In Case Anyone Was Wondering...

What I need for Christmas. That is right..."need". My current Ipod's battery is tittering on the edge of 4 to 5 hours and that is just not long enough. This new 32 GB Ipod Touch sure would come in handy. I'm just saying.

Giving Thanks for Friends

Not only were we able to spend time with each part of our family over the holidays, but we also had the chance to hang with friends throughout the week.

Todd already gave a shout out to the Wrens for their Annual Turkey Tango-but here are some fun pics from the evening. The food, fun, and games were a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving Marathon.

To finish up the Thanksgiving Marathon on Friday, a bunch of us met up for a little dinner party in honor of Sean and Carter-in from California. The newlyweds filled us in on more details of their recent wedding in Maui, and of course-we prodded them for upcoming details on our favorite show GREEK. They didn't give anything away, but it was fun to feel "in the know".

On a sidenote, some of us were talked into some kind of fancy shmancy margarita-Chile's style. I don't remember the name of it, but I suggest sticking with El Presidente and it's shaker in the future-Just FYI.

Bgirl and her family were also in from Oklahoma, so the reunion was a double bonus. I had a bit of a flashback looking around the table at so many high school friends-all grown up. We're a pretty lucky group to still be so much in touch after all these years.

After dinner, we headed to our house for an after party. We reminisced a few stories from ol' DHS Class of 1993, cracked open a few bottles of wine, and let the good times roll. Gobble Gobble!

Thanksgiving in Decatur

Friday, we gave thanks here in Decatur with my family. My sister was in town for the long weekend, and her boyfriend, Tony, also came up for the Holiday Festivities.

After enjoying the famous artichoke dip, we settled down for the feast. While Todd loves dressing, I have a love for Lemon Broccoli-and a sampling of 3 kinds of turkey: smoked, roasted and fried. My family loves them some turkey. During dinner, we each listed our "Rose" from the past year, and our "Bud" for the year to come. We left out the "thorns" during our day of thanks.

Tanner used the opportunity to practice the piano-he's recently begun lessons, and is obsessed with mastering Twinkle Twinkle and Ode to Joy. Since Tony is a piano genius, he gave Tanner a few pointers...

Todd and Madison continued their chess tournament...

And after quick walk to burn some of those holiday calories, we trimmed the Christmas Tree-as is our annual Thanksgiving Tradition. Grady got a little excited about a white truck Christmas ornament, and kept showing us all where it was on the tree-or more specifically, getting the ornament off the tree and constantly trying to drive it all over the floor. A tough thing to explain-ornamental trucks. All the holiday excitement wore him out though, and he was glad to crash for the evening.

God Bless Us Every One.

Thanksgiving in Keller-Bowie Style

Thanksgiving Day we watched a little of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at my parent's house. I love that parade. Todd even promised that at some point in my life he would take me there for Thanksgiving. I have it in writing now, so there's no going back. :)

After watching Horton the Elephant's debut on Broadway, we headed to Keller to have dinner with the Scroggins side of the family. The kids are always excited to see their cousins, and Aunt Cathy always has the best toys. The boys spent the afternoon building "cities" for their cars, and jumping in piles of leaves. Madison was the only girl this year, and spent hours playing with a dollhouse and learning to play chess with Todd.

While the kids played, the rest of us caught up on our day to day. We also all had the chance to read a letter from Colin-Todd's cousin who is stationed in Afghanistan through next summer. It was nice to hear that he is doing well, and that our packages have been received and appreciated by his entire unit. Our thoughts were with him throughout the day.

Dinner was served, and Todd loaded up his plate. He loves his Grandmother's Dressing.

Every bite of it.

After dinner, we headed back home to watch our Dear Old Ags run out of time playing those t-sips. A sad moment, but one definitely overshadowed by the many blessings of the day.

Wren's Annual Thanksgiving Get Together

Just wanted to send a shout out to the Wren's for hosting the 7th annual Wednesday before Thanksgiving party. Much fun was had by all. Thank you for putting up with us.

Currently listening to Coldplay at 2 in the morning. I know that will come as a surprise to all.

Arts and Crafts

A few weeks ago, the Playgroup went to Sunshine Glaze-one of those fun paint your own pottery stores. Grady painted a tile while we were there, and I purchased 2 more for the older ones to paint at home. Today was just the day to whip out this little project. Just paint, and send back for cooking. I thought they turned out rather cute. Of course, we had to work the handprints around the masterpieces they each painted.I bought a fun trivet to display them. Sharyn and I decided it would be a perfect little "special thing" for them when they each have their own "special day".

You can gag now-I know it's a little sappy. You can't say you've never been warned.

Thanksgiving in Nocona

We had our first Thanksgiving last night in Nocona with Todd's Mom's side of the family. Todd's Uncle just restored an old building downtown and opened a steakhouse, which was the perfect setting for our family dinner. Most of us headed to the upstairs bar-just to see the setup of course. Dinner was served in the main dining room, and the individual TVs at the booths kept the little ones occupied for minutes at a time. The tables were also the perfect spot for a few reminders on how young ladies are expected to behave. :)



The hit of the evening, though, was the Nickelodeon Player Piano. After the kids first tried to serenade us with their own melodies, I let them in on the little secret that the piano played BY ITSELF! Tanner was literally running out the door and stopped dead in his tracks when it began to play. It was the perfect atmosphere for the building and the evening. The kids were stunned by the keys moving, and entranced by the drum set and symbols playing along with the tune. You could almost feel time moving backward as the music filled the room.
It was nice to spend the evening with family, and nice to watch Grandmama loving every minute.

Coldplay doesn't feel the Love.

Shoutout to all the Joe Six Packs out there-

Could we have a little feedback on the anti-Coldplay blogging? He's failing with 68% on the poll now-all 15 of you out there and all.

Feel free to keep your identity a secret. This is a safe place. :)

I've got money to spend here...

I am probably one of the few people who actually love gift certificates. Some people say they are impersonal, or they'd rather have the cash. For me, I'd probably spend the cash on groceries or taking the kids to the movies. A gift certificate, however, I actually have to go to the store and use (in theory) the money on myself-something I very rarely do.

So, you'd think when my sister gave me $100 to a very cute boutique that I'd be all over that-and I was. It just didn't work out like I'd hoped. She actually gave me the gift certificate 2 years ago to put towards some high-tone jeans I'd been wanting. I went to the aforementioned cute boutique, and tried to look cool as I gazed at the $150 price tag on the tattered t-shirts. That didn't really set my coupon-loving heart afire, but I trudged on determined to blend with the trendy world. I tried on the jeans, and they just weren't as cute on me as they were everyone else. Jeans aren't really my thing, which is very un-American, but nontheless true. In any case, since everything else in the store was a little too beautiful for me, I pocketed it and saved it for a rainy day. I felt very Pretty Woman-esque having money to spend and yet not being able to spend it. Minus that whole hooker thing of course.

Fast forward to Christmas last year, and my sister gave me ANOTHER gift certificate to add to the last one. She is determined to keep me fashionable and trendy as I work through these baby mama years. :) Gotta love her for that. I put off going back to the very beautiful intimidating store because of that previous experience, but I finally talked myself into it today. I figured I could at least get some fun costume jewelry or maybe a way cool belt out of the deal. I took my mom for back up, and headed to Dentontown to get the job done. Today was the second half of that Pretty Woman-esque moment in that I DID find some cute things, in fact one shirt was on the 75% off rack, and was a mere $70 (!!!!) I guess it was a deal, so I took it.

So, thank you Patti for the wonderful generous gift certificates. They are finally spent, and that monkey is finally off my back. :)

Scrapbook Weekend

Wow. I can see Todd has been busy while I was away. I had no idea he had so many random thoughts and guilty pleasures. Interesting Stuff.

Anyway, While Todd was blogging away, I was being MOST productive at a scrapbooking retreat. I love me some scrapbooking, but with life so crazy with all these kids, I haven't had the time to dedicate to it. Which is funny-since the scrapbooking need has increased because of all these crazy kids. It's a vicious cycle.

This is how Shelly and I set out. It takes some major STUFF to scrapbook appropriately.

So, we loaded up and headed to the scrapbook house. Yes, a scrapbook HOUSE!! Someone owns a house, and rents it out on the weekends to scrapbookers like us for the sole purpose of scrapbooking! What a WONDERFUL idea!

I'm sure you are still confused-as everyone I have told has been. Here is the set up:

See the big fun table? This is the living room-we all set up around the table, watched DVDs, shared ideas, and produced some MAJOR pages. All the bedrooms were so cute! This is a pic of the one Shelly and I shared-so cozy! :)

The next 48 hours were filled with cutting, taping, letter making, sticker hunting, paper sharing, laughing, and most of all ... accomplishment. Between both Shelly and I, we completed over 60 PAGES!

This is my most favorite "award winning" page. :) A little glare on the pic, but you get the idea. I am all caught up on my little yearly books I do for the kids, and am only one vacation away from being caught up in my vacation book...there's still Christmas and then of course just the everyday, but I put a major dent in the "to do pile". I'm already looking for another weekend to get away and get even more caught up-especially with Shelly and all her fun tools!

Have you ever heard of Defense?

Abilene Christian scores record 93 points in win over West Texas A&M. You score 60 something points and you should win the game. How pathetic...sure it was fun to watch though!

Viva la Vida's Guilty Pleasures

Who cares right? But I was listening to some of my favorite tracks this morning from artist that most of my friends probably have never heard of and probably would make fun of me if they knew how much I enjoyed them. I am Mr. Texas Country right? Well, I guess I was when Texas Country wasn't cool...as Bgirl use to say. And these days I am Mr. Coldplay!

Well, I started thinking about a conversation or rather confrontation Jared and I had at the NASCAR race earlier this month. Yes it happened again...IPOD Todd (does anyone know him?) appeared and decided everyone must like the music he likes and tried to go out on a limb and show his friends there is more to Todd than Texas Country...coming out of sorts I guess. Well I am guessing much like "coming out", this did not set so well with my NASCAR buddies. It was almost like they did not know me anymore. Of course IPOD Todd was offended. I ran with it and had some fun and of course they reminded me how belligerent I was the next morning. That seems to be par for the course at NASCAR weekend. Sorry Honey!


Here are a few of my guilty pleasures that many of you will not understand along with a video of "I Wanna Die" by Somone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.



1. Vampire Weekend
2. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
3. Old 97s
4. Shout Out Louds
5. Casting Crowns

Civic Minded?

http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx

Since Daniella and I have a lot of civic minded friends, I thought you might find this test interesting. Apparently some of our goverment leaders did not perform so well on it. I have to admit that some of the questions were tough. The only thing I can say is...I passed.

Whoop! Red Raiders are being given the Business!

I have felt the sting of animosity from Red Raider supporters this past week after they asked me who I was going to be rooting for tonight in the big game. It is as if they expected me to say "oh, yes, Texas Tech of course who else". But keep this in mind...I am an Aggie. And whether some Aggies want to admit it or not, we have a (one sided these days I agree) rivalry with those boys from Lubbock. Not to mention, I take offense to anyone that wants to point the ass of a horse toward my beloved Aggieland! Just in case anyone cares, I support anyone playing Tech (except for those tea sips from Austin of course). Now for those that are saying, "but if OU wins, Texas may win the conference and you obviously hate them more". Now for the really petty side of my stance. I would never under any circumstances want Texas Tech to win a Conference Championship, much less a National Championship. Frankly, Raiders tend to have a high level of cockiness without these merits and I would rather not feed that animal. Too late for those longhorns!And now for the CYA...I do leave this animosity on the field as I have both Red Raiders and Longhorns in my circle of family and friends and I think highly of all of them no matter their college affiliation.

So I propose a toast to those boys from Oklahoma who are currently giving those pirates the business just like I told my sainted sister it would happen! Currently 42-7 Halftime...not even a fun game to watch really and I am stuck at home with the kids and annoying 2 people that apparently don't like me to hijack Daniella's blog.

Edit: 52-7 before I finished this blog! And yes, I get really bored when Daniella is not around if anyone was wondering.

Scrapbook Widow

Paybacks are hell I guess. Danielle and Shelly have gone on a weekend retreat together that I am told will involve scrapebooking until the weee hours of dawn. I mean seriously, who do they think they are kidding? I am pretty sure the van was riding low in the back due to the weight of the wine that was taking the trip. I ain't no fool!

Why Daniella?

In light of the most recent hijackings, I have been asked why "Daniella" for my blogname...so I thought I'd give a little history:

The semester after I graduated Texas A&M, I was on course to student teach. Todd, I'm sorry-Coldplay, still had another year left in College Station to work on his Masters. That August I received a call from the Agricultural and Natural Resources Internship Program-something I had applied for earlier in the spring simply because they kept sending me the application. In my incense and crystals way, I filled out the application so as to leave no "omen" unaccounted for. I went through the interview process, and did not make the cut. For me, it was actually a relief. I didn't have a nagging feeling about that application anymore, and I could move on with the rest of my education. Here again, I got that call. They offered me an internship in Ruben Hinojosa's Office for the 15th District of Texas. Apparently, I had been the alternate. Without skipping a beat, Todd told me to take it.

After celebrating our First Wedding Anniversary, we packed up and Mrs. Scroggins went to Washington. As Fate would have it, there was an apartment of 3 girls that needed one more roommate. I moved in. Todd and I spent the weekend taking in the sites; Sunday I took him to the airport, and I drove "home." It was terrifying.

The roommates-my live-in family for the semester-quite the group. (You'll have to excuse the photo quality-this is pre-digital.)

That next Monday, I started the "job". I was very blonde in Congressman Hinojosa's office, and "Daniella" quickly became my nickname. It stuck. It stuck so much, that all the other interns called me by that name. Sona-the girl in red above, still calls me Daniella. It began to define a part of me that I was just beginning to know. The Independent part of me.

While I was only in Washington, D.C. for a few short months, I can say I learned volumes of information. There was so much to know about the innerworkings of our Government in Action. At the time, I was so engaged, I actually watched C-SPAN on the weekends. I know. Nerd.

It was fascinating to see how our Representatives engaged in the process-how they leaned on their staff, including their interns. I went to countless receptions, parties, dinners...Many work nights did not end until 10 or so at night after a couple of drinks with someone wanting our attention. I planned meetings with the White House Staff, and met Al Gore in the process. I drug my new roommates to Congressman Sonny Bono's office after hours so I could meet "The Babe" himself. (He was most obliging by the way.) I also learned how to rely on myself, how to handle myself, and how to speak up for myself. I always refer to this time as the time "I grew a backbone."

So, Daniella? It's part of me-It's me when I speak my mind, and talk about what truly engages me. It's me when I see injustice, and need that brought to public attention. It's me when I laugh so hard my ribs are sore for days. It's me when I love so intensely it brings tears to my eyes. It's me when my sense of adventure gets the better of me. It's me when I'm in the moment. It's just me.

And Coldplay? He's the one that gave me the nudge to find that part of me. He knew I needed a little push, so he pushed. Fate would have it no other way.

It is official...

Coldplay may be quickly becoming one of the greatest bands of all time. They were in Dallas on Wednesday night...I so wanted to be there. Quote from a critic.."The British rockers, who still humbly thank their screaming fans for bothering to come out, have secured a place as an undeniably great band, one of heft, talent and substance."

Speeding Tickets...

SUCK! Preskitt road is currently being repaved and all traffic is being detoured through Seven Wires. This road is currently riddled with Wise County Sherriff...so mind your Ps and Qs and stay below 30 mph. I am now looking forward to a fun filled 6 hours on the computer being taught how to drive again. Madison and Tanner's reactions were almost worth the ticket though. Madison said "mommy always gets stopped like this". That got me to thinking...Danielle has not mentioned any recent stops, but she has been known to try and hide them before so maybe a good third degree treatment is in order. Tanner was worried he would be late...."Daddy, why did you have to get stopped...now we are going to be late for school". I just heard..."daddy you suck!". They had a few other comments that helped me keep a smile on my face. I truly hate paying the System for this mostly harmless crime. I would rather give the money to charity. If only that was an option.

Fear Not

I am here.

My cell phone is still out of commission-going on TWO WEEKS NOW!!

Therefore, I am not in contact with the outside world.

I am no longer going insane. I am insane.

Firetrucks!!

For playgroup today, we toured the Decatur Firestation. Everyone was excited about this fieldtrip-the firemen included. We saw their new $350,000 (!!!!) firetruck, their "living quarters", and then they let us climb all over their other firetrucks.
Here's a picture of our group-they crack me up. Just take a gander at Grady's face watching the girls and their power play. :) After the fire fun we headed to the newly improved Crystelle Waggoner Park for lunch and more play. It's lovely having a fun, vandalism-free park again.
Grady crashed about 2 seconds after we drove away. Good times.

Where is Daniella?

A Lot Like Love

We happened upon this movie last night, and my world stopped down-this might be my favorite chick flick of all time. I love everything about it-the soundtrack, the fate embedded plot, and of course, the very cute Ashton Kutcher. If you haven't seen it, it really needs to be added to your Netflix list ASAP. You won't be disappointed. :)

Youtube wouldn't let me post the video I wanted. I love love love this song by Aqualung:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py3qDjr99O4

Check Yes or No

On Friday, Madison came home with her first note:

"Madison, will you be my girlfriend? Check yes or no.
P.S. wright back asap.
Malachi"

I begged her to let me keep the note, even though she protested that she did indeed have to check yes or no and return it. She wrote a new reply:

"Malachi,
Thank you so much for asking me to be your girlfriend, but I don't really want a boyfriend right now. You are a really really good friend.
P.S. What's your favorite animal? I like animals.
Madison"

Teachers VS. Moms

This morning, as I walked the kids into school, I noticed a very angry Mom waiting to check in with the receptionist. She was holding a paper, and talking with another mom with much animation.

One quote I caught: "Did you do this social studies review? Did you also notice that there was not one question from this review on the test? This is ridiculous."

Before I begin, let me remind you that my kids are in elementary school. Grades K-4.

I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing her child did not do well on the Social Studies Test, and the review was to blame. I'm also speculating that the Mom was there to complain not only to the Principal, but also to talk with the teacher and let that teacher know just how poorly she did her job. She was going to do all of this at 8:00 in the morning, unannounced.

That teacher was probably in her classroom preparing for the day. She was stacking papers, writing the agenda on the board, running through the daily schedule in her mind-making sure all was in order before her students entered her room. She also might have been putting the finishing touches on her lesson for 25+ students. Students who come to her everyday from a different walk of life. Students who are gifted, students with special needs, students who are learning english, students who love school, student who hate school, students who are sleepy, students who are hyper, and students who are pumped about whatever she can throw at them. 25 Individuals that she caters to as a whole.

That Mom probably entered the room asking for a word with the teacher. While that teacher busied the students with an off-hand activity, she most likely stepped into the hall and had this person tell her just how terrible she was at her job. She might have gone into details of the test and the review, and how her child studied for hours and still did poorly. At that point, the teacher defended her teaching strategy, defended her test, and defended the grade. After the discussion, the mom left, feeling much better having vented her frustrations.

The teacher, however, walked back into the classroom doubting her abilities. She shrugged off the encounter, engaged herself in the lesson, and hoped she was doing only good. She looked out at the sea of faces, hoping to see her kids succeed. I don't have to speculate that. As a teacher, I know that.

Moms and Teachers should be on the same side. We both love our kids, and want them to grow into amazing adults. Our approaches might be different, but the intent is identical. I've thought of that Teacher all day, and hope she was able to overcome this morning and continue making those kids ready for our world.

Where Were You?

1 minute ago: Reading Tammy's Blog

1 Day ago: Volunteering in Tanner's classroom, getting ready for a crazy Thursday afternoon of music program, horse riding lesson, and piano lesson.

1 week ago: Mourning the loss of my broken cell phone and making plans to see Madagascar.

1 year ago: In the middle of building this house, and living with my parents. Madison was in the first grade; Tanner was in Museum School, and Grady was learning to talk.

5 years ago: Almost a year into our new house in Keller. Tanner was 6 months old, and Madison was 2. I was learning the 2 kid juggle, and finding my way as a new Stay at Home Mom. Todd had just started working with his sister at McGladrey.

10 years ago: I was in my 2nd year teaching, and Todd was working for Arthur Andersen. We were living in Coppell and trying to figure out how to "fit in" as "grown ups".

Wow. Time really does fly.

i luv kroger

Tonight I headed into the Big City for Tanner's music lesson. Since we were there, I decided to take advantage of Kroger shopping. I have so missed my grocery store, with its doubling coupons and weekly sales. Let me just tell you the fun I had.

Off my receipt:

Original Total: $245.46
Kroger Savings: $75.04 (things that are on sale-Kroger Style)
Coupons: $42.65 (clipped and doubled)

My New Total: $127.77

That is a 48% savings of $117. 69!!!! I also bought 90 items, so each thing was basically $1.42. Things like a ROAST, pork chops, cereal, milk...you get the idea.

Even the people behind me were commenting on how great I did. I got into couponing a few years ago with the Grocery Game, but with the Big Move to Decatur I fell out of it. I still clipped the coupons I would use, but without the fun sales and doubling going on, it just wasn't as satisfying. I have driven into the city a few times to grocery shop, but with the time and gas involved, that didn't do it for me either. Now that I have an excuse to drive in, I will be stopping by my Kroger more regularly. Dorky me-I am SO looking forward to it!!

OOH-RA!!

As many of you know, I grew up a military brat-not just that, but a Marine Brat. There is a difference, and we Marine Brats are the most squared away. My everyday involved trips to the Base, listening to jets take off and break the sound barrier, watching MPs salute our car or my Dad, getting a Military ID, seeing men in uniform everywhere, driving by the Admiral's house, eating at the O' Club, going to Happy Hour (which I thought was a time for playing video games), moving and staying at the BOQ's, deployment, waiting in the Ready Room for dad to change out of his Flight Suit so we could go off base, looking at plaques in the Hanger, climbing on airplanes, shopping at the Commissary, watching the entire base pause while the Colors were taken down each night...

You can't grow up in that atmosphere without Patriotism being as much a part of you as breathing. While at the time I hated moving and being the "new girl", I know now how those experiences have given me strength in my adult life. I took for granted those everyday experiences, and now recall them fondly when discussing our Military or our Country.

Today is the Marine Corps Birthday. 233 years ago this segment of our Military was formed through courage and conviction. All those years have given rise to some great men who have served our Country and lived as Heroes. One of those men is my dad-so on this day, at 1100 hours, I wish him a very happy birthday. Go ahead-indulge in Happy Hour-I highly recommend the Pac-Man game. :)

I want to shout from the mountain top...

that I have the most wonderful wife in the whole wide world!

Facebook

I buckled under the peer pressure of Facebook. I've been resisting the entire MySpace and Facebook craze. I email, text, IM, blog-really, how much communication do we need?? But, I thought I'd log in and see what all the fuss was about. It seems a little easier than the whole MySpace thing-my sister set that up for me, and I think it's literally been years since I logged in.

So, hopefully I'm cool now-we'll see. :)

but they're still yummy....

Madison: "Are hot dogs really made of dogs?"

Me: "No, hot dogs are not made of dogs."

Madison: "What are they made of then?"

Todd: "You don't want to know."

Me (stern look at Todd): "They're not made of dogs, let's just leave it at that?"

Todd the elaborator: "They have a little bit of pig, cow, chicken....lots of things."

Madison (eyeing hot dog skeptically): "All those animals?"

Todd: "Yep."

Tanner: "but they're still pretty yummy."

world? are you out there?

My cell phone had to go to the hospital, and I am not in contact with the outside world at my convenience.

It is seriously stressing me out. I dare you to be without cell phone for one day. You will not believe how addicted you are.

I triple dog dare you.

Fun Run

Yesterday was the Annual Fall Fun Run at Rann. Todd was Superdad and ran with both kids-first with Tanner for half mile, and then with Madison for 3/4 of a mile. Grady and I were there to cheer them on.
Tanner was super pumped about the event because he remembers going to cheer Madison on during her kindergarten and first grade runs. He's constantly impressed with himself that he is as Big as she was. It's pretty nifty to watch. Todd said he ran the whole way, and really tried to finish strong. Here they are turning the corner heading to the finish line. There were yellow ribbons and gatorade waiting.
Madison had the option to run a 1/2 mile or go for the gold and run 3/4 of a mile. She had said yesterday morning that she was going to do the 1/2 mile-she was sure she'd come in last if she went for the longer one. She isn't totally confident in her athletic abilities. I encouraged her to run the longer one, that it was a FUN run. :) I'm not sure if it was me or the peer pressure, but she did opt for the longer run. Todd said she ran the whole way "Madison Style". She even earned a medal as one of the top 10 girl finishers. Hopefully that gives her a little more confidence to grow on.

We stayed through the 3rd and 4th grade runs to watch some of our friends finish. The atmosphere of the day was so relaxed and fun, we just wanted to keep cheering and drinking that orange gatorade. With medals and ribbons in hand, we are already "training" for the run in the Spring.

Patticake

Dad dressed me for the day. I remember my hair was in an awkward ponytail, and my dress was on backward. I was six, and in first grade, so I didn't correct him. We went to the hospital, and that's when I met my baby sister.

Since that moment, I have fed her bottles, listened to her stories, and even played with her toys. I was protective of her, and let any babysitter know exactly what she needed. When I was in third grade, my mom would joke that Patti and her friend Adam could close down any restaurant. When I was in sixth grade we would set up all our barbies outside on the patio and play for hours. (yes, our barbies-I was a little on the immature side) She was in kindergarten. When I was in eighth grade, we moved to Decatur and shared a bathroom. She spoke in tongues in her sleep (I could hear her through that shared bathroom), and she stole all my bows. She always wanted to be included when my friends were over, and the great friends that I have, they always obliged. She couldn't wait to have a "big life" like me.

When I left for school, she was in 6th grade. Her life got bigger. She came to visit me, and we even spent the 4th of July together once-just the two of us. When she was going into high school, I got married, and she was my maid of honor. I was on my way to being a grown up, and she was entering those turbulent teenage years. It seemed we were always a page away from eachother.

She graduated in 2000, and I took her to visit colleges-Tech, A&M, and Texas (just to show her the bright spot in all 3). She picked Texas. I blame myself for that one. I went to visit her this time around, and she gave us the grand tour. I told her I was expecting our little "leafy twig"(long story). I asked her to be a Godmother.

It's amazing that Patticake is all grown up, and taking on the world by its Longhorns. Now I steal her rubberbands, and she buys bows for my daughter. Our lives are both big, and sometimes we just want to make them small again. I'm lucky to have a sister and a friend-it was a long journey, but one so worth the wait.

Happy Birthday Patti!!!! Gig 'Em!

Aftermath

Today was surreal on so many levels. Every time I turned on the news, I was bombarded with the facts of this historic election. I relived the past 24 hours one electoral vote at a time. I watched the analysis, the speeches, and the predictions. Each time my heart twinged with excitement at all the possibilities that lie ahead.

I also felt the eggshells break beneath my feet with every step I took throughout the day. As I went through my normal day with my everyday people, I was slow to meet their gaze. At the advice of some, I avoided contact with others in order to give time a chance to heal their wounds. I browsed the blogosphere and read countless rants of the gloom and doom. A friend emailed needing a morale boost because of an oppressive work day. My kids came home asking why everyone was saying bad things about Obama. Was it true that he's never seen a bible? Are we really going to have to stop saying the Pledge of Allegiance? Is he going to get shot because he's black?

This is unacceptable.

Yesterday, Tanner came home from his kindergarten mock election a bit stressed because "17 people in his class voted for McCain, and he was the 18th person in class-the only one who voted for Obama." Last night as he walked through the living room, he did a little macho dance when he saw Obama had 200 electoral votes. "WooHoo!" My 5 year old was excited and engaged in a Presidential Election.

Madison came home from her 2nd grade mock election near tears. One of her classmates said because Obama was black that he would be shot and killed. Madison rebutted with, "Why does it matter if you're black? It only matters what is in your heart." Last night as we talked about the election results she needed affirmation that our new President would be safe. My 7 year old was compassionate and worried for her President.

Today their excitement was tarnished. I don't want to explain to my kids what a black person is. I don't want to expose them to racism and predjudice. I don't want them worrying about our new President's safety, and wishing the race had gone the other way because of that. I want Madison to continue defending her convictions. I want Tanner to continue having the courage to go against the grain. I want them to be engaged in our Society, and excited about our Country.

My parents instilled in me some core Conservative beliefs that are still engrained in the fiber of my person. My school educated me on acceptance and tolerance of beliefs that broadened the spirit of my person. My own personal experiences opened my eyes to realities that humbled the core of my person. These key elements in my journey have molded me into the person I am today. A person who respects culture, life, nature, economics, education, and compassion. A person who believes in hope, peace and change. A person who always supports her President, and unconditionally loves her Country.

This is not the time to retreat behind political platforms. This is not the time to poison our newest generation. This is not the time to lose faith in our leaders. I have always had faith in my leaders, even when my own opinions were not in alignment with theirs. As an American, I understand that I am an individual in a great collection. I understand that our leaders always put Our Country first. I also understand this historic election, but I hope we all join hands and move forward together to make that history last more than this one day-that my children remember this day as a stepping stone in a great era of their Country.

Yes We Did

Be-boppin' 50th Day of School

Nascar Widow

Twice a year, Todd and the boys head down to the Texas Motorspeedway for a guy weekend. I'm all for Guy Weekend, and I truly support the Macho Male Bonding-scratching and belching and all. Nascar just isn't my favorite "sport"... It is for Todd though, and I'm glad he has this chance to retreat from common sense reality world.

The kids and I muddle through while he is gone, and this time we had Halloween for a major distraction. Last night, for no reason, I set the dining room table and lit candles for a fancy dinner. To make things extra special, I let the kids drink out of wine glasses. That always bumps it up a notch. Other than Grady constantly singing Happy Birthday and trying to blow out the canldes, it was actually quite nice. They even helped me clear the table before we all settled down in our cozy spots to watch Shrek. I realized Grady had never watched it, and it's a Scroggins Family Fave. I jumped on the chance to get in bed early, and I think I was actually asleep before 9:00. I said a little prayer, and hoped they would all sleep past 6 in light of the time change.

They did. Grady didn't come to my room until 7 this morning. Prayer Answered.

Today I braved church on my own, and for a brief moment all 3 kids were still and quiet. I was able to listen to the sermon, and held on to that moment with a prayer of thanks. Amid all the crazy that is my life, moments like these make me pause. I try to sketch it all in my mind to remember how blessed I truly am. The spell never lasts long, but taking the time to notice it lasts forever.

We came home for lunch, and then almost by accident I set about cleaning closets. I started just by cleaning up, and before I knew it, there were bags and bags of clothes and toys to be donated or sold at the consignment shop. I felt o-so-productive, but now seriously wiped out. Madison and Tanner were awesome and went on a hike and played "brother-sister" (they are game-making-up-geniuses) before coming in and making about 450 bead necklaces. I don't think there was a fight all day. Madison even commented that this was the best Sunday ever. Sounds of bliss in my world. Another prayer of thanks by me.

Now we are again watching Shrek before heading to bed. Lazy Sundays like this help me recharge for the upcoming week of school and after-school chaos. Todd will be home tomorrow, and we are looking forward to being a Complete Clan again...yet another prayer answered. God must be smiling on me. :)

Aargg!!

Last night I took my goblins around town for the annual tricks or treats.

I had a wicked witch...

A pirate captain...Aarg-g (According to Tanner you have to pronounce both G's.)

and a homeless pirate...(although Dad informed me that all pirates are homeless...little detail)

We started the festivities by running by the Grandparent houses to test our trick or treat skills. We were rewarded with special Candy from Gran, and had a bonus story from Grandmom about candy. Grandad promised to wait up for the Great Pumpkin, so from there we were off on our Halloween Extravaganza.
We met up with the Laaser boys, and in doing so picked up an Elvis, and another Pirate Captain. Next we were off to the local Nursing Home, where we met up with some more friends...
We found sound some scary creatures, Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, a Princess, and a penguin...a perfect company to share some treats and hot dogs. The residents got a kick out of the little ones asking for candy, and of course the little ones loved all the candy! Grady finally got the hang of it about half way through-complete with "Happy Hawoweeen!!" as we said goodbye. From there we headed to Jason and Jenn's neighborhood for the actual door-to-door trick or treating. You know, I always want this to be a nice, peaceful walk through the neighborhood, but corralling 3 disguised kids darting around asking for candy in the dark-never quite as peaceful as I imagine. By the end we were all exhausted, and ready to it give up...
Shelly and the boys came over for a slumber party since the husbands were MIA this Halloween. The little boys crashed while the older kids played Wii until way past their bedtime. We relaxed with a glass or two of wine, and laughed at the craziness we put ourselves through. All in all a successful night-and hopefully one the kids will look back on with a smile.