl that I once knew, that I once held in my arms, that I once rocked to sleep, that I once kissed on the nose, that I once prayed over. To you sweet girl, I only held you for a short time, but during that time I said a special mother's prayer for you. I held you so close and prayed that you would grow to be a wonderful women of God. A women who loves the Lord and lives for him. And as I now pray this prayer over my boys (that they will serve the Lord), I continue to pray it for you as well. Enjoy your life little one, for God has big plans for you! For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
And to my sweet boys whom I longed to have..."I love you here, I love you there, Zachary and Nate...I love you everywhere."
"I have found the one whom my soul loves" ~ Song of Solomon 3:4
Mother's Day...what makes you happy on Mother's Day? It can be quite different for each mommy out there. Some love hand-made cards, others breakfast in bed, a day at the spa, a break from cooking and cleaning, and many moms just want "me time".
I think what you want or don't want on Mother's Day depends on where you are in the stage of motherhood. If you have a six month old infant that cries 12 hours a day, you want a big, fat break! If you have a toddler, you want a sweet hand print or two smeared all over a Mother's Day poem. If your little one has just learned to read and write, you surely want him to make you something. If your angels are off at college, you want them to come home for dinner. And if your kids are grown with their own families, you long to see them, but assure them that it's OK that they can't make it to town this year.
A sweet friend of mine told me one year that she was taking her little girl ice skating for Mother's Day...think about that...how sweet. She just wanted to spend quality time with her child...I can appreciate that!
And this year, I want to give each boy some "mommy time". My quality time with Zachary will be jumping on the trampoline! I caught a peek at the Mother's Day card he made for me at school. It was all about me and the things I do and like, etc. He thought I was only 34 (which is funny since he never forgets how old we are), that I wear a size 13 shoe and play with his little brother during the day. He noted that my favorite snack is honey buns (it isn't), and that I don't ever jump on the trampoline with him. :( How sad! So, we will be jumping and jumping this weekend!
For Nate, we will spend time kicking the soccer ball in the backyard while eating M&M's...it can't get any better than that!
My boys have already honored me for Mother's Day! I know Zachary made me some things at school, and I can't wait to see them! He also said that I could go shopping at ULTA...guilt free! Can you believe that? I went today and...no guilt!!! Nate decided for Mother's Day he would be potty trained. I know, what an awesome gift!! After a few hours Monday afternoon, he had it down. No accidents (yet), not even in public. He is so proud of himself and so am I. Now we have to work on #2, but I couldn't be happier with his progress. I never thought my more difficult child (don't ever tell him I said that) would practically potty train himself. Way to go BIG Nate!
Well, my cup is full this Mother's Day, though I will miss seeing my own mom. I love you MOM. But don't worry, I'm sure you will see your other 2 kids this weekend...after all, I'm just the middle child!!!! (wink, wink)
Happy Mother's Day to all of you! And I hope you get what you want on Sunday...you deserve it! Be a little selfish; it doesn't happen that often!
If you could have one wish, what would it be? Now wait...you must understand what I mean. I realize that we all want the world to be peaceful, illness to be banished, hearts to never be broken, and many more important life issues to be solved. But right now, for one tiny minute, can we please just be selfish? I mean really, don't you ever want to do something for just you? If your answer is "no", I'm going to guess that you already get to do quite a few "you" things, and I'm admitting that I'm jealous of you! ;)
So my one (selfish) wish is to have a housekeeper who will cook and clean for me daily. The cleaning is the most important part of that wish! I just can't keep up! I'm always behind and something always needs to be done. Even when the house is all clean and company is coming over, there are still things that probably need cleaning...baseboards, tile grout, a light fixture here and there, and my most hated...the blinds! Some people say not to worry about it, but UGH! The best (worst) is when people say, "You are home taking care of your baby. Everyone knows you are playing with him, teaching him and spending quality time with him. No one cares if your house is messy." Well, I think they do. I think they leave my house and judge me.
Wait a minute...I think I'm having an on-line therapy session right now...right in front of all of you (not that anyone is reading this)! And I think I just figured out my own problem. I am my problem. Get over yourself girl. People really don't care about your house and if it's clean or not. And if they do...so what...does it really matter? No. There are more important things in life than a clean house and the approval of others!
But don't get me wrong...this mental breakdown didn't change my one wish! So bring on the housekeeper!!!
Nate has really been enjoying soccer class this spring. The first day we went, he was stuck to me like glue...now it's more like a piece of scotch tape that has been used more than once! He doesn't hold on so tight, he runs off and plays, but he always comes back to my side for a bit of security. Next week is his last class, and he and I will both miss it. Looking forward to the Fall...
I love The Pioneer Woman blog...love, love, love! Her photography is amazing, her food is amazing, her house is amazing, her life is amazing. I tried one of her recipes this morning. Can you hear my tummy screaming "YUMMY!!!!"? Well, it is and so is Nate's (maybe Zachary's too, but he is a little grumpy this morning)! "What did you make?", you ask. Cinnamon Toast! Wait, wait, wait...don't leave. It's not just regular cinnamon toast...it's the best ever...more like a cinnamon roll. So check out this link and enjoy her funny stories about making cinnamon toast the wrong way, and then grab the ingredients from your pantry and make it "the right way". You will thank me...trust me! And if you are brave enough, you can throw together a simple icing to dip in...oh my...I just passed out at the thought of that. Enjoy!
I'm a fairly shy person who takes friendship very seriously. It isn't about how many friends you have or how many people you know...it's about true and honest relationships.
I love my two boys with all of my heart and work hard to keep our family happy and healthy. My husband has been my true love since I was 14 years old. I love who we are together.
But above all, I serve a risen savior. For without Christ, there is nothing.
