Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or are we just more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

I think we are just more aware of the danger. The attacks on 9-11 took years to plan. The danger loomed far before that heartbreaking day. I was a flight attendant when 9-11 occurred. It absolutely changed the way we did our job. Since that day we have been at war. Being a military spouse, the thought never leaves your mind. If our loved one isn't over there, our friend's loved one is, or friends of friends... Someone is in constant worry that their child/spouse/parent is in danger. Others are living a life because their loved one didn't make it home. Never leaves your mind....

2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?

Yes, I felt they were too strict AT THE TIME. I wanted to be able to do more things and have more freedoms. Looking back, they weren't so bad. I survived and didn't get into near as much trouble as I could have.

3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.

I find it creepy that Cavendar's Boot City doesn't have windows. I can't go in and shop at a place that doesn't have windows. Nevermind the fact that I don't wear western wear. I don't get it (unless it's at Market Hall in Dallas were everything is at buyers cost.... some things deserve exceptions!)

4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?

I would guess simple. I think I'm a simple kind of gal.... but then again I also think I'm easy breezy. On a scale of one to ten - one being a beach bum and 10 being militant uptight - I would rank myself as a 3. Family and friends disagree! Maybe I'm complicated and don't even realize it. Now I'm finding this question more and more complicated......

5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?

Cotton Candy. Hands down, cotton candy. We went to the circus recently and you would FLIP OUT over how expensive the cotton candy was... are you ready..... one bag was $12. I use to make the stuff when I worked at the candy store. I know how much a bag of sugar is - $12 is a flat out crime. I couldn't resist.

6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which do you think would be the scariest?

I have experienced tornados and an small earthquake. Neither caused much damage so I kind of have a false sense of security around their dangers. I haven't been through a hurricane, but I think you have so much warning to get out and protect yourself..... Hands down, I know how powerful of a force water can be, but unless you are stranded on an island I would say an earthquake would be the scariest.

7. Labor day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores. If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?

I had chores growing up. It was more along the lines of keeping our rooms clean, putting up laundry, and doing the dishes. We weren't given a constant allowance, but we were able to do "extra" chores for more money - like organizing the cabinets, or painting the house. I've started a chore chart for the boys. I need to get back on the bandwagon with that, my kids are spoiled rotten!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tomorrow is my would-have-been due date. Not sure how random that is because it's been all I can think about.

Cookie Monster

Brad is very creative. His brain is wired to think of things differently and I couldn't love him anymore if I tried. For instance, he peed in a dixie cup last weekend and walked around the house telling the girls it was snake venom. Seriously. I can't keep up with him.

Today he brought this worksheet home in his folder. They are working on colors and numbers. Obviously, today is the color blue.



Blue tracing, blue bird, blue fish. Excellent work Bradley. Let's flip the paper over and finish up the lesson on Blue.



Wait a sec, honey..... I really like the monsters, but what happened to blue. "Mom, they are the cookie monster!" Oh, they are nice, but how come they are green? Why didn't you trace the word blue? I think you were suppose to draw a picture of something blue. Brad replies "They are happy, look at their tails.....

What? Tails, I don't see any tails......

(flip the paper over and look again)



Perfectly aligned, those green blobs are the cookie monster's tails. Naturally.

School In Session

We officially have a second grader and kindergartner. Watch out Fowler Elementary! Cole is doing incredible in his class and his teacher thinks he is the sweetest boy ever. Brad is adapting very very well. His teacher is full of love for him and we are already working together to make this a great year. The first thing he asked me on the first day of school "how come they don't pray?" Bless his sweet heart.

We are trying to get into full swing with routines. Keith is coaching Cole's soccer team. He's playing up two years to U-10. I can hardly watch as the kids are so much .... older than he is! But he's doing great. He's also been able to practice with The Texans down in Dallas. He's been invited to guest play a few of their games and he will be on the rosters for tournaments. Between the two I'm hoping he's challenged and still having fun. I worry about burnout, but the kid eats and breathes soccer.

Brad had his first practice last night. He did the same thing as the last two seasons, but I'm positive he will be ready for Wednesday! Keith said he has the best touch on the team. I just wish he had the confidence he needs. It's odd to have one so doubtful and the other so.... boastful! Those are my boys! Side note: Yesterday he woke up and asked me "mom, can I be a circus guy AND a prairie dog keeper?" Absolutely! Brad keeps me constantly entertained with his creative comments and imagination. I can't wait till he can start writing so I can keep his journals!

Keith is busy working. We are still waiting to hear about the AF paperwork and a FedEx start date. I'm sure it will all work out, but it's just another thing dangling in the distance of unknown!

The move went well. It was WORK and I highly advise taking advantage of every Air Force paid move you can! There's a few things I need to do to make it "home", but it's coming together.

There is so much to do, but I'm off to take advantage of this hot weather, our pool, and a little me time. I miss my boys, but what good will come of it moping inside when it can be done outside on a pool float as well ;-)

That was fast

I started to sit down to write about the boys first day/week of school and then forgot I had a few things to do. Two hours later, I come back to the computer and here lies the open page. Never started.

What happen to all my free time???