The Best Christmas Present...

a mother can have. Look at those faces...



Merry Christmas, everyone!

I found a great little shop!

An Etsy Shop, that is! Check it out!

Craft Tea Lady Creations

She's got some really cute hats! I might have to get one for each of my girls!

Ummm...

Well, I didn't realize it's almost been a month since my last blog post. It seems harder and harder to get online and update. Busy time at work, and of course the management finds it necessary to cut hours. At Christmas? The busiest time of year? Someone please explain that to me. I was alone today from 7:30 AM until 2 PM. I can handle it, but I shouldn't have to. And of course, it was the busiest Monday we've had yet. Nice.

Anyway, I'm home and I smell like coffee. Usually that's not a bad thing, but when you're around it all day, the smell can get to be a bit much.

Not sure what our Christmas dinner will be? I was thinking of going a bit to the wild side and having pizza and finger foods. We can just hang out and watch movies all day. It's been fun Christmas shopping for the girls this year. I found a really cool gift for Andrew yesterday, and it was half off~ I totally got it. Can't say what it is because he might read this! *Giggle*

Anyway, I'll end this with a photo of the girls Thanksgiving weekend in Fort Worth. They got to see Santa with their cousin Isabel. It was her first visit with the guy in red.

Countdown to Turkey Day~

Wow...I can't believe that Thanksgiving is a little over a week away. The girls have all of next week off of school, and I don't have to work until the evening during the week. I get out of work at 11 PM on Wednesday night, am off Thursday and then go to work at 5 AM on Black Friday. Should be a fun and busy day. No so much looking forward to the 4 AM wake up that day, but hey, I work at Starbucks! I'll be surrounded by LOTS of great coffee to keep me awake.

I just bought Andrew this for an early Christmas present:




Sigh. I may never get him off the computer ever now. I must admit, WOW is fun to play, but Andrew can spend HOURS on there. I'm surprised his leg muscles haven't atrophied. Nerd.

Anyhoo...

Last night I was invited to attend the grand opening of another site of Dickey's Barbecue Pit.

Really good food! They just opened a store right by Target, so the owner comes in and gets his coffee every morning. We got to go in last night and sample the food while the staff practiced running the register and getting the store ready. Thanks for inviting me, Greg!

Welp, I'm off to enjoy my evening.

Night!

Monday, Monday...

I got a last-minute day off today. Schedule changed at work slightly because one of the ladies quit in another department, and Starbucks has been helping ease the void a bit.

It's finally chilly in Texas. Ok...not crazy chilly, but in the 40s when we wake up and it gets to about 75 in the afternoon. Lovin' it.

Been scrappin' a bit this week. It's been so long since I've felt inspired, and it was great to get a couple pages done that I love.

This page uses elements from "Winter Wishes" by Nikki Beaudreau and Kitty Chen. Available at Oscraps and Shabby Pickle Designs.

This is with "Sweet Orchard", an SSD/Scrap Orchard Collab. Available at Sweet Shoppe Designs.

What's Up?

So, I'm a terrible blogger. We've been busy here with shooting and working. Both girls got their report cards on Halloween and did very well. Sarah got all A's and Cora got all A's except one B in math. She missed the A by two points. We're very proud of how they've adjusted to moving to a new state. Their treat was a trip to Pizza Hut.

As for me, I'm LOVING the fact that it's November and it's still in the 80's. I forgot how much I missed that about living in the South. I can't believe Thanksgiving will come and go without snow on the ground. Poor Andrew won't know what to do when he's in his shorts and sandals while eating Turkey.

Work is going good. I get almost 40 hours a week, so that helps a lot. I love working at Target/Starbucks! For the most part it's a great company to work for, apart from the usual drama that's bound to occur. It's about to get really busy when Christmas season begins.

Other than that, life is going really good. We've elected a new president. It was really exciting to watch our country elect someone who is young enough and inexperienced enough to actually do a good job. We'll see! I'll definitely be praying for President-Elect Obama, hoping he can turn our country around. I'm excited for our country!

Also, I want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to anyone who is currently serving or has previously served our country in our military. You ROCK for your dedication to this wonderful nation! THANKS!!!!!

Woah!

Have I really gone almost a month without posting? Dude. It's still nice and warm here in San Antonio. My poor Michigan family is trudging through highs in the 50s, while we're still swimming almost every night here. *Giggle*

The girls are doing wonderfully in school. Apparently Cora has been a tad boy-crazy and had to be separated from a certain group of them during class. Sigh. Luckily Sarah hasn't quite gotten to that stage yet, but I have a feeling it's coming.

Yesterday Cora and I went to a really cool park near our house that has wonderful nature trails and an awesome walking track. Cora freaked out when she saw this sign:

Poor little sheltered yankee!

It's Been Crazy

So, I got a job as soon as we got settled here in San Antonio. It's nothing major, but it will help with money. I'm working in Starbucks in Target. I'm an employee of Target, but work in the licensed store of Starbucks. I still get the training that Starbucks employees get. My Target store is a new store that isn't opened yet, so we've been training and also helping out in the store trying to get everything stocked and ready to go. I'm having a really good time learning everything. We've made lots of coffee, drank lots of coffee, and had fun getting to know my fellow workers. It feels good to make money.

It's still hot here. I'm lovin' it! Andrew is missing Fall, though. He keeps expecting to see the leaves change, but not happenin'.

The girls are adjusting well to SA. They love school and have made many friends. I knew it wouldn't take long for them to be ok with moving.

Page Turner Tuesday!

Ahhhh...

Finally got internet access set up at our new place yesterday. It's been an adventure, getting settled in. The girls started school on Monday. When I picked them up from school they couldn't stop jabbering about how much fun they had and how many friends they made. I was so relieved to hear them being happy about it. I figured it wouldn't take them long to adjust.

San Antonio is wonderful. I've only seen a small part of it so far, but I really love how I live close to everything. We were hoping to go exploring downtown this weekend, but Hurricane Ike might make that impossible. They're expecting San Antonio to get a lot of wind and rain so we might be stuck inside playing XBox. :)

I'm going job hunting today. I figure since the girls are in school, I can get a job to contribute a little to the family. I'm excited to find a part time job around here. There seems to be a lot to choose from.

We've already gotten our library cards and have been checking out the many branches of the San Antonio library.

Welp, I'd better get moving this morning.

Texas Is Hot

Yes. I'm sure that is huge news to everyone, but Texas is indeed warmer than Michigan. Go figure.

I'm really enjoying being here though. We're still staying at Andrew's brother's house. They've been really gracious with us and haven't changed the locks on us yet. We move into our apartment on the 5th, so we'll be out of their hair soon enough. Andrew has finished packing up the house and should be on the road later today. Please pray that his truck makes it with the trailer behind it! Our move to Texas is almost complete. It will be SO much nicer when our house in Michigan sells, as two house payments won't be easy. We'll survive though.

I bought the girls' school supplies the other day. I figured that once we get to San Antonio on Friday we'd be busy moving in, and I might not have time to get their supplies. It's always fun buying new stuff for school. Of course, the girls weren't as excited as I was.

I got my hair colored and cut Monday. I went red. Not as red as I wanted, but it's definitely red. The cut is so light. I had so much hair on my head, and needed it lighter for Texas. It was fun changing my look.

One of my close friend's daughters made the Jr. World Archery Team. She gets to travel to Antalya, Turkey in October to competel. Unfortunately, this trip is mostly 100% self-funded, so she'll have to shell out the money herself. Her sister is an alternate, so both girls could potentially be going. Here's an article done about them.

Jessica and Danielle Gibbs

We're all so proud of them. Cora and Sarah are going to have a lemonade stand set up this weekend to try to raise a little bit of money for them. They are wonderful girls and I really hope they're able to get there. They deserve it, since they work so hard. GO GIBBS GIRLS!!!!!

Yee Haw!

I'm a Texan. We crossed the state line around 5 PM Saturday afternoon. It was a LONG drive from Grand Blanc to Fort Worth, but we finally made it. The girls were pretty bored and bickered most of the way. I was really ready to leave them in Oklahoma.

We stayed Friday night in St. Louis at Andrew's Aunt and Uncle's. They took us to the City Museum. Ed had SO much fun showing the girls all the cool tunnels and caves. Mostly everything was designed from scraps from the city: old conveyer belts, pools, rivets, old printing presses...it was very cool. The girls just enjoyed crawling everywhere. We stayed past midnight, and of course, my girls were the only little kids left in the place that late. Figures.

Saturday morning we left for Fort Worth. We stopped a few times and rested, so it took about 12 hours. I was definitely glad to get here. I met my new niece, Isabel. She's such a sweet baby, and she loves Sarah. Giggles at her every time she sees her. Too cute. It was Tax Free Weekend here in Texas, so yesterday Deanna and I went and got a few things for the girls. Tax here is 8.25%.










Later.

It's Happening

Welp, we leave for Texas tomorrow. It's been a long and stressful week, which I will elaborate on when I actually get to Texas. Just wanted to let everyone know what's up, and that by Saturday night, I'll be a Texan! Yee Haw!!

Cora was on TV!

Ok, this was seriously cool. Jason Fielder, a sports reporter from CBS Channel 5 came to the bow club to learn how to shoot and challenge Cora. It was a hoot! You can see the video here:

Video

If that doesn't work, go to WNEM Sports
then click on "Fielder's Choice: Jason tries archery"

That's all the news I have this week. Here's Sarah lazin' around watching "Space Cow" (???)

I'm a Slacker

Yup, that's me. Been pretty busy around her the past couple weeks. The house is finally for sale. So now we do is wait for it to sell. My house has never been so clean for so long! Maybe I can pretend that my house is always for sale and keep it this clean all the time in Texas? HA!

Yesterday we spent the day in Farmington Hills with Andrew's brother. They were working on our truck to make sure it will be able to tow a trailer full of our crap to Texas. Looks like it will now. We think we're going to buy a 12 foot enclosed trailer and move to Texas that way instead of paying 1400 bucks to rent a UHaul. YES, it costs that much to move from Michigan to Texas. But if you look to move from Texas to Michigan, it's only 400 bucks. Nice, eh? EVERYONE is leaving Michigan, so UHaul loses their trucks on one-way moves. Guess they have to recover their money somehow. So we decided to buy a trailer and then sell it when we get to Texas. Take THAT, UHaul! *giggle*

Cora now has to wear glasses full time. Looks like she inherited her dad's eyesight. Which sucks, because Andrew's eyes are horrible. Maybe since we caught it early it will be better for her. They changed considerably since last year. Last year she was far-sighted and needed glasses only for reading. Now she's near-sighted and needs them all the time. Sigh.

Anyhoo...here she is:



I think she's gorgeous!

Check out this cool website. It's like Locks of Love, but you only need 8 inches instead of 10.

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

Dude, It's Hot

And I love it! I'm SO gettin' psyched for Texas.

Last weekend we traveled to Oklahoma City, OK for JOAD Nationals. Cora was certain she wanted to shoot. The only thing we didn't expect was her getting sick. She had been sick with a virus the week before, but was feeling better. We left on Wed., July 9. She started feeling bad on the way to St. Louis. We stopped there to visit Andrew's aunt and uncle. She woke up on Thursday feeling ok, but as we got close to OKC, she felt crappy again. We went to the archery field to get her checked in and have her take a few practice shots. We could definitely tell she wasn't feeling well, but she shot her practice shots. Then we go to the hotel, and she promptly hurls. Poor kid. No sleep Thursday night. She gets up Friday morning for the start of the tournament and finishes out Day 1. Friday night she gets no sleep again. She actually started crying about 15 minutes before the alarm was set to go off because she knew she needed to get up and shoot. She makes it through the tournament, and even manages to shoot a personal best despite being sick as a dog. We're SO proud of her. She was easily the smallest kid on the field.




The fact that it was in the 90s and HUMID as all get out didn't help. Poor kid. She was SUCH a tough kid. She came in 6th. Keep in mind that all her competitors were 11 and 12 years old. She's 8.

The Flint Bowmen Posse: Bad-asses, the lot of them.





This is Danielle (AKA: NUGGET)

Here's Cora on Sunday morning. She felt GREAT, and of course she didn't have to shoot.


Andrew helps the "Bowmen" tally up their scorecards.




We got home without sickness. Somehow I became hooked on the Twilight series. Excellent book. Not quite as good as Harry Potter, but definitely good enough.

We're winding down our time in Michigan. Within the next couple months, we'll be Texans. At the tournament, we met some of the people from our potential future JOAD club. VERY nice folks. Cora will be in good hands.

"I'm not from Texas, but I got here as fast as I could."

SSD's New Designer!

Go Libby! Libby made her digi designer debut tonight at Sweet Shoppe Designs! Check out her stuff; it rocks!

Congrats, girlie!!








Check out her store!

No Snappy Title Here...

Nothing earth-shattering happening around here. Buick Open just got done here in Grand Blanc. It's cool to have a major golf tournament happening a mile from the house. Unfortunately, Tiger isn't here this year since he's having surgery on his knee.

Anyhoo...last weekend we were in Hanover. Andrew was there on business, so the girls and I drove down there to stay with him for a few days. We got there Thursday (6/19). Friday we hung out at the mall for a while, then Andrew came to meet us at Remomo's
for lunch. Pretty good crab cakes.
Here's a photo of the girls saying good morning to Baltimore. (we saw Hairspray a couple days before)



Saturday we drove to DC. It took us a few minutes to figure out how to get to where we wanted to park, but it wasn't too bad. We decided to walk around instead of taking a tourbus. It was a LOT of walking, but we went slow, so it wasn't so bad. First thing we saw was the Roosevelt Memorial.


It was designed really beautifully. The "feel" of being in DC was really unique. Knowing that we're in a place of such historical significance was really cool.

Next was the WWII Memorial. This was really awesome.









After we got done at the WWII Memorial, we walked over to the Washington Monument. This is just spectacular. We could see it from must about anywhere around there. Very cool to see it up close.



Sarah takes a break in the shade of the Washington Monument.


We really had a blast wandering around the Natural Science Museum. Got to see the Hope Diamond, and it seemed like a really popular item, as it was very hard to get to the case to see it. The whole gem exhibit was really interesting. I used to work in a jewelry store, so seeing all these stones was so much fun for me. I love learning about them.

Here's Andrew in the Air and Space Museum next to something from one of the space projects. He helped design some of the programming on it and was pretty proud to see it on display.



Capital Building



I loved the architecture of most of the building around. Very old and just like they were a hundred years ago. Somehow, that makes me feel good. I love when things stay the same even when things around them change dramatically.

After the capital, we walked to George's House.



The White House, of course, was a very popular stop. They were apparently having some sort of party there this night, as there were people dressed up, and my absolute favorite thing was seeing snipers on the roof.

Check it...

This makes me giggle. Man, I love this photo. America rocks.

From the White House, we walked a LONG way to the Vietnam Memorial. I was blown away by this place. I'm not sure how to describe it. Very humbling to be here. To think of all the names on this wall. All these people gave their lives for their country. Wow.



There were many flags, letters, even a jacket that was left there on the wall. I was moved.

Lastly, we saw the Lincoln Memorial. I was blown away by the size of Lincoln's statue. Pictures I've seen didn't prepare me for how big he was. VERY cool.



Of course, we had to do the obligatory photos that everyone does when at the Lincoln Memorial. Sure, they're not original, but fun nonetheless.




We were SO pooped after this. We walked back to the car and drove back to the hotel. Sleep came pretty fast once we got there.

Sunday was reserved for Arlington National Cemetery. Again, we walked, but I truly think walking through this sacred place is the best way to experience it. What an experience for Andrew and me. The girls enjoyed it, but they didn't experience it the way Andrew and I did. Being former military, we were so proud to be here among soldiers and others who earned the right to be laid to rest in such a place.



Andrew and the girls walking up the amphitheater's steps



A Sentinel 'walking the mat'



The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier



The Changing Of The Guard ceremony was by far the highlight of the day. We saw two changings, and I SO could have stayed there all day. These guys were just so awesome. They are SO bad ass. I was really impressed with how precise they were. Everything was timed perfectly. Sweetness.

Thurgood Marshall's grave:



Audie Murphy, baby!



And of course, Andrew being a very naughty boy:





That's our big weekend in DC. I definitely recommend making a trip if you've never been. I loved every minute of being there. A lot of America's history, right there to see. Granted, some of our history isn't something to be proud of. But most civilizations have that to say about themselves. Our past makes us who we are. Hopefully we're able to learn from our mistakes and make the future better.

Monday we took a last-minute trip to Hershey Park. This was the girls' first trip to an amusement park. I had SO much fun watching them run around having the time of their lives. The 100 buck admission fee was totally worth it.

Good Morning, Baltimore!

Ok...the girls and I watched Hairspray Wednesday night. Great show.

We're in Hanover right now. The girls and I drove down yesterday. Andrew's here on business, so we thought we'd come for a visit. This weekend we're going to see D.C. I've always wanted to go, and once we're in San Antonio, I probably won't have a chance again. Plus, Andrew has a rental car and free hotel. Woot! Maryland is beautiful. People drive like maniacs though. I've also found that archers are the same everywhere: extremely nice, helpful, and fully willing to talk smack to a complete stranger when it comes to archery. LOVE it! We went to the range where Andrew's been shooting while he's here.

I figure today we'll hit the Arundel Hills mall while Andrew's at work. After the trip down, I'm not up to much driving.

Welp, I'm off to explore the mall. Later!

It's Tuesday!

And that means it's Page Turner Tuesday (PTT) at We Are Storytellers!
Go check it out!

School's Out!

The girls got out of school yesterday. I now have a second grader and a fourth grader. Wow. So hard to believe. They're growing too fast! Cora came home crying because she's going to miss her friends. Sarah came home and said "School's out! Yeah!"

Here's Cora receiving her certificate for getting all A/B's all year. I was pretty pleased. Sarah's teacher said she's very strong in math. My little scholars.



They are now running wild around the neighborhood enjoying their first day of freedom. I am fighting a headache. I slept funky on my neck, and now I hurt. And I get to shoot all day tomorrow. That will also hurt. Adversity is my middle name when it comes to this sport. Love...hate...love...hate...wonder which one it will be tomorrow at the tournament? I'll keep ya posted...

L O N G Day

Sarah's AYSO region began their end-of-season tournaments today. Unfortunately, it was pretty freakin' hot. These poor kids. It's been chilly for so long and they're used to playing when it's cold. They get out there today and have to play in 90 degree heat. It definitely showed. Plus, two players didn't show up for the games, so no one got to sit out like they usually do. They lost their first game, won their second, and lost the third. Their hearts just weren't in the third one. They're glad to be done though. Cora stayed at the bounce house all day having a blast.

I got my tan on today! I sat out there in my tank top and shorts and basked in the sun! I did get a little red on my neck and chest, but nothing too horrible. I was so loving the heat.

Here is Sarah, Jenna and Lizzy watching the game before theirs.





Here's Sarah (with her cool soccer ball tattoo) waiting for the second game to start.


Welp, I'm exhausted. I shall lay my butt on the couch and relax. Have a wonderful weekend!

White and Nerdy...

The Sweet Shoppe Blog challenged us to take the Nerd Quiz.




Umm...wow.