A glutten for punishment

Today was one of those days where I wonder why I even get up.

But I did...

It started off by me getting all the kids dressed and going to town. I dont know what in the heck was wrong with them, but when we went to walgreens they almost drove me crazy. I mean I was literly to the point of yanking down one of their pants and beating them with in an inch of their lives right there. I had to get the pictures out of my camera. We are talking 332 pictures that I hadnt devoloped. well this takes a little while. They got tired of watching Bow IN the buggy so they turned him loose on the unsuspecting public.

Yes, he is cute, until he starts running, squealing, and sampliling all the food on the shelves.

I did manage to get a few good deals, but was NOT able to do my 'shopping'. When we finally left there I was using every threat I was capable of using to settle them down.

It did work, for the most part. We went to walmart next, and they were fairly good. Although Rayley did whine the whole time that she was hungry. I am NOT one of those moms that lets her kids get fast food everytime we go to town. for one, its not good for them, but mostly, do you know what it costs to feed 4 kids at a fast food joint? GEEZE!

So, through walmart we went, with 2 buggies. I have one that I put groceries in, and my coupon binder sits on the part the kid is supposed to sit in. ( I have a nifty little dish drainer I bought to hold my binder there.. I will have to take a pic) The other buggy is to hold the 2 kids that I dont trust to walk. A boy pushes each buggy. This is so I can shop, and to keep them busy.
Matt does have to be in front, because he suffers from HIA and will ram Brett EVERY time we stop. He isnt doing it on purpose, he just doesnt pay attention..

They were pretty good like I said, I got some good after Christmas deals, and it wouldnt have been a bad expeireince had it not been for the whining about food. Both boys would chime in occasionally to ask to eat too.

Now, to preface this next part, both boys have savings accounts. I try to take their money from birthdays and such and put it in there, cause if I dont they will spend it every dime, QUICKLY. or give it away. Right now they both have 50. or so dollars. Matt also has a 10.00 bill floating around here somewhere that he got for Christmas. Brett spent all of his on fireworks. Matt only spent 3.00.

Well the other day I noticed for the 27th time that my laudry detergant was going missing at an alarming rate. So, like all moms, I explained to my kids that I KNEW they were putting in ALOT more than they were supposed to, and knew WHY. They were just doing it to be an ass cause I was making them do laundry. THey both nodded at me, but would never give me an explination. Well I explained to them, that even though I only spend about 2 cents a load, I still dont appriciate them wasting it. (no, I wasnt that nice about it). And I told them that if I caught them doing it again, I would go back to using tide and make THEM pay for it. (1 cup borax, 1 cup baking soda, 1 bar grated ivory soap- use 1/8 cup per load)

AND, I have a 'mommy dearest' pet peeve. I ONLY use plastic hangers. I HATE wire hangers. HATE them. (BR's uniforms come on them every week and he never remembers to take them back, they are all over the place and I am constantly begging him to take them back. )
Anyway, back to my hangers, my children have an absolute disregard for my hangers. THey throw them on the floor, use them as projectiles, step on them, use them to do heaven knows what with, and they break them at an alarming rate. And I told them the other day that I was going to start charging them for each hanger they broke. Actually, I have been saying this for years. But on the marthaton laundry and cleaning day we didnt even have enough to hang up what we did manage to get clean.

Well, the whole time we were shopping Rayley was asking for food, and Brett asked a few times, and Matt took me VERY serious when I said before we got out of the truck that they had one chance to redeem themselves in the store, that if I had to say their names I was going to beat the living daylights out of them when I got them home.

Anyway, Brett finally said that if I would buy him some McDonalds he would pay for my groceries with his money that was in the bank. well, at least once a day I hear him want his money to buy something he saw on TV, or buy something that he and Matt were needing to build some weird crap, or get his money for him so he can buy this or that for someone. It gets old. VERY old.

So, I decided to see if he was bluffing. I told him fine, I would do it.

So, Matt said to me, that if I would buy him McDonalds, he would buy me laundry detergant makings and hangers.

I took them both up on it. The bill was 165.00. So I wiped Brett clean out. and I got 12.00 worth of hangers and only really needed baking soda at 2.50. Matt came out a little better than Brett. And yes, I really am taking their money. They will have to learn. I am not bluffing.

I had told them to make sure and eat before we left. and to bring along a snack. Now, there are times when I will buy them a treat of a fast food meal, BUT, like I said, its expensive. ANd not healthy. ANd they had pissed me off so much at walgreens that I almost could have cared less if they ate for the rest of the day. Possibly lack of nourishment would have kept them functioning at a tolerable level.

But, above all else, I decided that I was all for teaching them a lesson. His 4.00 happy meal cost him 50.00. and yes, it was worth it. Now I dont have to hear him talking about HIS money all the dang time.

My sister in law had called, she asked me to bring her something, so I drove over there once we left walmart, I told the kids to sit tight, not get out and I would be right back. I went up to her room and wasnt up there for 5 minutes. when I came back down I could see Brett running through the yard. My Mother in law, Martha had told them to get out. and then wanted to know if they could stay for a few hours. I told her no. They had groceries to unload, and I was still not sure if I was going to let them survive or just duct tape them up and hide them in the closet for the night.

She had even unloaded Bow. He was PISSED cause I made him get back in the truck. Rayley was crying, Brett was crying, and Matt just was asking if he was still being the best one.

We got home and they helped to unload, I had explained to them on the way home that even if an adult comes out and tells them to get out, unless I tell them, especially after I had already told them NOT to get out they they DONT get out. Once they got done helping me, they took Bow out, cause he refused to stay in and they played in the yard.
Their 'tent' thingy was still set up out there, so they decided they wanted to sleep out there. I said fine. and out they went.
They came in once and I let them have a snack, then they came back in once to get sleeping bags. I told them no. That the tent floor was filthy, and the best I would let them take out there was their jackets. and what they had on.
The next time I saw them it was 7:30. Brett and Matt had on their jackets and underwear. Rayley had on her sweatpants. I asked why they were nekid. The floor was wet, so they used their clothes to wipe it up. They wanted me to turn back on the light. I told them fine, but I wouldnt be leaving it on for long.

BR got home around 8 and they were on the porch laying down. They said the tent was too dark. Rayley was mad, cause she was tired and was trying to sleep in the tent, but they were too scared. So she was in there by herself. They were laid up on a bag of deer corn.

Finally she came inside and said she was 'tired of messing with them, if they were that dumb she was just gona sleep inher tent in her room. I went out and told them at 8:30 to either get in the tent or in the bed. They were NOT sleeping on my porch, under a light.

It took them about 2 seconds to get in the house. I made them go back out to get their clothes and they wanted a flashlight. Finally Rayley went out and got hers. She was tired of messing with them.

they came in, got on some pj's and are currently asleep. I told them they wouldnt last. and since they couldnt even stay 4 feet from the house (you literly trip over the tent when you walk off the porch) to not even ask again.

I also made them put all their clothes in the washer before they went to bed.

Hopefully this will end them begging to sleep outside. They wont even sleep in their rooms half the time. Just the boys, Rayley will use the "I dont feel good" card to try and sleep with me, but never the "I'm scared" card. She has no problems in the dark. Just the boys. and they sleep in the same room!

I asked them why they had the Hoe in the tent. it was to protect them. I reckon incase a really big skeeter decided to attack. The 'rooms' on the tent are maybe 3 1/2 feet. there is NO way they could have swung a hoe. as it was, they had to leave the handle sticking out....

Bow has been asleep since around 6:30. He will wake up occasionally, get in my lap and doze right back off. He didnt get a nap today, so he is tired.

I had tried to get their hair cut today, but the barber shop is closed till the 6th. they go back to school on the 5th and look like wooley mammoths, so BR said he would come home early tomorrow night and cut it for me. I just havent felt like dealing with it lately. They wont sit still and whine while I do it.

I will cut Rayleys though. Although she wants it to stay long. We are still having to try and camoflauge where she cut it a few months ago. I dont know why hers grows so slow and is soooo thin, while theirs grows so fast and is SOOO thick. Its really sad.

Oh and in refrence to a few of the emails that I have gotten today. Yes, that really is me driving the tractor. BR wasnt even home. :) and Yes, its a pretty good tractor, I would recomend it. And the contraption on the back is a log splitter. It was something BR just HAD to have after the huricanne that never was. Since we had over 40 trees down. I think he cut up about 5 of them. The boys were using it the other day to cut up that tree. But I do prefer it to be on there instead of the bushhog. That thing makes more racket than a bucket of bolts rolling down a hill.

And Thanks to those that emailed Dave. Or better yet, those that are calling him. My friend is having a bad time of it right now. They literly have no money coming in. and things are starting to be turned off. If he could get back on the road they could save themselves from ruin. I know that we all know someone in their shoes, circumstances are killing everyone. But this is a perfect example of what happens when business' are allowed to thumb their nose at people.

Fireworks, blackeyed peas and Cabbage.

its been a while..

But I have been busy...

Things I have learned this week:

I am convinced that koolaid is a drug that eats more braincells than crack.

wrapping paper multiplies and hides everywhere. I will still be finding it in June.

CHildren use their dirty clothes to make their beds monsterproof. They shove it up under there so nothing else will fit.

Bow will eat anything, even if it does try to eat him first. (I caught him with a spoon outside eating dirt by the spoonful and gagging everytime he put it in his mouth)

My children will be MORE courious about explosives after refreshing their memory on how fun fireworks are...

Rayley is going to be bald if Brett keeps combing her hair.

I will NEVER make my New YEars resolutions stick. I just dont have the willpower.

People should have to take a rudeness test before getting their licence, if they are incapable of allowing someone in, or insist on always pushing their own way through, they should be banned from getting behind a wheel.



On Monday I decided to take the kids to Lufkin, try and get the boys boots exchanged. They have a larger Baskins Dept. Store there. PLus I had to get groceries for the party Wend. night.

We arrived at Baskins, and they said no problem, go and find what you want. So back we went. They had at least 50 pairs of womens boots in every color of the rainbow, and 200 pairs of mens boots, in colors I didnt even know were in the rainbow. I looked everywhere for the youth boots. they had maybe 5 pair. the 2 that the boys got, and 3 pair of just plain ole brown ones. Baskins wouldnt give us back anything except a giftcard since they were bought on a credit card. the boys were just stuck. Of course the smart eleck girl behind the counter said "well, you can buy them toys, or clothes on the card and go elsewhere and buy the boots" right, like I have 75.00 per kid to just throw around...

Traffic was atrocious, and there was this one very rude woman who I swear had the same agenda as I did. After about 3 times of her either cutting in front of me, or cutting off a car I was letting in, I finally decided to use the full size of my truck to my advantage. She sure can cuss, but when I offered to get out and opened the door she left...


Then we went to Cavenders, another western store. THey actually sold the same pair of boots that Brett had, and so they were willing to take his in trade for a differnt pair. I had went there to return the first pair of boots I bought Rayley last week, before I found the fat babies on clearance. So, BRett went to find himself a pair. Matt would have to either a) keep his, or b) we would go to baskins and special order him a pair. As we were back there and BRett was picking out his boots, Matt fell in love with a pair. They are exactly like I had gotten Rayley (yes, I had gotten her boy boots, but they were light green on top, and she would never know) SO, I told Matt that I would trade the ones I got Rayley, for a pair to fit him, forgo my cash back, and trade his in, get Rayley a belt and maybe BR a few shirts.
He was great with that. SO we found his size. they had a 2. it wasnt as loose as I wanted, just slightly bigger than his foot, he would be out of them in 2 weeks. But he begged. he LOVED them. I relented, they will stretch some.

We went up to check out. and thats when Matt said "OH NO!!"
I asked what.
he wouldnt tell me.

He wispered it to Brett.
Brett wouldnt tell me.
Finally after me asking about 80 times Matt admited to me that the heel was coming off his boot. He was heartbroken, it was the ONLY 2, the biggest size they had and NOTHING else there was remotly what he wanted. PERIOD.

While we were trying on the boots, the sales girl had leaned over and was checking Bretts boot, well Rayley was standing beside her, and saw something, so she lifted up her shirt to see the rest of her tatoo. I couldnt help but laugh. I did tell her that was wrong, but still, it was funny.

SO then, I had to exchange Bretts, exchange Rayleys for Matts, and then exchanges Matts for a pair they were going to order for me. In a 2 1/2.

He was disapointed but handled it well.

We went on and shopped for food. I had to buy enough for like 15 adults and 5 kids. We just did the easy stuff, hamburgers, sausages and boudan.

The kids just about drove me batty in the store. I had 2 buggies, one for groceries and one for kids. Brett pushed one, Matt pushed the other and they kept switching. They do this crap to confuse me. They KNOW I confuse them easy, and I would pick up something, hand it to Brett and say "put this in your buggy" "But I'm Matt", well crap, "Brett put this in your buggy" "are you sure?"
"Yes"
"wont Rayley smush it or Bow eat it if its in here?"
"YOU were just pushin the food buggy"
"I know, I got bored so we switched"

GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRr

OH and please explain to me, how do you go pee when you have a 8 and a 10 year old boy? Or even assuming I can hold my bladder for a 7 hour marathon shoppin trip (remember I have had 4 kids, so thats not happening), what if Princess Criesalot has to? I cant take THEM in with me, cant leave them OUTSIDE the bathroom in a large, unfamilier city, Cant tell her (OR me for that matter) to hold it... what is the rule for that? Cause I didnt get the chapter on it in the mommy book.

then Tuesday we spent ALL day cleaning. and I do mean ALL day. I bet there was 15 loads of laundry done. and as soon as I got to the bottom of it, the kids miracalously found more. Plus we picked up the living room and I spring cleaned the kitchen. THE MINUTE I got it done, someone gave Bow some chips to keep him quiet. They ended up all over my floor. THEN, I had to cook supper, another mess. I ran the dishwasher 4 times that day, and again yesterday.

I am not sure what a house with out a major applience running sounds like, but I would like to find out. Thats why I always have the TV going, to drown out the sound of water running. cause if it aint the dishwasher, its the washing machine and dryer, or BOTH.



When BR got home we had to run and get fireworks. We had to drive 20 miles to get them, ONE way. I wish I had the money to get a stand going. I really do. It wouldnt take much, and I KNOW I could make it back with NO problem. I could make it back, and enough to buy MORE for the next time, AND have a profit. I just need the seed money.

The way our New Years and July 4th partys work is each of BR's siblings (there is Lisa, Luke, and Toby plus their families) all bring some fireworks. My mother and BR's parents come over and if things go well for me, someone else always has Bow, so I dont have to entertain him. Last night was such a night.

Anyway, BR went to work on Wend. and we didnt know when he would be done, so there was a chance I would have to do the BBQin. Not what I wanted to do. Luckily he did get home before anyone started to arrive, of course he also had to change the hydrolic oil in his tractor. ( I am still not sure why that had to be done right then.... ) He got done and got out of the shower just as the first ones were driving up.

We all ate, and then it was time for the fireworks. The guys act like kids. I swear, I really dont know who to keep a better eye on, the grown ups or the kids. The kids LIVE for the roman candles and various mini fireworks. The big kids try to get the roman candles BEFORE the kids do, and love the mortar rounds, and all those other big box things.

I just stay out of it, or more often than not, I end up being stuck unwrapping the stuff and unwinding the cords. Plus since I have a lighter everyone runs to me to get a sparkler lit, or a roman candle.

Everyone left a little before midnight. Lisa and Gavin didnt get in here till around 7, he is a truck driver too, but has a dedicated run to New Orleans everyday, so his schedule is set, but never consistant. ABout the same as BR and Luke, he just has the potential to get stuck further from home cause of some stupid crap.

Not that BR's job has less stupid crap, he just doesnt venture far from home most of the time.

Toby, the baby brother got hired on to work out there with BR and Luke yesterday too.
So there was lots of truck drivin talk around the bonfire that night. which is fine, although its not near as interesting as when they all worked at the state prison.

Anyway, we enjoyed the fireworks, Had fun visiting, and are looking forward to the 4th of July. But I hope we can do the wholesale thing. It would be nice to get more fireworks, and spend less money.

I am including some pics, of course the fireworks ones are not great, but I took them and you are obligated to look.






Rayley loves her 'preditor sticks' as she calls them. They shoot them into the trees and it really does look like the movie.



Bow and his Aunt Amanda - No telling what she was telling him.



This is BR teaching the boys something. I am afraid to know what.. But I am sure I will hear about it. Hopefully not from the school...










Today BR called me, said it was supposed to rain today and it might be a good idea if all the debris was burned. I took the hint, and the last pics are ones that Brett took while I was working my butt off.
I know now, why BR is so adement about always using the tractor for everything. Sitting up there, giving directions is about the easiest job in the world. It was nice to make the boys take my place and do all the hard work. I always KNEW I was the one working the hardest, but when we would put in a full day he would still talk about being tired, and muscles hurting and such... I reckon that was an act.

Notice the pic of the kids all hanging off the tractor? Brett wasnt up there at the time of course, but we sure did look like the Marcell Ledbetters clan headed to town. (if you have never heard Jerry Clower talk about his cousin, you HAVE to look it up. )

Bow insists on driving, he doesnt help matters, and Rayley is so tiny that you are scared to hit a good bump for fear that she will go flying at any second. I have seen her do it while riding with my grandfather in his mule or my great uncle on his golf cart. Its really comical to see her loose all gravity and end up on the ground.

We had a pretty good bonfire going with all the boxes from the fireworks and such, it took me 3 loads to get it all to the stump I was piling it on.

And Bow has fiqured out that the joystick will move the bucket. He was constantly grabbing for the dang joystick!






Can you see Bow's face when I am dumping the load? He was really enjoying himself!







At one point, there was a small ring of fire coming out and licking at the dry grass, (you can see there in the bottom right of the picture) I told Matt to go and stomp it out, he was wearing boots and myself, I just had on crocs. (smart move on my part)
while I sat on the tractor, (BR style), he went to do my bidding, (michelle style), He got up to it and realized how hot it was, finally he went to it and about the time he stomped his foot on it, a unpopped firework, a perfect ball of green fire, came shooting out, right at him.
I have never seen a white kid jump that high, that fast or hold air that long. When he finally came down to earth, and got his breath, he realized what happened. I was about to fall smooth off the tractor from laughing at him.

So he walked back over, and went to stomping. this time more cautiously. Then 3 brightly colored balls of flame came at him in quick succession. If he could run the bases that fast he would NEVER be called out.

By then I was lauging so hard I couldnt breathe. The pop was loud, and it did scare the crap out of both of us, him more than me I think. I was lauging so hard I couldnt get the tractor started to move it to safer ground. and he was shaking so bad he couldnt hang on to ride to safer ground.

Finally we stoped laughing, and he took Bow inside while I made sure nothing else would catch on fire and parked the tractor. Bow was disapointed that his driving was over. That child LOVES to ride the tractor.

Once our cleanup was over the kids and I came in and they helped me make cornbread, Black eyed peas and cabbage with sausage. That was our New Years supper and hopefully we will benefit from its supersticious folklore. I am all for more money and luck.

I have done pretty good on my New Years resolution. I havent smoked a pack of cigerettes today. Just a few. Unfortunatly, I found a pack yesterday that I didnt know I had. I had bought just enough to last me till last night. But since I had these I couldnt resist. I will try harder tomorrow.

Here are some pics from Christmas morning, sorry I didnt get them up till now, its just such a PITA to do pics.. LOL





Nothing like a princess with a loaded weapon!
and do you notice the concentration on Bretts face?



Oh and before I close. I have a friend who could use a little web community intervention. Long story short, She and her husband decided to risk it all and buy an 18 wheeler. They have paid on this thing till they only have 4 months left. Meaning he has worked his butt off. He drives over the road, and thats alot of time to not be with your wife and kids.

Anyway, A few months ago, the clutch went out, not a huge deal, you expect stuff like that, so they had money put back to fix it, he had it done here in Texas (1700.00). Then he headed off to New Jersey. He gets there and the clutch goes out again. Well the Texas Company wont fix it unless he comes back here with it, hard to do when you are in NJ. so he found a freightliner shop up there, they fixed it, and he had to pay them (2500.00) Then he came back home ready for another run, and it went BACK out. come to find out NJ had let an inexpeirienced mechanic 'fix' it, and now its gona cost 7000.00 to get it right. there is SUPPOSED to be a warrenty on the repair job, BUT NJ wont do a thing, so I'd like to see if everyone can call, or email or write to this company and Dave, the service manager.

This man managed to survive everything from a hellacious truck payment, to 4.00 a gallon deisel, to various repairs and even illness to be FOUR months from paying off his truck. Now he is going to loose it. He has spent his entire savings to work towards owning his own truck, spent years away from his family and is now with in a few months of being able to be home with his family with a truck he OWNS, but has exhausted his repair savings, and is now out of a job. He cant work with out a truck, and he is their only income.
He doesnt want a handout. He just wants the truck fixed, like he was promised would be done. Its a long way from Texas to New Jersey. He cant just take it back up there to have them look at it. It wont run. Any new job he gets will keep him from home even more, and he had really planned on stopping the Over the ROad driving when the truck note was paid off. He was going to get a dedicated run and be home with his family.

So, just write or call and tell Dave to do the right thing. To please fix Leslie Neal's truck. Vin number G51486

Toll FREE phone number:

1-800-300-5293 speak to DAVE the service manager...


Email addy for dave:

davecejnowski@qstarliner.com


snail mail addy for dave...

ATTN: DAVE service manager

41 public RD
Monroe township, NJ
08831

Thank Y'all for doing this. I appriciate it, and I know the Neal's will.

Finally I am catching up!!

ACK! Last night I was all set blog, and BR called, he had to leave his truck at the yard, and I had to go and get him.

when we got home, I was trying to set up my face book page, and I started naming off people that we knew and hadnt seen in years that were on there. He said "set me up one of them"

SO I spent the rest of the night setting his up. It was funny when I tried to link his and mine through marriage, it said "we will check with Billy to verify this" or somesuch.

Then he had to confirm that we were married.

ANyway, thats what I did all night, set him up a facebook page.

SO, Christmas morning. as you know, I had kept the kids awake ALL night, hoping they would sleep till at least 9.

Then I put on the turkey, laid down and Bow woke up. I finally got him back to sleep and BR called at 5 to make sure I had put in the turkey. I checked on it, and it was good, laid back down. 5:30 the alarm went off for me to check on the turkey.. I got up and turned it off. Then at 6, I was back up checking again.

shortly there after the boys woke me up saying "OOOHHHHHH MY GOD! LOOK AT ALL THAT!!"
I told them they couldnt open ANYTHIN until their dad got home, and so they sat down. I rolled over for a little more shut eye. Then I hear rattiling.. Matt was checking out what was over there.

I got up, BRett was already back asleep.

I tried to keep Matt occupied, finally we went in there and started peeling taters. We peeled a 10 lb sack, then I put them on to boil.

FInally we heard the 18 wheeler horn, BR was passing by on his way to park his truck at my grandfathers.

Around that time my mother called. "what time are you coming?" I told her I had no idea, BR wasnt even home for them to open their gifts, and we still had a fwe things to do before we left, I was still cooking the taters.
well she had a pie to make, wanted to get dressed, and a few other things. I told her that we had to be at Amanda's by noon, so we would be there shortly after 11. and to go ahead and get ready, bake her pie and we would be there after the kids got their presents.
She wasnt happy with this. I could tell it in her voice. But I couldnt help it. Its not fair to the kids to have to jump up from opening their gifts to get dressed and go somewhere else.

The kids were THRILLED with their stuff. THey LOVED the nerf guns Martha and Elray gave them. And Rayley got a little laptop. I havent gotten a second to look at it, its impossible to do anything when Bow is around. He wont let you. They got socks and underwear in their stockings, and a quick release for their yet to be opened Bows.

Rayley got alot of barbies, the boys some matchbox cars, and then I gave the big packages. no two were wrapped alike. So you couldnt tell they were all the same.

Matt got into his first, and started screaching. Then Brett got into his. He just stood there with a shocked look. Rayley finally got into hers. They went crazy!

BR got a # 1 dad cap from Matt, a money clip from Brett and a Ted Nugent book from Santa.

I got, a picture frame from Brett, a Dallas Cowboys sticker from Matt and a pearl necklace set from Santa. I was thrilled. I had wanted these pearls when I saw them. THey are beautiful


Once we were done opening gifts we had to get the apple pie ready, everyone had to get dressed and I had to finish the tater salad. and it was already 10:15! The kids couldnt play with anything because we HAD to get ready to go, we had a stop to make before we could go to Amanda's.

I managed to get it all done, got everyone dressed and got dressed myself. I was carrying out the turkey and managed to spill the juice all the way down my arm, my pants leg and into my shoe. Unfortnatly, it was my NEW pants. the ONLY clean ones I had (remmeber, I have 2 pair that fit) and everyone was waiting. So I went and found something else to put on. then finished loading the truck, we were finally on our way!

We got to mothers and she wasnt happy with the fact that it was already 11:30. We really had to be at Amanda's by noon. And I dont like to be late. Matter of fact, I despise being late. I absolutly hate it, I know that some people dont mind, or even think its cute, but I cant handle it. PERIOD.

there the boys got their target, and a tent thingy for outside, its more of a play tent, and Rayley got a barbie tent, and a sleeping bag, and the boys got some stocking stuffers and Bow got his jacket. Oh and Rayley got her skates. Not just normal rollar skates, but roller blades. She wanted to use them right then. Sorry, when you live in the country there is no where to use them. Heck half our carports consist of a dirt floor...

Oh and Brett got an alarm clock that he had asked for. Currently its going off and agervating the crap out of me. and Matt got a digital camera. its shaped like a pen. But you have to hook it up to the computer to get the pictures off it.
Dont know how he is going to manage that...

I know she was disapointed when we had to leave so quickly, and I wish she had been able to come over and them open her gifts when they opened Santa. Then she could have played with them for a little while before we had to go.

We managed to get to Amanda's a little after 12. I walked in and Martha had already made a plate. I had the dadgum turkey with me. SHe was tired of waiting, as I am sure everyone else was too.

We had a very good meal, and the kids opened their presents from Aunt AManda and Uncle Luke. The boys got a coon skin hat and Rayley got tutu's and a headband.
then Brett and Matt went out with their daddy and started shooting their bows. They didnt do bad. Secially for it to be their first time to ever shoot one. Rayley went out and shot hers some too. She was able to hit the target.


Amanda did let Rayley put on the skates, and she managed to do pretty good, in the 4 square foot area that was avalible to skate in. mostly she shuffled her feet twice and fell into who ever was in front of her. I am afraid she will be very disapointed in her riding time. cause there is no where to go to wear these, AND I cant afford to be driving her to the skating rink every week. Its sad, but I made all of this quite plain before they were bought.

the older boys and the uncles and BR stayed outside almost the whole day, BR felt like death warmed over, between working all night and being awake all day he had a cold from hell. He was constanly sneezing and coughing. This weather is hell on alergies. But they played with the bows and had lots of fun. I knew it wouldnt take long before Luke and Brett were betting money and challenging each other. and I was right.. Brett came runing in the house and said " I owe Uncle Luke 5.00 can you pay him?" I dont know what the bet was, but Brett had lost.. the next time I went out they were challenging each other to shots. seeing who could make it and who wouldnt.

When we left there we came home, settled in and tried to relax. It wasnt long before BR was snoring. He had taken some cold meds and was out like a light. The kids were watching a John Wayne movie and Rayley had been kidnapped by my sister in law suzie. Last time I had talked to them, they were bringing her home the next morning.

Then around 9 car lights showed up. It was BR's sister Lisa, she hadnt made it to dinner and was coming with her 2 girls to deliver presents. Lisa works nights at a hospital and so she gets very little sleep. Come to find out she went to sleep Christmas morning and didnt wake up till the afternoon. Her kids are all pretty much grown so they were okay with waiting till that night to open gifts.

She had seen Rayley at my mother in laws and given her a gift, it was princess make up I think. Then she came over here and gave the boys one and Bow. Bow got a car stearing wheel that makes all kinds of racket. Before it was even out of the box he was going at it! He LOVES it!!

Brett and Matt got a nerf tag thing. guns and bullets and vests and you shoot each other. Brett was going crazy and trying to wake up Matt. He wanted to play with it so bad. Matt slept right through it all.

Lisa and I visited for a while, and when she was leaving she said something about New Years. Luke had been to her house earlier and they had discussed hamburgers and hotdogs and fireworks. I told her we would be ready for everyone.

I went the next day and bought the sausages to cook, some boudan and will go back later for the buns, each family buys alot of fireworks and we all get together and pop them.

Rayley came home last night. She was very good according to my reports. Matter of fact, Suzie wants to steal her. Apparently she doesnt whine at other peoples houses. and when they went to get Suzies daughter from her grandmothers they stopped for a soda, everyone put in their order and then they asked Rayley, she said in her perfect Texas Drawl, "do you reckon they might have a sprite in there?"

She was very polite and easy going while she was gone. Once she got home she wanted to set up her tent. so we put it up in her bedroom floor. She then got in with her sleeping bag and went to sleep. She seems to like it pretty well.

She slept with all her new barbies and her laptop, that we STILL dont know how to use, since the instructions were thrown away, and her skates.

We cant set the tents up outside, and the boys is really really long, its like 3 tent things put toghether. But its been rainy and nasty for over a week. and its promising to rain and be nasty for another week.

Plus, once the tents go outside, they cant come back in, they will be dirty and sandy. As it stands I have already had to call them down from fighting IN the tent, piling a sleeping bag ONTOP of the tent, and were trying to see how dark they could make it in there.

I give the barbie tent 1 week. The boys tent less than that once they set it up.


My post should end here. But I have to tell you about this 'encounter' I had today.

I had to take BR to work, its about 8 miles down the road, it was a little after 9am.

About a mile from the house I came across a great pyranies and a brown puppy in the road, just standing there. I honked and they just stood there. So BR was in a hurry and I noticed a driveway right past them. I went on to take him to work and on my way back prayed they hadnt been hit and I would see if they lived in that house.

I drove up and these people had these 3 ankle biters, they all came rushing at my truck. It wasnt a long driveway, but a very secluded one. just a pig trail pretty much with trees and bushes on each side, like they had cut it out of the woods. Well anyway, this white dog came running for the front of my truck, a spotted one stayed up by their house sorta, and a brown mop thing ran past me. I couldnt see the white dog and was looking for it. I drive a HUGE truck, on top of it being a one ton, its a 4 wheel drive. and 4 door. but anyway, its big. So I am looking watching for this white dog and I hear yipping. like being ate by a wild dog yipping. The brown one had ran past me and was on the edge of the driveway about 10 feet behind my truck.

Then the white one runs to it. So its safe, I pulled on up and a man and a woman came out. I asked them if they had a great pyranease dog (yes I know, I am mispelling that) or a brown dog, he kinda shakes his head no and she just looks at me like I am crazy, then She takes off running past me and points her finger at me and says "lady dont you move that damn truck!".
He is hollering at her "its the collar shocking him" "he went too far again" She is acting like I had hit the dang dog. I asked "do you know who they belong to. they are on the road" "Get that damn truck out of here and dont EVER come back". So I said "Lady, I hope that its never YOUR freakin dog that someone is trying to save" He is just shaking his head the whole time and telling her that its the collar.

SO I left there, before I exploded infront of my kids. and went to the next house. It wasnt hers either, but she was more than willing to help me find the owners. I told her that was okay, I would stop at one more house and then head home. When I went back out of her driveway the brown dog was running across the road and hopefully headed home.

This used to be a close knit community, unfortunatly, people that are not from here have moved in and make it so noone wants to know you anymore. I talked to a friend and she told me that we knew this lady from when we both worked at the general store out here. Apperantly she is quite the crazy person. I dont know how someone hasnt already shot her. Or at least whooped the hell out of her.

The other lady was nice though. Even though I have never seen her in my life.

I have a feeling I will be meeting them again. We own some land behind my mother in laws. Its landlocked and in a bagual (baygall...bagall...Dont know how to spell that), and aside from hunting in there, there aint much you can do with it, it does have a creek running through it. Anyway, my sister in law and brother in law went to hunt it this year and there were 4 wheeler trails all over it. Well, the witches land butts right up to it. BR and I had planned to follow the trails and see who we came up to, so we could ask them to stay off our property, but we just never got the chance. We did find where they were using a climbing stand on the property too. So noone wants to hunt out there till it gets settled. and we cant go a lookin to see who it is till hunting season is over. Before that it was just too dang hot.

anyway, thats been my day. Or my 3 days.
The kids enjoyed Christmas, my house is a COMPLETE wreck. Not with toys and such, but with the boxes, and wrapping and all of that.
And it took me a good 2 hours to clean the kitchen. I have the kids cleanin Rayleys room right now. They are NOT doing anything but playin. and locking each other in the tent.

I am sure I have something around here that will get their attention....
OH crap, I forgot to put the pictures on my computer.. I will have to do that later. I am too lazy right now..

Merry Christmas!!

Okay, I have lots to blog about. and will do that tomorrow.

I am just tired. plumb wore out. I went to bed after 3:30 last night and was up by 5:30. Plus, my kitchen is an absolute disaster, I mean, everything that can be dirty is. And the sad thing is: NONE of it will fit in the dishwasher, its all big pots and pans and bowls, and such. NOTHING I can just shove in!! :(
SO, I would feel REALLY guilty if I sat here and blogged instead of cleaning that up.

Really I would.

We did have a fun day. Oh there were a few tense moments. But all in all we had a great day, and the kids were so good!!

I did get this in email, and thought I would be lazy today and use it as my post. (cause of the kitchen and all)

Two names you go by: only 2!!!!
I fiqured to keep this PG rated, so I went with 2 safe ones.. I had chelle on the first, but we all know I go by that... so...

1. Michelle (gotcha with that one didnt I?)
2. Sunshine (yes, and its not used sarcasticaly either... go fiqure)


Two things you are wearing right now
I was thisclose to writing "socks" But, decided to forgo the sarcasm.. its Christmas afterall...

1. T-shirt that says "Annoying the world one person at a time"
2. sleep pants

Two of your favorite things to do.
1. play on the puter

2. visit with family and friends


Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. Be out of debt (ever heard of a PIPEDREAM?)
2. a clean house (yep, another one...)

Two favorite pets you have had/have:
1. Foxy (my first dog)
2. Duke (My first kid... He is still with us)

Two people who will send this back completed:
1. uhhhhhh.... Karen (by blog is fine :) )

2. Tara (you too....)

Two things I did last night:
1. Played Santa (but you already know this :) )
2. Stayed up all night watching movies with my kids (you know, you might know too much about me....)


Two things you ate today:
1. Turkey

2. Ham
(Didnt everyone??, no, I didnt ONLY eat meat, but it was mostly what I ate.. I was in a carnavorious mood today...)

Two people you last talked to:
1. BREttMatt (they are pretty much one.. or at least they function on the same brain.... or half a brain... )

2. BR (matter of fact, I am talking to him right now, its telepathic, but we have been married so long I just KNOW he knows what I am saying, he is just ignoring me.... Cause I am tellin him to quit snoring!)


Two things you plan on doing tomorrow:
1. Cleaning my house
2. blogging


Trips taken in the last five years:
1. Cisco Texas, evacuation (for Rita)
2. uhhhh, Does Lufkin count? (I know its only like 40 miles.. But diesel is high as a cats back... )


Two favorite holidays:
1. Halloween
2. Christmas

Yep, opposite ends of the spectrum.. What can I say, I am a christain heathen...


Favorite beverages:
1. Dr Pepper

2. some kind of latte thing.. its got 5 expressos, 1/4 cup of steamed milk and 1/4 cup of sugar. I think its called a latte...



Alright, thats it.

Tomorrow I promise you will hear about all the things I twittered about today. WHAT? you didnt see my twitters?? awwww come on!! I am at www.twitter.com/chellebyerly . Its really kinda fun, and you can do it from your 'puter, dont have to use a cell phone. You'd be amazed at how neat it is to just be able to get some things off your chest! :)

But, like one of them old sitcoms, I will close with :

" DOnt miss tommorows episode where our heroine reflects back on a hectic, but fun, Christmas morning, a driveby visit with mom, the attack of the anti-theft device, and entertaining idiots, one arrow at a time! We hope you had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, and want to Thank you for your continued support. As always this episode was filmed infront of a live studio audiance.

No animals were harmed in the making of this episode"

Christmas Eve Gift

I have to type fast. I am exhausted.

Santa still hasnt came, and cant till the kids fall asleep. its currently 1:24am.

BUT the kids are awake causeI made them. Seriously.

See, BR decided last night that he was going to go and put in his 8 hours starting at midnight tonight. be home by 8. Well, my kids wake up unassisted by 6:30 max. SO, I have to keep them awake for a while.

The bad thing is, he WONT be home by 8. He has to work 8 hours. He will be home before 9. IF he is starting at midnight. Sadly, he didnt start at midnight. He came home from working today around 3:30. SO then he was up for a little while, then went in to take a nap. Set his alarm for 11:15. It went off till 12:45. I did go and wake him at 11:30. He rolled over and hit snooze. So, now he wont be home for hours. And I have to fiqure out how to keep kids who are sure to wake up BEFORE 9:30, away from their gifts.

AND, I have a FULL day. Its one of those "hurry up and wait" days.

We did get the lemon cake done tonight. Matt made it. And BRett made the PUnkin Pie. They both turned out great. I still have the tater salad, and the Turkey. Which means I have to be up at 5am to do those.

AND once the kids DO get up, they have to hurry and unwrap their Santa presents and those from my inlaws, so they can go to my mothers, unwrap hers, and then we can load up and go to my sister in laws. Luckily everyone is close. BUT it would be nice to not have to do all of that BEFORE 11:30. Specially since they are not going to sleep till 2.

Rayley has been asleep. Since around 11:00. So I am afraid she will be up with the crack of dawn.

I would just lay down and take a quick nap, but what if I oversleep and Santa doesnt come before the kids wake up? I cant send them back to bed for a do over..

I am just VERY thankful that my Mother in law brought over the kids presents. Thats one less house I have to venture out to. Of course she will be at Amandas. But still.

they came over tonight. My inlaws, and mother. I had made chili, but somehow, for the first time in my life I screwed it up so bad it was not ediable. I kid you not. And you CANT screw up chili. or at least not the kind I make. ANd its not the fact that I invited people over that couldnt eat supper cause there was none that bothers me. Its the fact that I made 8 pounds of meat to go in it. That plus the spices makes it 35.00 worth of slop... I am HIGHLY agetated about that!

And before you ask, yes, Christmas Eve 'family time' was just what I was expecting.
I was about to hyperventalate before it was over.

Oh here is the picture that I managed to get.
well both of them...




I am not happy. I would like, just once to have a nice picture of them all. Smiling, sitting up strait, looking at the camera.

When Matt put in his cake, I had made it into a bundt cake, and it overflowed. ALL over the bottom of the stove! It smelled like I was sacrificing lemons for a good 3 hours.

The boys and I did have fun tonight. We ate popcorn, drank sodas and watched the Santa Clause 2 and 3.

Before that we went to the Greats houses (my 2 great aunts) And gave them their gifts. They also got a few little things. We visited with them and went by my Grandfathers. I really miss spending Christmas with him. But its hard to go for Christmas dinner in a house you dont feel comfertable in. Its like knocking on a strangers door and inviting yourself in. I dont even like for my kids to open their fridge. And thats NOT the kind of family we have ever been. When they go to a greats house, one gets bowls, one gets the ice cream, and the other gets spoons. They are comfertable there. Which is how it should be.

At my grandfathers they got their boots, and Rayley got some new clothes. She will be able to wear them next winter if she gains a little weight. But thats cool, its school clothes I dont have to buy!

OH and she DID ask about her boots today!! I assured her that Santa knew, and was working overtime to get her size. I just PRAY they fit!!

The boys decided they wanted me to exchange their boots for ones with more loud tops. They both got a brown upper and a redish boot top. They want a flashier color. I told them not to just pick what ever was there. That we could find something else. But they NEVER listen. SO of course that means dear old mom gets to do MORE returns!!

I just checked. its 1:44 and the boys are already out. So I shut the door. The way our house is, their rooms are RIGHT off the living room. meaning you can see right in here.

I shut their door, I will give them a few more minutes and then try to get stuff in here. This is the scariest part. I always dread it. What if they catch me? I dont want to be caught. That is my BIGGEST fear!!

I guess its been the biggest fear of folks for years though.

And I just KNOW I will wake up Bow. I stupidly got him to sleep on the floor and hes RIGHT in front of the tree.

Well its 2:22 and I am DONE. I got it all out, I think... I hope.. LOL

And BR called. He told me that under NO circumstances were we to leave the house on Christmas next year. PERIOD. He said they could come over. They could even be here at dawn to see what Santa brought, but any family that wants us on Christmas is coming to OUR house. Its not fair on the kids, and its not fair to me. (wow... That last part shocked me)
He said if all works out and we have the room built, that I can host it again, but even if not, he would NOT allow the kids to leave all their stuff next year. I am quite sure this will piss off someone. But, oh well.. and I agree. They know who gave them something, even if that someone is NOT handing it to them, saying "I GAVE THIS TO YOU".

Oh, and I put in the Turkey. And now I am going to sleep :) The alarm is set for 5:30. and thats 3 hours.

I just pray he comes home before they wake up... I really do!!



Oh and here is your bit of Trivia for the day :)

IN my family, for my whole life, its been a game to try and call family members and be the first to say "Christmas Eve Gift", if you are able to be the first to say it, then the person you said it to owes you a little gift. Nothing big, nothing fancy, just something :)

I got got today. I was not thinking, I had already anwsered my phone about 7 times saying "Christmas Eve Gift" 3 of them were recordings, a few were bill collectors, and one was a wrong number. None of them gave me anything... Then my Aunt called me! She got me!

Anyway, its a tradition, My granparents have done it forever, they did it before phones, when you had to walk to someones house to tell them "CHristmas Eve Gift"

So, although mine to you is a little late, I did still get you :)

I hope yours is MErry, Full of love and laughter and you are able to remember it for many years to come. Good Night and God Bless!

Just some needless facts... with a little drama thrown in for good measure.

I dont know if I will have anything blogworthy happen today.

The kids stayed last night at Mothers and are still not home. So I am wrapping presents and cleaning.

Well I was. Bow is tired, but I am trying to wean him, and he WILL NOT go to sleep with out nursing. So for over an hour he has screamed and cried, and kicked and headbutted me, and will not quit. I have put him on the floor, walked around, tried to clean, sat down, tried to work on the computer, it doesnt matter he is in my lap throwing hisself everywhere, kicking and screamin. He wont take a sippy, He wont eat, he just is literly making himself sick by screaming. Not even any tears. If I get up he follows me and clings to me and falls down and knocks things over and bascily is a pain in the rear.

BUT, I was thinkin back to the other night. when BR watched Jeremiah Johnson, and we thought Dale Que had a large vocal resembalance to Yukon Cornielious.

SO I decided to google Yukon cornielieous and Dale Que. Looking for some pertenant information, and attempting to gleen some intelegence off the world wide web. Instead, guess what came up as the 4th site?? THIS ONE!!
I kid you not!

NOw, I know that I can put in Bowdrie and Rayley and this is the ONLY site that comes up. How can you expect anything else to come up? I mean who else has kids named Bowdrie adn Rayley? But to put in something off the wall like that and me to come up is soo cool.

SO I got to wonderin, I wonder what else brings up my site? WOuldnt it be neat if a tracker would tell you that?
Then I remembered the tracker at the bottom, it will tell you that!! whoo-hoo!!

Here are a few things that folks used to get here. I doubt many stayed. but if you did find me while searching out some very important matter and decided to stay and read me, Thank you :) If you found me, didnt like me and left, who cares, you aint readin this noway..



Now most folks come from my signature lines at various websites I frequent. That makes sense.

3 came from facebook, I dont know how.. unless I have a facebook page.. It seems like I might, but if I do, I never go there... dont even know the account name.. maybe I should try to find that...


But here are my 'search engine wars'

distr.batless ignition
I dont even know what this means... I am courious to see where this seach took them... which post talks about batless ignitions? I am pretty sure my ignition doesnt have a bat, and if it did, I dont want to know..

blog are they asleep yet
Well, that just makes perfect sense!! :) But I am betting they were not just randomly searching, more than likely they had lost my address...

peanut butter moms prefer commercial
Alright, I prefer Jiff, but buy my kids what evers on sale with a coupon. They dont have the refined taste buds to make informed decisions...

agervating while trying to go to bed
I hope they wernt looking for parenting advice when they clicked here. I have none. Although a good threat sometimes followed up by the action does seem to work every once in a while...

teething table
Do they sell these? Cause I just let Bow use the coffee table we already had...

santas toyhouse
Ahhhh, not sure they got what they were looking for here. But its definatly "santa's crazy house"

absolute confinement
Is this legal? seriously, cause I would like to check into it..

pictures of pulling horses with a catapiller tractor
I am FAIRLY certain this is HIGHLY illegal.. Matter of fact some dude in Beaumont recently got in lots of hot water for dragging his horse behind his truck... I really hope I am not advocating this.. OH wait, I dont have a catapiller tractor.
Catipiller dosent even make tractors.. They make equiptment. and truck engines.. but I aint never seen no bright yeller tractor.. of course it could be like a deisel toyota.. you only see them overseas... sorry, I got lost.. back to your regularly scheduled BS post.. I HAVE seen horses pulling out hopelessy mired equiptment, but I have never blogged about it.
I dont think...

couponcircle.com
I do talk about my coupons alot. So I can see this coming up..

girls made the boys strip
Hmmmm.. not sure where this one was going.. unless it had to do with a muddy day and my kids tracking it in...

anything less is uncivilized commercial
ahhh my kids being able to quote commercials has given me noteriety...

forrest gump my mom always said life is like
... a box of chocolates.. yes she did..

horney mother in laws
okay, who ever is looking this up is sick.. a bubble off plumb.. and in desperate need of an intervention. and I really dont think I have ever used the word Horney on my blog. Is that even spelled right? I thought it was Horny. either way, I dont know if my MIL is, and dont plan on asking her. I doubt she would be happy knowing that folks on the web are wondering either...

if frogs had wings, and snakes had hair,
Then there would be more species that PETA wants us to love...

if a frog had wings
He wouldnt bump his ass when he hops. I just LOVE that saying..

how to make a snowman using borax detergent and tissue
You can do this?? cause in my washing machine it just makes a freakin mess.... Maybe I should google this too.... speaking of which, I forgot to buy more Borax... dang.. I need to update my grocery list again.

teething in 10 year olds
Give them some orajel and tell them to quit whining.

how to get a foot long bouncy ball
Seriously? do you KNOW how much damamge that would do? everything in the house would be knocked over... I hate inch round bouncy balls..

my momma used to say life is like a box
... of chocolates... Forrest Gump. Great quote. but you have to do the voice just right..


lally cally shoes for kids
RIP OFF.


the licks hurt
well it depends, what type of licks? in the south a spankin is a lick. so in that case, they are supposed to dummy.
if you mean a tounge lick... your doing it wrong..

soapapia cheesecake
Gee, thanks.. now I am craving a fried cheesecake...

gretchen wilson
The writer and singer of my THEME SONG!! Redneck Woman!! I LOVE this lady!
Great taste fellow googler :)

lally kally shoes
Doesnt matter how you spell it, its still a RIP OFF!!



okay, thats it. 26 people found me from search engines.. I would like to know how many of you stuck around and read every so often. unless your the Horn(e)y mother in law person.. in that case, please dont write...

OH.. and a reader suggested I twitter. At first I thought it was an insult. I dont twitter, I might flit around, I might jabber like a magpie, but I dont twitter,. Then I googled it. So I signed up.
I dont have cell phone service here at home, so I cant twitter from here. BUT the suggestion was more for days like the last two where I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off and stupid crap is happening to me, cause Murphy hates me.

I might go weeks with out twittering. But I will try to remember how to do it. :)

It took me all last night and all day today to just get the text sent in to get my cell phone signed up as a twitter-er-y device.

Now, I am on hour 3 of screaming and wallering. he is about to kill me. Its not really screaming, its more of a constant slightly loud whine.. just a 'uuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn' that is killing me.



Peachy.. My kid just called. please come and get them from my mothers. They are ready to come home..



Oh, this is good. Come to find out, they wanted to call me last night to come home and MOther wouldnt let them. I dont care why, if I am home, my kids are always allowed to call me. Now if I am in Vegas its a differnt story, I wont drop everything and go. But anytime they feel they want or need to come home for any reason, they are to get to call.

I knew it would happen. HEr and BRett fight and argue about everything. I have seen it. BRett and Matt can be having a kid conversation, talking about inane crap, and she will interject. Either to correct them (not always correctly) or to tell them they are being mean, or silly, or just plain childish. Well... Kids do that. They are all the time one upping each other, or discussing why dinosaurs died, or the intriciasies of a fighter jet and what keeps it afloat. Deal with it, stay out of it and let them play.

But it never matters, Brett is always wrong, and she is always right and honestly, I have seen other 8 year olds give up well before she will. She just gets louder and pulls the 'adult' card, and the "I know more because I lived it" card.

Anyway, my fun day is now not so fun. Brett wont stop appologizing, and telling me why he feels this way. (cause she dotes on Rayley the whole time and treats them like idiots. )

Granted Brett argues with her, and can be a smartass. But he is 10. If you have a 10 year old that doesnt occasional do or say something smartassed, Good for you. Your kidding yourself, but good for you. He does do it more with her, cause he knows it will get her goat.

Damn.. How did this turn into a whine.. There was supposed to be NO WHINING.

okay, So, now we know what brings me up. If any of y'all happen to google something and I come up, click on it.. just cause I am curious! :)

OH, and maybe one day I will answer some of the questions that I have been sent. Well except the one about if I want to sell one of the kids.. I have heard its illegal.





Happy Birthday to Kimmy!

Tis the season for giving?

So please give me a break! or at least dont give me a headache..

Okay, Not gona whine today. I swear. I am not. This is a full fledge rant.. Just kidding. But it was an interesting day.

I actually got a phone call from my grandfather that summed it up perfectly. I was trying to return some boots that I had gotten for Rayley.

and it was pretty late in my day.

But, I'll just let you judge for yourself.

"Hey Hunney"
"how'd you know it was me?"
"I am physic., or physicotic, or have caller ID, you take your pick"
(laughter from those around me at the counter)
"what are you doing?"
"I am returning a pair of boots, why, whats up?" (do you notice a pattern here??)
"oh"
"whats up? you need me to do something?"
"well, .... where are you?"
"Lufkin"
"oh, shoot, so am I"
"really? where :) "
"the eye doctor, where are your kids?"
"with me, why, whats up?"
"you poor thing.. all 4 of them, are you crazy, ALL FOUR?"
"yep. What 'cha need me to do?"
"what about your mom? Is she home? or do you know where she is?"
"yep, she is in my truck"
"OH... I am so sorry"
"Yeah, me too.. so, is everything okay?" (maybe a differnt tactic will work...)
"Seriously? you have ALL 4 kids AND your mom?"
"yep. So your news aint NOWHERE near as bad as this day has been"
"what deal did you make with the devil to be coerced into that trip?"
"I am earning my wings"
"yep"
"so, whats up?"
"well its still sleeting at home"
"yep.. Thats what BR said..."
"and never got above freezing"
"yep, thats what Aunt Etta called and told me earlier"
"and I needed to see if you would check on the water, but since you are an hour from home, same as me, dont worry about it"
"OH NO, I will be leaving Lufkin as soon as I leave here, I'll check it"
"NO, dont you worry about it, I'll take care of it when I get home"
"Hunney, I swear, I am going home as soon as I walk out of this store. I have been with mother and the kids since 8:30am."
(pure laughter from all the people at the counter)
"oh... yea, I reckon you are wanting to head home"
"yep., plus its MY horses, and I will check on the water"
"okay, do you knwo what to do?"
"if a pipe burst?, yes"
"what do you do?"
"turn off the water?"
"wow, I did teach you something"
"and then get some PVC and fix it. Not wait until I HAVE to have it later.. FIX IT NOW"
"awww dont worry, if its busted, I'll get to it next week"
"we'll see, I'm pretty board anyway..."
"well if you insist.. "
"I do...."
"alright, well if you are sure you are going home, and I am not disrupting your day"
"Nope, not in the least..."


SO, I am not going to go into lots of details, I am just going to give a timeline.. Cause mostly, I am in a happy place now, (and I am looking forward to Bartles and James visiting me once I know I wont have to drive again tonight) and dont need the stress..

6:03 My leg is cold, so I wake up, BR is not in bed, He had uncovered my leg when he got up. I guess the covers were too heavy to throw back on top of me.. I look at the clock, and the alarm goes off- I dont know if I have perfect timing, ESP, or the damn thing is mocking me. ..
6:10 I get the kids up. Rayley was on the couch and very whiny...
6:15 Both boys are dressed. I remind them to brush their teeth and eat some cereal I check the weather and let the dogs out. And try to be nice to Rayley
6:30 BR hasnt left, he was showering, so I finally get the bathroom to get ready. I am interupted 4 times
6:45 I tell the kids to brush their teeth and eat their cereal And try to be nice to Rayley.
7:00 I convince Rayley that her only option in living is to get off the couch, dry her eyes, and put on the clothes I picked out for her.
7:15 I remind the boys again to brush their teeth
7:30 BR leaves.
7:31 I let the boys wake up Bow, and go to put on the makeup I forgot to do when I was in there before. I also got distracted by a newstory on the bedroom TV
7:45 I walk out to retching and bickering.. So I get poop off Bow's legs, hands, rear, feet and the couch
7:46 I tell the kids to brush their teeth and Rayley to eat the cereal she just HAD to have at 7:32.
7:52 I tell Rayley that she cant wear her pink mud boots to town, and give her a choice. then tell her to put the ones she picked ON.
8:09 I am finishing Brushing Rayleys hair, and only have shoes left to put on Bow.
8:10 I tell Matt to go and start my truck.
8:11, Matt comes back in and says "Dad is starting it" OH HELL! what is he doing NOT at work??
8:12 Brett says "mom!! Dad is leaving in your truck!!" I fiqured his 18 wheeler wouldnt start, so he was takin my truck to jump it off. His aint big enough.
8:45 BR drives back up in my truck.
8:46 I put the kids in the truck.
8:50 I was at mothers to get her.
went to MIL's house, got my phone, then we had to head to the store, my mom needed ciggettes. So I went in, because she is famous for never going into a store if she can help it. and got them, and she had asked for a sprite. I know she prefers a fountain drink, so I went and ordered it at the cafe window. while I was waiting I spoke to some guys BR works with, Thanked the gas guy (he does the tanks and prices) for lowering the price on diesel, got me a cup of coffee and a Dr Pepper and stood in line behind a few very slow old people.
I was checking out and heard a horn honk. KID YOU NOT. a FREAKIN HORN. I just must have had a look of utter contempt on my face. The gas guy said "yep, it was yours"
Talk about PISSED.
I was LIVID.
when I nicely inquired as to if that was my horn upon getting back in my truck I was told YES, She was tired of waiting...

So by 9:15 we were back on the road. Headed to Lufkin.
I put on some Christmas Music and tried to get in the spirit. Brett was in the front, the youngest 3 in the back watching a movie and I was being told how to drive. Not something I enjoy.

First stop was academy, where we were buying the kids presents, with out them knowing, as they were pushing the buggies... They DIDNT have a pair of boots to fit Rayley. at all. and no mud boots for Bow... I did get the elder boys each a pair. And was able to get Bow's Carhartt jacket. All they had was a 4T, so I tried it on him, aside from the hood not fitting well, it did fit, just a little big, he will grow into it. I was disapointed about the boot thing on Rayley, I had a good offer on my Academy Credit card, and although I had no intentions of putting anything on credit this year, I also had no intentions of buying her a pair of boots...

Mother found something for the kids, and ended up asking me what size roller skates Rayley would wear. I told her that was not something she needed nor could she use them. we have dirt. and grass. and rocks. its hard enough to ride a bike on them.

"well she really wants a pair, and maybe her daddy can pour her a little patch of concrete"

I cant even afford to put dirt on my driveway, have any of y'all priced a yard of concrete lately? and a yard of concrete is NOT very big... so NO.

I did spend 14.00 on myself. I honestly cant remember the last time I bought jeans. seriously. Its been.... forever. I wear a pair now that were a little too big before I got Pregnant, Amanda had given them to me and I had just put them up for a future garage sale. Now, I am not being rude, or snooty, but I looked the best I ever have about a month before I got pregnant. I weighed about 123. Was curvey where I needed to be, flatish where I needed to be, and felt good. BR even told me this just tonight when I was showing him my new jeans.

Anyway, they had some on sale, I went and there was NO size 6's. I was hoping to start there and would move up as I needed to. I broke down and got the 4 longs. Just to tease myself I reckon. I went and tried them on. They fit like a glove. I kid you not. Now Brett was with me, he was waiting outside.

So I hear "mom, you okay in there?"
"not really, why?"
" I can hear you cussin, whats wrong?"
"these damn jeans fit me"
"thats good right?"
"NO!"
"uhhhh I am confused, why not?"
"cause they are a size 4"
"ohhh I have heard about this, ---- uhhhmmmm, it doesnt matter what size you are, we still love you and you DONT look fat"
"brett, I am fat. I know I am fat, and I DONT appriciate them making bigger jeans with a smaller size so I can get in them and supposedly feel good about myself when I damn well know I should NOT fit in them. I have at least 5 more pounds to go before I should fit in these. and I should NOT be able to button them with this gut"
"Crap.. your mad cause the smaller ones fit?"
"YES!, instead of me not being able to fit into the size bigger than what I was before I got pregnant and gained 50 pounds and only lost 43, I can fit them perfectly and I am NOT happy about it Esepcially when the ones I had on were size 5 and VERY tight."
"oh. wait right here"
"where are you going?"
"just stand there please"
So I do, and he comes back with a pair of pants.
"what is this?"
"Zero's, I bet you cant get them half way up your leg, it will make you feel better"
He is SOOO sweet.

But seriously, instead of me feeling bad about myself and doing what I need to do, and KNOW I need to do to get INTO a 4, I can just go and buy a 4 and appease myself and make me feel good? How does this help my self image?

I promise you, I can go and get ANY of the 20 pair of pants (okay, not quite that many, but there are at least 10) in my closet that are sized between a 3 and a 5 from no less than 3 years ago and I couldnt get one leg in them.

So we left that dept. with my new size 4 pants, (it was a good deal), and find Matt, Rayley, Mother and Bow.
"whats wrong with her?" Matt asks
"She tried on a pair of pants."
"so?"
"Her butts a 6 and the pants are a 4, and she thinks its a conspiracy"

DId I just call him sweet?....... Ungrateful, loudmouth little street urchin...

Now, there were about 8 people standing at various endcaps within hearing distance. Not a single one of them was able to stand upright.

I have got to quit letting these kids watch the news...

I went back and found the kids bow target, this is what I had told mother to get them. Of course she added more to it, getting Rayley a tent, sleeping bag, lunch kit, and some play tent thing for the boys. I had them hide the target at Customer Service. We finished shopping and I sent everyone out to the truck and paid. They were nice enough to find me a box to hide it in. Its not small. at all...

Then we went to a Western store near there. OH, did I mention there was construction EVERYWHERE? to the point of absolute craziness?
I went in, they had some ariat boots that she would love. 65.00 way out of my budget. good thing they were NOT in her size. and one or two pair of boots that she would like. Again, none in an 11.
I found a pair, they had a brown bottom, and the sides were a pale pistacio color. I wasnt happy with them, but they were good enough. 39.99. I reluctantly wrote the check.. GGGGGGGRRRRRRR I got back to the truck, got a dirty look, and a "what took so long"..
So, its food time, everyone was STARVING. She wanted me to go to the grocery store and they would eat while I shopped.
I decided walmart was best.
but I had to drive 8 miles out of my way to get BACK to walmart, it was beside Academy, in the middle of the construction. As I was driving in I saw Tractor Supply. OMG. They sell fat babies, maybe they sell the knock offs too. I go in, there are NO kids boots. I walked around a minute. and found some PINK and BROWN ariat FAT BABIES ON CLEARENCE!! 42.99 too good to be true.. surely THEY wouldnt have the elusive 11...
OMG THEY DO!!
I also found a picture frame that BR's grandmother will like, I think I will put the kids Christmas pic in it. Just print it out that morning after I take it, and promise a better one later :)

SO I write the check, feeling pretty good, and go back to the truck.
Have I mentioned how good my kids have been? Seriously? they were absolute ANGELS. They didnt whine about being hungry, thirsty, tired, wanting to leave, having to sit in the truck while I windowshopped. They were so polite all day, so good, and I am VERY proud of them.

Then its walmart. Mother takes the kids to McDonalds, and I go shopping. She wanted Dog FOod (a specific kind, no name, just a description, Old Roy and small chunks..) and some meds. I had a pretty good list, and had never gotten my coupons completly filed, so I did have to go through some of the stacks to find certain ones.

I got all the groceries, found the pie crusts after all, (that took an act of congress) and tried to find the Dog Food, not all walmarts are set up the same, I got there and there are signs that say "Due to issues with our distibutor we are having problems stocking some items this week, please see an associate to find a suitable food for your pet" Uhhhhh, A walmart employee?? Okay, there are a few things wrong with this. 1. have you EVER found one when you need them? with out waiting an hour? and 2. Are they seriously people out there who feel a walmart associate is more qualified to pick a food for their pet than they are?

So I called Mother, told her she needed to come and get her own dog food, the phone cut out.. well crap. one more thing I screwed up... found mine and went to
get cat food.

Then I hear my childrens voices. Seems they had gotten tired of waiting on me. I had serioulsy hurried as quickly as I could.

So she picked out her dog food, my kids drooled over fish and I was done. We went and waited for her to find the medicaine she wanted. She had a hard time and it took her almost 15 minutes. There was not a sign on the isle apparently.

SO we checked out. But while I was waiting BR called. I asked if there was anything else he wanted in town. No, except supper.
Oh
then he suggested a hamburger. I asked what kind. It didnt matter.
Jack in the box? well.. he was thinking more along the lines of Dairy Queen.. alright.
SO I took his order.
DId I mention how well my kids behaived? Even Bow, I NEVER heard a peep out of him all day. except to squeal or say "hey!" and want kisses. They were SOOOOO good.

I promise you, for the first time in my 10 years as a mother, I spent all day and didnt say "dont do that" to any of them!

By the time we got to the truck Mother was tired of shopping and wanted to get home as soon as possible.

We left there and I got back into the hell that some drunk monkey had invented just at Christmas time in the busiest part of town, and is sitting back and enjoying. Probebly looking through a glass ball at all the mayhem he caused.

I had to run back to The western store to return the boots.
"well how long will this take?"
"not a clue"
after about a 5 minute wait, someone came to help me. Since I had written a check and it was one of those electronic things they didnt know what to do. The manager said to try and void it.
They tried. It was a no go. They couldnt give me cash back, they couldnt do anything except exchange with out a reciept. I did look around. seriously I did. But I didnt need to spend that money. I had explained I didnt live there, never came there and it would cost me half of it to drive BACK to lufkin just to get my money back. But there was nothing they could do... ANd I refused to buy another size 4 jeans. REFUSED. I swear, my butt is MUCH bigger than that..
It was a 2 mile stretch of bumper to bumper traffic to get off 59 and onto the loop. An 18 wheeler let me in. And as I was sitting there I had two 18 wheelers coming up behind me that couldnt get in. I know they were not aware 4 miles earlier that they had to get over. These were OTR drivers. I let them in. Much to the dismay of some others. One particular one in my truck. We sat there for about 20 minutes. During this time I broached the subject of Christmas Day and her plans. Alot of times she goes to my great aunts house at some point.

I told her I had to go to Amanda's at noon Christmas day, And wanted to know what she was wanting to do.
"SO that is where you are spending Christmas?"
"yes, so how do you want to do it? I can cook chili on CHristmas Eve and you can come over then if thats what you want."
"well I guess I will go to Dads"
"oh, is that what you were going to do?"
"well I am not going to spend it alone"
"I didnt know he was doing Christmas dinner - We cant do their gifts on Christmas Eve, due to the nature of them, but, you can come over that morning and they can open them then and you can see them open yours" (My Mother in Law Martha always brings hers over here for the kids to open, even when we will be together later that evening as does the rest of that family, usually just mixing it in with Santa's gifts)
"no, I want them AT MY HOUSE, when they open MINE, You can tote them BACK to your house, instead of ME having to take them over there. Thats too much work"

"fine, but that means it has to be done AFTER they wake up at my house and play with their santa stuff, BUT well before noon, because I have to go to a few other places too and getting all 4 up and going will be hard enough that day."


At least I dont have to cook chili. That stupid Turkey and the pies and the cake and tater salad are more than enough for me. Plus, I dont know what BR plans to work those days.

"But we can still do dinner on Christmas Eve"

I have told BR that I have certain things I have to do on both days.
He plans on working both days. So, we have to plan around it.
1. CHristmas Eve:
* either together or by myself, the kids need to go to various aunts and uncles houses, for them to drop off gifts, and get a little something. Possibly even my grandfathers house.
* The kids open the gift from us. He has to be there for this, I am NOT doing Santa on Christmas eve this year. I hope to never do it again. I prefer he come on CHristmas morning. Its just pajama's but still, its my plans. Its Christmas, I have busted my ass, AND I am the mom..
* he cooks the apple pie that he had me get the ingrediants for. I refuse to
* He go to work at some point.

2. Christmas Day:
* He be there when they wake up, for the Santa gifts. He plays with them for a little while. I dont have the energy for that..
* He go with me to Amanda's at noon
* He go to work at some point.

actually, I didnt tell him he had to go to work. He is the one that insists, he gets a 175.00 bonus for showing up and working 8 hours. And each load he pulls adds to that. But I do agree with him, he would be an idiot not to go in.

OH back to today.....

Finally we got to our exit, and started home. Mother reminded me that she needed ciggerettes and I stopped at Jack in the box.

I had literly had NOTHIN to eat all day. Not even a bite. and it was 3. So, I was asked "I thought you were stopping at DQ?"
"I am, but I want curly fries."

Then I went to Tabacco Barn, and then to DQ. We finally made it home around 4:15. I was lucky enough to get behind a log truck and a double wide trailer all the way home. The Log truck never got a good place to pass and although we were both chomping at the bit, we never managed to go over 55.

Of course I was blessed with more driving advice.

I unloaded all of her stuff, she had to get on her breathing machine, and then went and checked on the water. The kids opted to stay at her house. Which I really wish they had stayed here. I would like to tell them each how proud I was of them.

Since I got home, I have played with Bow, he is just being SOOO loving, but honestly, the snotty kisses are starting to gross me out, and am now enjoying my Chocolate Overload, soon I will have me a wine cooler and enjoy a quiet evening with BR, who is working days again this week. Bow is asleep and its so nice and quiet.


Well, it was peaceful, till I showed BR the accessories I got for Rayley's bow, that it didnt come with, like a site and quiver.. he is now putting them on and getting agervated, then will throw the instructions at me to read and fiqure out why it wont work....

I should wrap some presents, None of them are. And the kids will be back here being mean, bouncing off the walls and generaly agervating me. Keeping me from wrapping anything, except them in duct tape.

OH CRAP! thats what I forgot... I am out of duct tape.. (not for the kids.. I need it to fix other things.. honest)