Good Bye 2007!

Hope you have a wonderful and FUN time bringing in the new year!
Love you all!
2008 is sure to be wonderful!

We survided Christmas... barely!

Christmas in our World lasted a very LONG time this year... from the 21st to the 29th and now we are exhausted! This year my family came in from AR and FL the weekend before Christmas... There were 17 total and it was a mad house at my parents! Fun as usual...
They all got in on Friday, we started off the Holiday celebration with some Tamales, Chili and Margaritas! The next day was our family Christmas... we just did the white elephant gift game and gifts for the kiddos this year!
That made life so easy when buying for the family!
Then everyone left on Sunday, we had dinner with a good friend of ours that was back in town for the holidays, then off to my parents house again for Christmas Eve Dinner... Travis was running a high fever at this time with other symptoms so our original plans of having friends over to dinner was off...
Santa came to our house and brought Travis some trucks, crayons, a bean bag chair, a bike and a sit on spin... he was so excited! Then we went to my parents to have Christmas with my brother, grandmother and parents, we opened stockings and presents... man, we we spoiled this year!
We headed home that evening to wake up the next day and head to Austin.
The drive was ok, some traffic but it still took the normal 4 hours to get there.
Travis and I were both suffering from the sniffs and snots so we were just OVER the ride before it started! We had fun in Austin, Travis did feel well the whole time so he showed everyone his true 2 year old colors! He got some more fun toys and we got a ton of great things. We draw names for G's family also, which makes it fun and simple! We also played the White Elephant game and got some more fun stuff!
We decided to head home on Friday night since Travis and I were just not feeling 100% and it was perfect timing. I woke up the next morning feeling awful... and finally hit my sickest this morning. I went to the doc and have a raging Sinus infection. I swore I had the flu. He told me that this is what happens when you are sick and do not give your body time to rest and chill... BUSTED!
So, that is why this post about Christmas is short and prob. does not make any sense!
LOL
If you wanna see some pictures of our event..
head to my drop shots
HERE

Hi!

We are home! I have so many fun stories to tell, but I am so out of it from 10 days of Christmas in my family that I cant think!

I have started the Loooooonnnnngggg Christmas post, stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!

Hope you get all your want for Christmas!
Thank you for all being so wonderful, supportive and here to read my silly posts!
xoxox
Love Lindsay

Angels Everywhere!

I received a comment on a previous post from a girl I had no idea read my blog, who I have never met, seen or read about. But the comment and link she left will very much never be forgotten!

Sometimes we forget there are Angels in this world!

Here is the story that went along with the link she left....

AN ANGEL IN THE POST OFFICE
Date: 2007-11-23, 10:55PM MST

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a kind soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service. Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I am wherever there is love.

Love, God

Here is the link if you want to pass it on... Click HERE

It just proves that you can never give up ion Angels being in this world!
It has been 2 weeks since Stanley (PC) has been gone, I still pace by the windows, look outside all the time... I am just praying someone has taken him in or that he is in heaven. The hardest part is not knowing! I know some people prob. think I am insane for still hurting about this cat, but he was a baby to me... I took care of him like he was a child of mine.
All I want for Christmas is to know he is ok!

Thank you Noe!
Merry Christmas!

... the calm before the storm!

Starting at about 8am my family is starting th trek from AR to TX!
There will be 17 of us, I miscounted my own dang family yesterday and thought we were gonna have 18 total. Wow, my brain is BLAH!

Its gonna be a Rowdy Good Time!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen shows on my DVR...
On a side note, when are we EVER gonna see some new episodes?

1. Private Practice, the last few shows... I miss the excitement of new ones!
2. Greys Anatomy... the last few shows, How can they let McDreamy kiss another chick and not give us a new episode? ARGH!
3. Blues Clues... like 10 of them, I like the old guy better!
4. Sesame Street... all from the last week, ELMO'S world ROCKS!
5. Mythbusters... the only show Gavin and I agree on watching together
6. Yo Gabba Gabba... aka BABY CRACK
7. Miami Ink & La Ink... I love those silly tattoo shows!
8. Daily Show with John Stewart... All G's, I cant stand that goober!
9. Project Runway... a bunch of repeats!
10. Modern Marvels... Have you ever seen that show? Wanna know how M&M's are made... SO COOL!
11. Jack's Big Music Show... My favorite kids show these days. It is all about music. Travis and I dance when we watch it.
12. How I Met Your Mother... I wish they would play a NEW ONE!
13. Saturday Night Live... Rerun central, baby!

I LOVE MY DVR!

A little of this and a little of that!

Woooosh, it is so close to Christmas I feel like my head is going to spin off! I have almost all of my shopping finished but a few more things... toys, and they are super fun to shop for :)
I guess thats the big kid in me coming out! I don't know what it is when it gets close to the end of the year but things seem to go all wacky in all sorts of ways. My poor hubby has not had a break from work in who knows how long, he worked until like midnight last night and I still heard his phone beeping with emails in the middle of the night.
I am in training still to be a Strollerfit instructor and LOVE LOVE LOVE it, It is a big rush when i get to teach little segments of the class. All the girls have been so supportive and complimentary to me after I teach something. Makes it all worth while! I thought it would be hard teaching the classes that I usually go to just because I am friends with so many of the moms there... and you know when you have friends around and you have to be serious, you look at them and get the giggles! Victoria the head instructor has made it so fun and easy for me (and I know you are reading this... hahahahaaa! you deserve props!) She is supportive and easy going even when I have to miss a bit of training because of family junk! Gotta LOVE that about your new boss.. HAHAH!Love ya girly!
During the holidays it is sooo much fun to hear and see all the different ways people celebrate. Be is birthdays... (Holly- Hope your day is amazing!) You guys have to go check out her blog and see what her BFF left in her front yard this morning . Click HERE to check it out. I love looking at different decorations, Christmas trees ect... I guess it my inner designer coming out. Last year one of the blogs I read did a home show of sort where you take a video or pictures of your holiday decor and submit your post... anyone doing that this year?
On a side note of my ramblings, Stanley the PC is still MIA. I have had the hardest time with him being gone. I finally let myself cry about it the other night. I tried to hard to be optimistic and believe that he would show up one night, but now that it has been a week and a half, my heart is starting to really break. I have called and searched on all the pet finder sites and shelters constantly every day since. I even posted an add on Pet Finder and all I got in return was a bunch of DUMB companies emailing me saying they are pet detectives and will find my cat for a small fee... WHAT? I responded to one of these crazy emails telling them that this type of service may be useful but the way they had their email worded was sarcastic and hurtful to someone that is grieving. Yeah, I am just a bit sensitive about the subject. Sasha and Stella have been grieving also. On my nightly excursion outside to see if he is somewhere.. they both sit by the door and wait to see if I have him. Stella has been sleeping at the back window and Sasha at the back door. That kills me even more. Thankfully Travis doesn't realize what has happened and I try not to be upset or make comments about Stan around him, he seems to pick up on so much these days that I am afraid he may start to understand.
On the other hand, I have been so excited about getting the mail every day, we have gotten so may Holiday cards its unreal! My card wreath is so full its being tripled up! Makes me feel so bad that I have been a procrastinator about cards. Speaking of... I was making Cards for some Splat customers and having them sent to Snapfish. Before this season I have made so many cards for friends and family and never had one turn out bad... this year I have had 4 sets come out ikky. Thankfully these people were all friends, but it makes me nervous about the other customers. What the HECK happened to Snapfish and their printing??? I did not one thing different then before and there quality just is not good anymore. So, I will be dumping Snapfish and heading to Kodak or Shutterfly... anyone have an opinion?
I will end my blabbling on this... I have 13 family members coming in on Friday to celebrate Christmas this weekend... that makes a total of 18 of us. WOW! My parents house is gonna be nutty! I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday season.. traveling or not, BE SAFE and don't stress!
Stress.... HAHAHAHAAAA!

Wordless Wednesday-Beer Can Cake

( we did remove the sticks!)

(to the wordless participants on Tuesday ... I accidentally added my link not looking at the date! SORRY!)

It's My Birthday!

Today... well I am another year older!

I ended my 27th year in style...

Wooohooo!
Here are a few of the pictures from last night!Its always fun to wear your wedding garter at a White Trash party!

Gavin in his tuxedo shirt and HUGE (plate) belt buckle!

Greg... the Redneck BUM of sorts!

Michelle & Jeff.... Sippy on some Red Dog, Nice Tats!

Stroller Fit Girls rock the Rednecks!
Woohoo! We are some HOT Chicks!!

Slim Jim's and Boone's Farm nothing Better!!

There are so many more, but I had to respect the shy redneck folk that didn't want to be added to the WWW!

We decorated in Nascar and dixie plates, had cases of Boone's Farm, Natty Light, Keystone Light, Red Dog and Miller High Life, ate some hot dogs, burgers and chicken wings and listened to some trash country and just had a blast! What a FUN birthday party!

Christmas Card Picture!

I had to post something adorable to make me smile!
(you too of course!)

This is the picture I am using for my Christmas Cards!
Isn't he a precious little man!

I can NOT believe I got this picture of him, I was a lucky momma!

Is this Goodbye?

I have had the hardest time digesting that Stanley is gone. I am constantly looking out the doors and windows, screaming his name outside and just every time expect him to come bouncing up to me. In the past few days that he has been gone it seems like the sun has just refused to shine.The weather has been awful that is what has made the most anxious about him running off. He has not front claws, he has not been outside outside of our fence since he was an itty bitty kitty.

See, we got Stanly and Stella almost 3 1/2 years ago from a friend of a friend. I wanted an orange and white kitty and had not clicked with any at the shelter or spca to I was waiting a while to click with a kitty or cat, I didn't care ages at all! My girlfriend knew of this and had a friend that found 2 little kitten under her in-laws porch in the country. I saw their pictures and immediately fell in love. They were little guys, probably between 6-8 weeks when I picked them up. Because Sasha was so big and unsure of little animals we kept them upstairs in the guest room for about 2 weeks until they got use to me and Gavin and the smells. After those 2 weeks we let them roam around the house with a baby gate to where they can get upstairs but Sasha could not. After about a month the animals were co-existing and Stanley and Sasha started their love affair!

He was the outgoing Cat of the pair and would be out and show off for guests and was just a load of fun. Stella was a bit more shy and reserved. They both were unique and wonderful in their own ways. He was pretty lovable and (on his terms) would jump in your lap and let you love and pet him for ever!

Stanley was a little wild as you can imagine his taste of freedom has led him astray. We think one day he jumped from the second level of our house to the first, he fractured his paw and had a pretty goofy limp for weeks. He loved to climb on anything and would figure it out if at first he could not do it. Our little furry dare devil for sure! He would make himself comfy on anything, be it a box, group of paper towels, clothes, bags, PLATES (argh) and anything in Travis' room. He LOVED when we were getting ready for Travis to get here. He would sleep in the chair, crib, on the changing table. He loved the smell of the baby detergent, we would knead the baby clothes. He never was jealous of Travis, he would just get up in my lap and lay next to him. He was the perfect cat to have when a baby came into your life!

He has a few things that I loved about him and of course HATED... He was a silly sleeper. He would either lay in a straight line or all curled up to where you could barely see where his head began or tail ended. He had the best purr, it was so deep and smooth you would almost sing lullabies to his rhythm. Of course I hated that he peed on all of our stuff, he ate dog food all the time and would get sick, he ALWAYS knocked over every glass of ice water I had. He would lick my eyelashes when I slept... not fun to wake up to. But he was a lover, he loved us so much. He would meow when we needed to fill up his food or water, he would sleep on the bed with us and he would even sleep in Travis' room when we had a storm (Sasha also) they were little protectors.

I have posted a message on our HOA website and have not put up posters yet since the weather has been so bad. I have called neighbors and if I see anyone new walking outside I have asked them if they would just look on their walk. No sign of the little guy... I have heard from numerous people that cats will run off for a couple of weeks then come back all dirty and skinny... Eat, sleep and go off again. Thats fine, at least I will know he is safe! The problem I am having is that he will never be out soft little Stanley, he has a taste of freedom and will not be able to be a house cat again.
Sasha and Stella seem to be in mourning, they both have been pacing through the house and will look outside the back door for Stanley. Stella seems to be really distraught, her brother, partner in crime is gone. Poor little girl! I have been giving her extra love this week hoping she will not be too depressed.

I took this picture of him the same day he took off... I have 3 of him from that day!
I tear up whenever I see them.
I miss my little furry man!

Thursday Thirteen

13 Things I look forward to during the Holidays!

1. Getting Christmas and Holiday cards!
(I have a card wreath I put them all on!)

2. Cold Weather, which we kinda get skimped on in Texas!
(yesterday=70 today=35)

3. Christmas Lights on houses
(unless it looks like someone took a marker and scribbled on your trees!)

4. Playing Santa Claus
(this is only my 2nd year, but man I am excited!)

5. Watching people open gifts!
(I prefer watching people then being watched!)

6. Buying stocking stuffers
(We do it every year in my family, its FUN to open all the junk!)

7. All the Christmas movies!
( Charlie Brown Christmas is my fav!)

8. Christmas smells
(all the candles, cooking, trees... yum!)

9. seeing my family
(this year we will have 10 days of family)

10. Playing with all of Trav's new toys
(yep, I am a BIG kid!)

11. Seeing what random gifts my hubby gets me!
(yes, he is a day before Christmas shopper!)

12. Maybe Snow
(you never know!)

13. The Parties
(Holiday Parties are just way fun!)

And the award goes to...

This NEW award is to anyone who has brought the wintery season into the blogosphere in a wonderful way!

I have seen a ton of fun Holiday doodads on peoples blogs these days and I LOVE them!
Pick your favorite or favorites and let them know by handing over this award!


I am awarding two of my bestest bloggin' buds !!!

The Anglophile Football Fanatic Herself!

and

Mrs. Spicy who swears she can be a lil' Sweet too!

Cute Pics & News

I have always thought it was precious to see pictures of kiddos in their parents shoes.
Travis was dead set determined to get my running shoes on before we left for Strollerfit the other day!

For trying so hard, he did have them on the correct feet! I gotta give him that!

***
On a side note.
PC (Stanley) has not come home yet.
I have been so devastated and have continually looked out the front and back doors praying one time he will just be sitting there. It is just so cold here and has been raining for days.
I just want to know he is safe, if he does not want to be a house cat, FINE... but I wish he could just let me know he is ok!
I added a post on my HOA website. I wanted to put out flyer's but I am afraid that with all this rain no one would see them plus they would get soggy. I plain on getting some up the second this weather clears up!

***
Today was my first day to teach a segment of Strollerfit.
I was a bit nervous and it seemed like more people showed up today then have been in class in a week or so... Just my luck, right?
I know I was loud enough, I FOR SURE have the vocal ability to talk over anyone :)
I also thought I (at least) acted confident! My girlfriends all said I did good, but who would tell me otherwise? HA.. LOVE YOU GIRLS!
I cant wait to get my feedback!
I teach a segment tomorrow and Friday and maybe some next week!
Sheesh, the first one is over! I am golden now!

***
Travis got the "A-OK" super healthy baby comment from his ENT today for our check up!
I cant begin to tell you how wonderful hearing those words were!
Travis had changed so much, he is talking ALL THE TIME, NEVER STOPS EVER, but he is awesome at saying new words!
I love having my healthy boy back!
Thank the LORD for letting this happen and being so easy and wonderful!

Window Washer

Since Stanly has been gone Travis and I have continued to look out the windows to see if he is around... In doing this I would ask Travis to go look out the front window and see if he sees the kitty kitty outside... I asked him this morning a couple of times while we were getting ready to head out and it took him a while and I did not hear him calling for Stan so I started the toddler hunt in the house.

HA, this is what I found!
My very own window washer.

This was the "BUSTED but I will smile anyways" picture!

See what I am doing , Mommy!

Beautiful Work T-man!

What a little dude!

PC is MIA

Stanley a.k.a. PISS CAT is Missing in action (I hope in action)

I have been letting Stan outside to get the "wild hair he has" out of his system so he would STOP peeing on my clothes! He had been doing great, he would meow to go out and he would pee just like a dog (HAHAHAAAA) and come back in. He was a champ. Yesterday when I let Sasha out, he ran out with her. I let Sasha back in a few minutes later... she is a bit spoiled and will not handle the wet or cold for more then a minute or so. Stanley was on the patio and did not want to come in. Normally when he is out and I stick my head out and call him, he will meow back and run to me. He didn't want to come in yesterday before T and I went to the grocery store so I just left him out, when we got home he didn't respond to me. This was at 3pm yesterday. He was out all night and it was cold and rainy... I got up like 3 times in the middle of the night to go out and call for him. We left food out and it has not been touched. I have never had an animal run away... This is making me so sad. If he is not back by 3 this afternoon, that will be 24 hours so I will put signs up.

My girl kitty, Stella, PC's sister has been so distraught since he has been gone.
She has been meowing by the front and back door, which makes me think he is out there...
This stinks!

White Trash Bash

This week I am getting ready for my birthday party!
Next Saturday!!!!
We are having a White Trash Costume party!

Bet you cant wait for pictures... I cant wait to see everyone!

I am posting all this for a reason...
I need ideas of things to do for the party, decorations, games, costume prizes for the 3 winners...

I know I have a TON of creative readers... send me some ideas!

Watch Dog

Well, I got some disturbing news from a best girlfriend of mine this morning...
She is an avid researcher on watch dog... and found that a registered sex offender in ON MY STREET.
Like 4 houses down.
He is a 71 year old man that looks like a grandfather...
I am so aggravated about this, I live 1 street over from an elementary school where children walk to and from school daily.
I am going to contact my home owners ass. on Monday and see if they will send a notice out.
What else can I do?
This is way to close for comfort!
I did not think sex offenders could live so close to a school???

I just signed up with my new email to get notifications, they are FREE!
PLEASE sign up, if you have children or not
its FREE and takes 2 seconds to fill in your email and address!

click below to sign up!

National Sex Offender Registry

KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE!
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

All I can say is....

fingers crossed that next year will be better!

click on the picture to get the FULL version of unhappy Trav!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen pictures to prove my obsession with
glittery fish and frog
ornaments!
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Wordless Wednesday- Holiday Shopping

Christmas Meme!

I got this Meme in an email from my girlfriend! I loved it and decided to make it a post and offer it up to others to do the same!
Copy it and Paste and fill in your answers!
Let me know if you do it too... I wanna read!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper for the kiddo & Bags for the rest!

2. Real or Fake Tree? An artificial tree! It's not fake, its a real artificial tree! (great answer Christi & Holly!)

3. When do you put up the tree? After Turkey Day... I like to have it up as long as I can!

4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime around New Years, when my hubs can help! No schedule!

5. Do you like eggnog? HATE IT, I cant seem to get into anything that you drink that says EGG!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Art Supplies... does that surprise you? LOL

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I do not, and I want one... I just cant find one that I really love!

8. Favorite Christmas memory? I have to many to pick one, My mom was a PRO at surprises!

9. Person you consider the Queen or King of Christmas? Me! I think up and buy all the gift (but my own) at Christmas... I enjoy being in charge!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever got? During a White Elephant game, I got a Man's cup from my brother. So fun!

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail! I make mine and anyone who asks, seems to make it more special when you have a personal touch!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas or Home Alone

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All Year really... excpet this year I am a little behind. I am almost finished though!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yep! Not telling what though, I have a ton of reader that I get gifts for :)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Chocolate Coconut Balls by Cuz and I make every year.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Grandma got run over by a Reindeer... of course

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home & Travel the day after to see my in laws!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I can if I sing the song!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither...

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas with the kiddo but I beg to open gets on Christmas Eve with the hubs!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? SHOPPERS!

23. What I love most about Christmas? Watching people open gifts! I love to see their excitement when they love things!

24. Tradition you've started with your family? We get Travis' picture with Santa on an ornament and also Stockings... we have always been really big into stockings!

Ice Cream for Breakfast?!?!

I can give you a few excuses at why my son is eating Chocolate at 7am... lets see where to start?

1. We have been up since 5am, my judgment is a little off?
2. He has to eat something.... This works!
3. He looks so darn cute with a chocolate goatee?!?

Ahhh, what the heck!
He opened the freezer and pointed to it... I gave in!
Shoot, the kid had surgery yesterday, it was a little bitty procedure, but still he was still put under!
DON'T JUDGE ME!
hahahah

YUMMY!

"Mom, this is soooo good!"

"Wanna Lick?"

"Cheese!"


...and then I had to change him out of that nasty shirt!

Surgery Day...

Today was "TUBES" day!

The alarm beeped... well more like blared at 5am this morning, I jumped out of bed and immediately started getting everything ready.
Gavin adn I got all dressed and ready, had everything in the car and just grabbed Travis out of bed and threw him in the car... He of course woke up immediately and wondered what in the world was going on, but was wonderful!
It took us about 15 minutes to get to the surgery center, not to bad... but I tell you, people that are out at 540 in the morning drive like crazy people!
We got to the hospital and registered, waited for about 20 minutes total and were in our little room .
The nurse came in and took Trav's stats and put bands on us... linking us all together!
Before Travis could even get his cool hospital PJ's on the anesthesiologist was already in the room introducing himself. He had called last night to give me the play by play which calmed me down more then he would ever know!
He was so kind and Travis immediately liked him.
He payed more attention to Travis then to us and told Travis that he was going to bring him a red wagon to play in in a few minutes.

Gigi and I got Travis dressed in his yellow pjs and went about our business before the anesthesiologist came back with the wagon and hung out with Travis for a few minutes...
Travis was not the biggest fan of the wagon but did take a little stroll down the hall way and back.

I had to get a few pictures of Travis with Daddy and Mommy just for future memories!

My eyes were so puffy from crying the night before and being up so early. I have to say I did sleep very well though. I had a KIND friend that I met through designing blogs email me with some kind words and prayer ideas and it just seemed to calm my nerves even more. Man, she was really placed in my life for a reason.

Then there is a picture with Gigi walking down the hallway before Travis went back for surgery.

Travis LOVED the tv in the room...He thought it was the coolest thing ever!