my favorite cocktail

3 Advil + 2 Alleve

It's not what you were expecting, I know, but this little diddy will take care of all of your pains. I became a fan of this cocktail after my 3rd C-section. The nurses explained why it worked (something about this nerve and that nerve being relieved in different ways), but all I remember is that I could walk down the hall without feeling like my guts were going to fall out. Since then, I've tried it on other aches and pains-specifically my headaches. I used to be a strictly acetaminophen girl-loved it-all forms of it really. Excedrin. Awesome! Tylenol PM. Bring it on! Now I've completely converted to Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium. Yum-O.

For example, Today I fought long and hard against a migraine-while I was stuck at a school subbing with no drugs in sight! I started panicking about 1 this afternoon when the thought of fluorescent lights was beginning to make my stomach turn-let alone the reality of the flourescent lights themselves. By the time I made it to the nearest gas station after school, I felt like my skull could literally not contain my brain any longer. I was making plans to call Todd to come rescue me, because I was incapable of operating the car. I wanted to curl up in the fetal position, be as still as an oppossum playing dead, and leave this cruel cruel world.

Enter Cocktail.

Literally 20 minutes later I felt the weight lift from behind my eyes. The world seemed like such a nice place to live, and my kids' laughing sounded like a harmonious lullabye rather than nails on a chalkboard.

I'm not high. Just grateful. My good deed for the day is passing along this vital information. Go forth and be pain free.

the REAL snow day

The Ice finally came yesterday afternoon, and there is no school today AGAIN! WOO HOO! I guess I will never really outgrow that childish "free day" feeling that goes along with snow days. Todd asked me last night why I even wanted a snow day-because all the kids would be HERE. On top of that, we have to make the day up-so it's not like we really get away with anything. For me, snow days are a free day. They FORCE you to stop down and do nothing but hang with the fam. I'm sure people try to be productive, do chores, work from home-that kind of thing. But hopefully, they all come around and either break open a board game, puzzle or movie to go along with the hot chocolate and marshmellow staple of the day. I wish everyone would just stay home, cozy up, and wait it out. It's only one day. really. ok, sometimes 2 days.

The kids' "car" was left out; I don't think they'll be driving it today. Good thing.


Sandy and Windy love the snow and ice-always have. They frolick and actually jump around like puppies. I guess it's pretty tasty too.

Cozy Fire

When we built this house, Todd was adament about having a fireplace where he would be in charge of making fire. (insert gutteral male sound) No simple switch of the button gas fire for us. After a few bumps with the drafting, we finally have it working properly-just in time for the ICE DAY. It looks like we are having a late start to school tomorrow as well. Yay!

Snow Day

Well, an Ice Day really-but then again, not really? School was cancelled today because of Ice-you know how us North Texans FREAK OUT at the POSSIBILITY of ice on the roads. I don't freak out, but I do enjoy the freedom of a good snow day.

We tried to sleep in, but really that's impossible around this house. Grady was up and ready at 6:30 this morning. I'd already been up to check the school closings, so it wasn't COMPLETELY annoying. He settled into a "Dinosaur Show", and his Leapster Game...

Tanner took the opportunity to have a Wii Marathon. Guitar Hero, Wii Fit, Mario-something-or-other...you name it, and he played it.

Madison, the craft queen, finally convinced Tanner to play playdo; he was good for a while, but the Wii was calling his name. She was enthralled for a good amount of time, which was good-the mess was not so good. This is one of those things that sends Todd into a tailspin. :) All in good fun though. I keep telling him kids are messy.

Todd's on his way home now with Blockbuster Movies, and we plan to spend the rest of the afternoon indulging in Hot Chocolate and Popcorn while all of us snuggle by the fire. I'm not sure how tomorrow will end up, and the news is still freaking out about ICE! ICE ON THE ROADS!! If we get a few more hours of retreat from that real world, I'll take it.

You can't handle the truth!

My all time favorite Sunday afternoon movie is A Few Good Men. Much of our Scroggins Vernacular is centered around this movie, and we can have entire conversations in quotations...

Radio Silence

or I guess that would be Internet Silence, right? Sickness got the better of me this week, but today I'm breathing clear! Dern you 19 degree wind chill after a beautiful almost-80-degree-day! Dern you! Ugh.

Grab a box of Tissues...

From Jarhead, an unlikely source. :)

Hail to the Chief

This is one of those days in history that makes you stop down. I know I will look back on this day, as so many others will, and remember where I was when the first African American President took the Oath of Office. For me, it was at home with Grady, while I nursed one heck of a cold.

I'm not usually a news junkie, but as I turned on the news coverage this morning, I was immediately sucked in as the First Couple-Elect went to church for a private prayer service. I said a little prayer along with them. Grady and I played puzzles as Obama met Bush for coffee at the White House. I could only imagine the emotions of a President leaving the White House and another beginning the White House journey. I made lunch as all the Washington Officials made their way to their seats on Captiol Hill. Grady and I settled down on the couch with his sippy cup, my box of tissues, and a cozy blanket for both of us. Even Grady sat still and listened to Aretha Franklin sing "My Country 'tis of Thee. We watched Obama take the Oath; we read a book during his speech. I told Grady about our new President. He thought I said present-there was a moment of discontent on his part when I had nothing for him.

During Grady's nap, I continued my addiction to the news coverage, listening to his speech over and over. It was hailed as a sobering speech calling us all to action. He discussed the hardships we have as a Country, and gave us Hope as we move forward. Patriotism was discussed again and again. As a patriotic person, it's easy for me to be moved to tears during the Star Spangled Banner, or the site of our Capitol city, but to see others moved just as much or more left me overwhelmed. Our Country is excited and proud. It's a great moment.

Madison and Tanner came home from school during the Parade. They were giddy about watching President Obama take the Oath today. All 5 of us watched the new President and First Lady walk the Parade Route waving to Americans. Grady was concerned that they weren't throwing candy during the parade-which made us all laugh. Madison explained this was a PRESIDENTIAL parade-much different than the Decatur Homecoming Parade. Imagine that. We talked about the First Kids, and how their life was so much different now. Madison took a moment to think that through. Tanner wondered what happened after the parade. Grady wanted to watch Walle.

I'm still watching the coverage of the Inaugural Balls, watching all the First Dances and Continuous Speeches. My heart is light, my spirit is happy, and my nose is runny. Tomorrow is Obama's first day "on the job" being President, and our first day "on the job" supporting our new President. I'm looking forward to it, and I know I will look back on this day with a smile remembering every detail in vivid Color.

A Husband's Little Black Book

Todd's mom gave him this little book the first Christmas we were married. It has little bits of wisdom in the form of advice or quotes. I noticed it on the book shelf this morning and thought I'd take a peek...here are a few tidbits:

"Do the grocery shopping."

"Listens when she talks about her friends."

"Share the last bottle of soda."

"Pick up your dirty clothes."

"If you win the game you're playing, don't gloat."

"Set a fire in the fireplace on cold winter nights."

"Be on time for dinner."

"Remember, she married you, so don't ask her to be logical!"

"Do you want to be happy? or do you want to be right?"

"If she can't start the lawn mower, blame it on the mower."

"Let her drive and you deal with the kids."

"See everything; overlook a great deal; correct a little." -Pope John XXIII

Pretty good advice for newlyweds or oldyweds (as we were called in our 3rd year of marriage!). I'm just sayin'. :)

Edit: In no way is this a dig at Todd. I was just sayin'-like I said. :)

Hiking the Grand Canyon...Check!

I was relieved to get my Grand Canyon backcountry permit in the mail this week. Anyone who knows me well, knows that this is something I have always wanted to check off the old preverbial list. For those that don't know, a permit is required for any overnight stays in the canyon and the permits are not easy to come by as the park service attempts to limit the number of footprints in this pristine environment. I will be taking this adventure with my sainted mother and sister in May. Danielle and I attempted this hike "into Hell", as Danielle fondly refers to it, almost 11 years ago. It was part of our month long grand adventure across the western U.S. I don't think either one of us knew what we were in for, but it seemed like an experience worth trying. We were going to attempt to hike from the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado river and back up to the north rim in 4 days. This would have involved 28 miles of hiking, approximately 14,000 feet of elevation change (down then back up), 3 nights of roughing it, while carrying close to 50 lbs of gear on my back (yes that is right...my back). Did I mention that it was about 30 degrees when we started the hike and that 6 hours and 8 miles later it was 110 degrees at our first campsite. As it turned out this would be our halfway point and we would not make it to the river. Danielle had decided that carrying her canteen was a hassle and placed it in her backpack where it was not easily accessible. She quickly became dehydrated later that afternoon when we stopped to set up camp. Hiding from the sun within the canyon walls is almost impossible as well and this did not help the situation. I was really concerned for her well being as she was not able to keep water down for a good part of the afternoon. I made the executive decision that we would hike back out the next morning. I have to admit Dani was a trooper and was willing to keep going, but my heart of hearts told me I needed to get her out of this big hole in the ground. So at 5 a.m. the following morning we packed up from that campsite and retraced our steps back to the top. She will tell you that I left her in the Grand Canyon...well ok I did...but I was tired of stopping every 5 minutes the last few miles of the hike out. I finally kept on going. I was a little surprised when she hiked out 45 minutes after me, but she made it and we were both better for the experience. There are so many side stories on this 30 hour adventure, but I will save them for another time. My main point here is that I will finally get the opportunity to complete this adventure soon. I wish I could talk Dani into giving this one more try, but she is so "been there, done that" and will tell anyone that "it is much more beautiful from the top". Making it to the river did not matter to her. Here is to hoping I finally check it off the list even if it took me 11 years to get back.

i believe you...

Today we are hibernating from the cold Winter, cooking up a yummy lunch, drinking some hot chocolate, and listening to some of my favorite tunes.

I believe I've mentioned Todd Snider before, and how much I love him. We became fans back in the day. Once, he showed up to Jerry Jeff Walker's Labor Day Fest with long hair, a sweaty tshirt, and a speech that just about made me write in Willie Nelson for President of the United States. I quickly bought a tshirt and subsequently joined the mob for a signature. Since then we've trapsed all over to listen to him play-I even got his pick and set list on my 30th birthday. :) His music is a mix of Texas Country, Nashville Country, Blues, and Rock-n-Roll. I'm sure he'd rather be viewed as a rocker, on the other hand, he probably doesn't think about his image all that much-another reason I'm giddy for him. His music tells a story, brings you back down to earth, and most of all refocuses you on being Happy to be Here (one of his title tracks.)

Just now, one of my favorites, I Believe You, just came across the itune airwaves. I found a video of him below, but an official music video (produced and everything) can be found here. They won't let me imbed that one. :(



See? I have music opinions too. :)

Old Man Laaser

35 years old. Man, that is OLD! Just think, a mere 15 years ago (FIFTEEN YEARS!!) we happened upon your friendship. Now, after many camping trips, Aggie Games, NASCAR weekends, scrapbook weekends, catering gigs, port-a-potty incidents, Go-Cart races, garage sales (todas las mesas uno dollaro), nachos, beers, domino games, spades games, Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfires!, bar fights (well, not really-but almost!), bets, Cuban Cigars, bad-mustache-new-year-parties, midnight yells, late night chicken-on-the-bone, crawfish boils, trash can punch fruit, rock band concerts, and FIVE CHILDREN we get to settle down in this little 2 horse town for the duration.

It's an honor old man! Just think how much fun the next 15 years will be (what with us leaving the windows unlocked and all). What will those pictures look like?! I hope you had a fabuloso birthday-save a little celebration for Daytona Weekend-it's just around the corner. Yay Memories!

Brothers and Sisters

I just finished watching a little self-made DVR'd marathon of Brothers and Sisters. I love this show. I love Sally Field-when I was in 5th grade I would watch reruns of Gidget every Saturday. We lived in Mission Viejo, California then, and I thought learning to surf was the key to teenage happiness. I don't think it was-but it was a nice thought. :) Her movies always tear on my heartstrings. I've seen Steel Magnolias 1000 times, but every single time, I cry big, ugly, snotty tears when she talks about Shelby. She has a wonderful talent for making you a part of her emotions-and in this particular show, as a mother of 5 grown children, there are a lot of emotions.

I love this show because it's messy. There are 3 brothers and 2 sisters-some are republicans and some are democrats. One is gay, the rest are straight. One has a drug issue, the rest work on interventions. One joins the Military to serve in Iraq. There is a family business. There is a matriarch who grieves for her deceased husband, only to have an identity crisis every time she turns a corner in her big, beautiful house. I can easily put myself in her shoes as she finds a way to care for her grown children when they need her (ie drug overdosing or divorcing), and also works to find herself when they don't.

Imagine taking the time to find yourself.

There are family dinners that always turn hostile. You could probably predict with that many diverse people, it would be inevitable. Maybe that's the point. They might try to hide their grievance, but it always comes out in the end-it is a one hour tv drama after all. :) When it does come out-it's usually an explosion of insults. They don't hold back-spouting every negative thought that might have entered their mind on any given day. They do all this to prove a point, and then realize that the point is-family. The rest is nonsense. The edges blur and you are left with the warmth, comfort, and familiarity of those that love you despite your many (many) faults.

Tonight I cried those big, ugly, snotty tears again watching those relationships triumph through so many blunders...watching those people tell a story about family, about celebrations, about heartaches, and about love. If you really have never taken time out for this story, it's one worth watching.

You can leave the messy crying to saps like me if you need to. I've had lots of practice. :)

Girl Scout Cookies

It's the most wonderful time of the year...right?

Madison is your contact, and I am the official Cookie Mom. They are $3.50/box, and our troop earns .55 per box we sell. I just picked up the cookies today, and they are taking over my laundry room. They scare me.

I will personally deliver to your home, AND since I have the troop's stash here, it will be instant gratification on your part. Want a Samoa? I got 'em (taunting voice). I'll also take orders to send to the troops if you aren't a fan, but seriously, who isn't a fan of Girl Scout Cookies?

Oprah's Wagon

Don't leave the post just yet-I know many of you out there hate Oprah and the wagon she carried behind her, but I don't have such disdain for her. I don't have disdain for much of anything really, so she ends up being ok in my book.

In any case, recently she's been laying her recent weight gain and "falling off the wagon" out there for everyone to see. That's pretty courageous if you ask me-I don't know that I could be so raw with something so personal. Sometime this week she had the first Biggest Loser Winner on her show. He's also fallen off the wagon. Click Here to see his story.

It makes me super sad to see him and all the weight he's gained back. We catch that show every now and then around here, and I always wish I could be a contestant (minus that whole wearing a sports bra on tv, weighing in on national tv, and just being on tv in general). To see him backslide after a seemingly life-changing experience is just a little disheartening.

roll over, I'm crowded...

"There were ten in the bed and the little one said, roll over, I'm crowded...so they all rolled over and one fell out...."

I can only wish one would fall out.

1:00 a.m. Chrissy snuggles ON my feet. ( I don't really mind kitty snuggles, but this is an important detail.)

4:00 a.m. Tanner has a bad dream and asks to get in bed with us. I roll over. This is ok, Tanner is the best snuggler in the house, and doesn't steal the covers.

5:00 a.m. Madison needs to snuggle, and asks to get in bed with us. I roll over. I grumble a little. Madison doesn't know the difference in the mattress and your face. Limbs flail at will throughout her sleep.

6:30 a.m. Grady wakes up at his normal time, and "can't fit" between us. I roll over. Now I'm grumpy. Grady loudly vocally complains that not only is there not room for him in the bed, but he can't get under the covers that are sandwiched between the 4 of us. He never settles back down, and eventually we all stumble out of bed for the morning routine-after he kicks me in the nose in a fit of protest of some injustice in his world of sleep. Irony-there's a word.

We need a bigger bed.

Todd's Cafe

Sunday, Todd is in charge of mealtimes. Sometimes we get a lovely breakfast of eggs, bacon, and biscuits...sometimes we get yummy fajitas for lunch...today he was in the mood for Todd Nachos. Yum-O!

Good Song for a Wedding Recessional?

I heard this song on my son's DS Guitar Hero Decades game and it reminded me that a good friend of mine told me this song was used as the recessional at the end of his sister-in-laws wedding. I think that is awesome. These guys are definitely a throw back to the 80s. Not sure about their other music, but this song rocks with its guitar rips and vocals. The song picks up at the 45 second mark if you care to give it a listen. It is a fun song so it is worth 4 minutes of your life. Plus who does not like a skinny guy in a tight 80s jump suit?

Per Jarhead's Recommendation...

Rosemount Shiraz. I think it was $6ish for this bottle. There was a little disagreement between Todd and I on this one. I thought it was great, although it didn't quite compare with the Concannon Petite Syrah from last week. Todd was leaning towards liking our old Wal Mart standby a little better. I think this is where if we knew a little more about wine, we could make a more informed observation. Todd's take is that maybe he likes Cabernet more than Shiraz. I just know what is yummy. I guess we will just have to do more research on the subject. O well-it's for a good cause.

Ultimately we give this one a 3.5 on our 5 point scale.

And yes, I made Todd drink out of the flowery glasses. I think they are lovely. :)

World Without End

This is also very good. Someone...anyone...(Jarhead maybe?)explain why this book is not just as good as Pillars. They are basically the same book with the second being the continuation of the first albeit 200 years later. Ken Follett really has mastered the art of getting the reader to become what I like to call "intimately invested" in the characters he has created. For me to read a book or rather two books that were both 1000 pages in less than 4 months is rare. Actually it has never happened. That has to tell you something about these books. My dad has always told me James Clavell's Noble House is a good read. As a kid I was alway intimidated by how big it was. Maybe I will pick it up sometime...I am sure he still has it.

Brian Williams

This guy is just flat out funny! Click yes if you agree!

Sunshine

Before the Spring Semester began my last year at A&M, there was a huge ice storm in College Station. Campus actually closed and cancelled classes. Todd was in Dallas starting his official internship with Arthur Andersen, and I was stranded at the trailer park with my dog and cat, watching the ice pile up around me.

My rescuers, Shelly and Jared, came in their 4 wheel drive vehicle and took me out to Northgate. The Taurus wasn't going to get me very far that night, and I couldn't just stay home! We met up with D, he's so cool he can go by just D, and unsteadily made the walk up to Shadow Canyon. While getting our IDs checked (this was back in the day), I experienced my first and practically only pick-up line ever. "Is your name Sunshine? Because you light up my life." Shocked, and suppressing a bolt of laughter, I grabbed D's hand, told the boy my real name, and practically ran in the bar. The rest of the evening was filled references to my illumination. D still calls me Sunshine.

An ice storm hit Decatur on Monday.

Today at the Wal Marts here in Decatur, I ran into an old high school classmate. He caught my attention by saying, "Sunshine, you awake yet?" You can imagine that I wasn't looking my best...a little tired to say the least. My brain did one of those camera shots in movies where everything zooms in from far away-all shaky like-and then focuses close up on the person in the scene. And I laughed. It took me right back to that moment on that icy night. I chatted with this classmate for a good while, just catching up on life and wishing eachother the best.

As I walked away, I thought about the timing of this Ray of Sunshine-in a week of ice, cold, and Winter, it was a much appreciated glimmer of warmth.

The Pillars of the Earth

Very good.

The Old Standby

Tonight we wanted to compare our usual $2.97 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (Wal Mart's finest) to the Petite Syrah we tasted last night. Although it's not as lovely as the other, we just can't find much wrong with this one! Either we are too easy to please, or this one is good to have on hand for your basic day to day wine gulping. It certainly gets the value nod according to Todd-and we all know how I love a good deal! We give it a 3 on our 5 point scale.
The kids got in on the action tonight too, and they give this Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice a 5.5 on our 5 point scale. :)

productive day of fun

Well, that garage I mentioned earlier is SPARKLING right now! The yard is clutter free, and other than the Christmas Tree on the front porch, our entire house is back to normal. I would like to take credit for all this wonderful productivity, but alas-I have to give the kudos to Todd. He worked his arse off while I played with my new camera (I did other stuff too-like talk on the phone and visit with an old friend turned new neighbor, just FYI)...in a way that can be viewed as productive, don't you think? Just look at the moments I captured of every family member on our day of fun around the house. :)

Chrissy looked pretty cozy on Madison's bed for an afternoon nap...

Windy, our old girl, warmed her bones in the sun. She's been with us since the Trailor in Aggieland.

Sandy did his usual and followed Todd around hoping for some love...

The handyman genius...

Madison the ringleader...

Tanner the performer...

Baby Grady...

A lovely day overall, especially those moments of harmony between the kids. Those are true little treasures from God. :)

Back to Normal

Yesterday, we cleared the house of all the Christmas Clutter; it's amazing how clean and huge your house feels when all the Yuletide Cheer is put away!

I've also spent the last week or so mowing through every closet, shelf, cabinet, and drawer of this house and clearing out even more crap. I pulled 4 bags from Madison's room alone! These dern kids grow out of clothes so fast it's ridiculous! I was ruthless in the toy room-even evicting the Little People and stripping the Play Kitchen. That made me a little sad-I have a few emotional ties to some toys. The ABC blocks are still in there-OH! and the dinosaurs...I just can't say goodbye to those just yet. We have a hugemongous pile o' this crap in our attic now awaiting a nice spring day when we invite all the hooligans of Decatur over for a garage sale. We've had a few of these the last few years as we purge all our baby and kid stuff, and it always makes for an interesting day. The kids have a blast with a donut/lemonade stand, and our moms always lend a helping hand-in addition to contributing more crap for the day.

Today, Todd is taking down the Christmas lights, and I have very high hopes for the garage. It slowly morphed into a pile of boxes, crates, and piles over the holidays, and I can't walk in there without having a seizure. I try to let Todd be the boss of this space, but sometimes-just sometimes I have to be the boss of him and give him a few pointers.

The kids are "walking through the prickly forest" right now with their backpacks full of popcorn, water and a piece of candy. They'll probably be kicked outside for the rest of this beautiful day. For the moment, I'm absorbing every second of this still, quiet house-I'm afraid to breathe or I'll ruin it. I guess this would be step one of my "enjoy the moment" resolution. :)

one more resolution...

I'd like to know more about wine. I have a few friends "in the know", and they've tried to teach me. I've progressed from boxed White Zinfandel to bottled Cabernet (with a cork!)...but I'd like to know EVEN MORE. I'm adding that to my new year's resolutions...
On the way home from the Big City today, we stopped at Tom Thumb and splurged on a $15 bottle of wine. That's big time for us-hey, it's not box wine, ok? I used my newfound knowledge from wine tasting in California this summer, and picked a Petite Syrah. It's lovely-on our new 1-5 scale, we give it a 4.5. :)

Resolutions

I actually never write down Resolutions for the New Year, but I thought I would throw a few out there this year and check back in 2010 (aren't we supposed to be living like the Jetsons in a year like that?? crazy.)

Todd has 3:

1. Drink more water. (the official 8 glasses a day)

2. Lose 20 pounds. (I predict he will do this by February 1-he's very annoying like that.)

3. Read. (I think he means books here.)

Me:

1. Lose pounds. (all of them.)

2. Cherish the day-not the schedule of the day. (conquer my OCD)

3. Catch up and get ahead with my pictures-scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking, everything.

We'll see how this goes...